How Do I Make a Claim With the City of Los Angeles?
When you’re injured by another party’s negligence, you have legal rights—but exercising those rights can be a challenge. This is especially true when the at-fault party is a government entity. The government doesn’t exactly make it easy for constituents to hold them accountable, which is why it’s helpful to work with the Law Offices of Dale K. Galipo.
The municipal liability attorneys in Los Angeles at the Law Offices of Dale K. Galipo know the hurdles you face as the victim of the government’s negligence or carelessness. Our team works tirelessly to protect clients’ rights and best interests. Call us at 818-347-3333 to find out how we can help you.
How Government Claims Are Different From Claims Against Private Parties
Personal injury claims allow victims to seek compensation when another person’s negligence leaves the victim with injuries and financial losses. However, personal injury laws refer to claims between two private parties. When the at-fault party is a governmental entity, the entire process is different.
Those who have claims against the government must meet strict procedural requirements, submit their claim within tight deadlines, and ensure that they follow the complicated legal framework for a government claim. Furthermore, state laws also often limit how much a victim can recover from a government entity—which can be frustrating when the government’s negligence causes you significant financial losses.
The Timeline for a Claim Against the City of Los Angeles
The California Government Code outlines the requirements for a claim against the government. Prior to filing a lawsuit, you must submit a written claim for an injury to yourself or to your personal property within six months of the date of injury. If you have suffered damage to real property as the result of government negligence, you have one year to submit your claim. If you’re uncertain whether or not you have the right to file a claim, you can work with a municipal liability lawyer to explore your options.
The Claim Filing Process
The process begins by filling out the Claim for Damages Form. You’ll need to fill out a section on Claimant Information, including your name, date of birth, email address, and address. If you are working with a municipal liability law firm, you will also fill out a section providing their information so the city can discuss your claim with them.
The next section focuses on the factual allegations of your claim. You must explain how the injury occurred, when and where it occurred, and why you believe the City of Los Angeles is responsible.
The next two sections provide more detailed information. The form requires you to list witnesses and involved parties, their contact information, and anybody to whom you reported the act that caused you injury. Provide information on your damages, being as specific as possible. You must list the total amount of your claim and itemize your damages.
If you had insurance at the time of the incident, you provide that information to the city. If you were involved in a car accident and you hold the city liable for it, you can fill out the accident diagram.
When the form is complete, you can mail it or drop it off with the Los Angeles City Clerk Claims Department. You may also fill out the form online. You’ll receive a claim number and the claim will be assigned to the City Attorney’s Office.
Important Supporting Information
In addition to the claim form, you can provide supporting information that boosts your claim’s credibility. Information you may want to provide includes:
- Proof of ownership of any damaged property
- Relevant police reports
- Repair estimates
- Photos of damage
- Medical records
- Bills
- Proof of payment
If you do not provide supporting documentation, the city may still reach out to request it from you. Working with a municipal liability attorney can help you provide all necessary documentation from the beginning.
What to Expect Next
A city representative may touch base with you to ask for further documentation or request clarification on information you have provided. Should they deny your claim, they will notify you in writing. At that point, you can proceed with court action. You have six months to do so. If your claim is successful, the city will require you to sign a release agreement before sending a settlement check. At any point in this process, you can reach out to a municipality liability lawyer for help.
Contact Our Municipality Liability Law Firm Today
If you have a claim against the government, don’t wait to start the paperwork—you have a very limited timeframe, and waiting too long could mean forfeiting your right to seek compensation. Call the Law Offices of Dale K. Galipo at 818-347-3333 or contact us online now at www.galipolaw.com.
