FILING A CLAIM

WHEN SHOULD I FILE A CLAIM?

If you feel  the City, or a City employee acting within the course and scope of his or her employment, has damaged your property or injured you, we encourage you to file a claim.

HOW DO I OBTAIN A CLAIM FORM?

Claim forms may be obtained online for Automobile Claims, Sewer Claims and
General Damage Claims.  You can also get a claim form by calling the City Legal Department - Litigation Division - (515) 283-4564. You may also call the City's Claims Adjuster - (515) 283-4565.

WHAT SHOULD I ATTACH TO THE CLAIM FORM?

Attach all relevant documents you have, such as bids, receipts, invoices, pictures and other supporting documents for your claim.

HOW MANY REPAIR ESTIMATES DO I SUBMIT?

For property damage claims relating to automobiles, please attach two separate estimates for the damages being claimed. For other property damage, please submit one estimate.  At times  we may require an appraisal or other type of inspection of the property.

CAN I HAVE THE REPAIRS DONE OR DO I HAVE TO WAIT FOR THE CLAIMS PROCESS TO BE CONCLUDED?

We prefer the City Adjuster inspect your damage first, but in cases of emergency, you can go ahead and have the repairs completed. However, you should take photographs of the damage before repairs are made in order to substantiate your claim. It is always easier for our Claims Adjuster to analyze the damage if he can see the damage before it is repaired. Please  remember that we will consider pre-loss condition in evaluating damage.

ONCE I FILE A CLAIM, WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

The City's Claims Adjuster will be in touch with you within a short time after your claim is received. It may take four to six weeks for your claim to be fully resolved. This time allows us to do a full investigation and talk with all of the City departments and employees who may have knowledge or information concerning your claim. During the course of our investigation, the Claims Adjuster may visit you personally or call you for further questions.  Once the claims investigation has been completed, we will contact you regarding the outcome of our investigation.

HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO FILE A CLAIM?

You can file a claim whenever you want, but you should be aware that if your claim is denied and you wish to file a lawsuit (see below) that a statute of limitations will come into play.  You should consult an attorney as to the statute of limitations which might be applicable to your cause of action.  We can't give you that kind of legal advice.  The sooner you file a claim the more likely it is that all of the evidence will be easily gathered.  

WHAT DO I DO IF MY CLAIM IS DENIED?

If you do not agree with the City's resolution of your claim, you may file a lawsuit in a court of appropriate jurisdiction.

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