Find out about the City’s claim process, download forms and review frequently asked questions.
All claims for Damages may be submitted using this online form for the City of Lynwood, through the Lynwood Online Portal. Claims are processed by the Human Resources Department. If you experience difficulties completing the online form or have any questions regarding how to file your claim for damages, please review the claims webpage for important information on the claims process.
Pursuant to the California Government Tort Claims Act (Government Code sections 810-996.6), a claim must be filed if you are seeking money or damages from the City or one of its employees. With very limited exceptions, no lawsuit for money damages may be brought against the City or its employees unless a written claim has been properly filed with the City. Claims for death, injury to person or to personal property must be presented to the City within (6) months from the date of loss (Government Code Section 911.2). Claims related to any other loss must be presented to the City no later than one (1) year from the date of loss (Government Code Section 911.2(a)).
WARNING: This is not intended as legal advice. You should consult with an attorney to determine the time period for filing either a claim or a lawsuit.
HOW TO FILE A CLAIM
Claims can be filed online via the City of Lynwood Online Portal.
You cannot file a claim over the phone.
Please make sure to complete all the entries on the claim form as specifically as possible, including:
- Your full name
- A current phone number, email and mailing address where correspondence will be sent
- The specific street address where the injury or damage occurred
- The date and time of loss
- The full name of the involved City employee
- The department the involved City employee works for
Please disclose whether this loss has been claimed with another entity such as an insurance carrier. If so, please include the name of the company, handling claims representative and claim number on your claims form.
WHERE TO FILE A CLAIM
Claims can be filed online via the City of Lynwood Online Portal. Upon successful online submission of your claim, you will receive a confirmation email. If you have trouble filing a claim online, you can file a claim via email at hr@lynwood.ca.us.
All claims seeking money damages from the City must be filed with:
City of Lynwood- HR/Risk Department via email to hr@lynwood.ca.us or the City’s online portal HERE
Printable claim forms are available online on the City Website under the Human Resources Department.
WARNING: No other city, county or federal entity or office can receive a claim seeking damages from the City of Lynwood.
THE CLAIM PROCESS
Once your claim is filed with the City of Lynwood, the claim will then be transferred to the City Third Party Administrator (Adminsure) Office for handling and you will be issued a claim number. A claims adjuster will be assigned to investigate your claim. If you have successfully obtained a claim number, it is unnecessary to submit a duplicate claim for the same incident.
A City representative may contact you during the claims process to obtain additional information to ensure a thorough claims investigation.
After the investigation, a decision will be made regarding your claim. You will be notified if your claim is denied, or the City is liable.
Claims accepted for damages to a vehicle will be settled with the legal owner, representing attorney or insurance carrier (provided proof of right to recovery).
DOCUMENTS TO PROCESS A CLAIM
In order to process your claim, the City will need documents supporting your claimed damages, which typically includes:
PROPERTY DAMAGE:
- Proof of ownership
- Police reports (e.g. auto accidents)
- Repair estimates
- Proof of paid invoices or cancelled checks
- Photos of damage(s)
PROOF of AUTO INSURANCE:
If you were a driver involved in an auto accident, you must provide proof of insurance at the time of the accident. If a driver did not have insurance at the time of the accident, Proposition 213 precludes the recovery of non-economic damages (e.g. pain and suffering, emotional distress).
PERSONAL INJURY:
- Medical records
- Itemized billing
- Proof of payment (e.g. cancelled checks)
A City representative may request additional documents, or seek clarification from you regarding the facts of your claim.
CLAIM STATUS
You will be contacted once your filed claim is assigned to the adjuster. Please ensure that your phone number and email are current and can receive messages. Your claim’s adjuster will not be able to provide you with a determination until you submit supporting documentation.
DENIED CLAIMS
If your claim is denied, the City will notify you in writing in conformity with State law. Should you disagree with the denial of a claim, you have the right to file a court action. Subject to certain exceptions, you have six (6) months from the notice of denial’s service date to file a court action on your claim (See Government Code § 945.6).
WARNING: Subject to certain exceptions, you have only six (6) months from the date the notice of denial was personally delivered or deposited in the mail to file a court action alleging state causes of action. The time within which to file federal causes of action is governed by federal statutes.
You may seek the advice of an attorney of your choice in connection with this matter. If you choose to do so, you should do so immediately. The City will not provide an attorney for you.
CONTACT US
If you have further questions that are not addressed above, or you are concerned about the status of your claim, contact the Human Resources Department via email at hr@lynwood.ca.us, or by phone (310) 603-0220 Ext 221.
WARNING: The City cannot provide you with legal advice, or advise you on how to complete a claim form. If you have any questions about how or when to file a claim and/or lawsuit, please consult with an attorney.
WHAT IS A CLAIM?
Pursuant to the California Government Code, in most cases a claim must be filed if you are seeking money damages from the City and/or one of its employees. With very limited exceptions, no lawsuit for money damages may be brought against the City or any of its employees unless a written claim has been properly filed with the City.
WARNING: The submission of a false claim is a crime (Penal Code § 72). The City of Lynwood may seek to recover all costs of defense, including attorney’s fees and City resources used in defending the case, in the event a lawsuit is filed against the City which is determined not to be brought in good faith and based upon reasonable cause.
CLAIM FILING TIME-FRAMES
Claims for death, injury to person or to personal property must be filed no longer than six (6) months after the date of occurrence (Government Code § 911.2).
Any other claim, including, but not limited to, claims for damages to real property, must be filed no later than one (1) year after the occurrence (Government Code § 911.2(a)).
WHO IS THE CITY’S INSURANCE COMPANY?
With some exceptions, the City is self-insured.
DO I NEED AN ATTORNEY TO FILE A CLAIM?
No. Any member of the public can file a claim on their own behalf. You can also consult with an attorney, or have an attorney file a claim on your behalf. If you have any questions about how or when to file a claim and/or lawsuit, you should consult with an attorney. The City will not provide you with an attorney.
CAN CITY PERSONNEL FILL OUT THE FORM FOR ME?
No. City personnel cannot provide legal advice or assist you in filling out a claim. Only the claimant or his or her representative or attorney can fill out and file a claim.
THE FORM DOES NOT HAVE ENOUGH ROOM FOR ALL MY INFORMATION
If you need additional room, fill out and attach a piece of paper to the Claim Form.
DO I NEED TO SUBMIT DOCUMENTS? PICTURES? REPORTS? DIAGRAMS?
Please include all information which describes and supports your claims. This may include pictures, diagrams, medical records, invoices and police reports. These documents do not have to be submitted when you file your claim. You can submit supporting documents through the online portal or via email to: hr@lynwood.ca.us
Please reference the claim number on the email subject line.
WILL I BE NOTIFIED IF INFORMATION IS MISSING FROM THE FORM?
You will be advised if your claim has insufficient information. The investigator/ adjuster assigned to your claim will contact you to request any additional information.
DOES EVERY PAGE ON THE FORM NEED TO BE SIGNED?
No. The Claim Form only needs to be signed once.
WHAT IF I RECEIVED AN ERROR MESSAGE SUBMITTING MY CLAIM ONLINE?
If you have problems submitting a claim online, detach any documents and attempt to resubmit only the claim form. The documents can be submitted through the claims portal, via email or mail.
If you continue to have problems submitting a claim online, submit a claim in writing by mail or in person to the Office of Human Resources.
I AM ABLE TO SUBMIT MY CLAIM, BUT UNABLE TO ATTACH IMAGES, PICTURES, DOCTORS NOTES, ETC. WHAT SHOULD I DO?
Documents can be submitted through the claims portal or via email. You can also submit documents to your investigator/adjuster via mail or email when they contact you.
SHOULD I RECEIVE A CLAIM NUMBER AFTER A CLAIM HAS BEEN SUBMITTED?
After your claim is submitted, you will receive a claim number. Please use that number to reference your claim in all communications with your assigned adjuster/investigator.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER MY CLAIM IS FILED?
After a claim is filed, it will be:
- Transferred to the Office for handling
- A claims investigator/ adjuster will investigate your claim
- Your claim will be denied or the City will accept liability
- If the City accepts liability, the assigned adjuster/investigator will offer compensation to settle the claim
- To settle the claim, the claimant must execute a Release Agreement
- The City issues settlement checks after receipt of the Release Agreement
HOW CAN I CHECK THE STATUS OF MY CLAIM?
To check the status of your claim, contact your assigned adjuster/investigator. You can also contact the Human Resources Department via email at hr@lynwood.ca.us, or by phone at (310) 603-0220 ext 221.
WHEN ARE CLAIMS PAID?
Claims are paid after the City confirms liability, the parties agree to a settlement amount, a release is executed, and a check is issued by the City Third Party Administrator (TPA).
WHY WAS MY CLAIM DENIED?
If your claim has been denied, you will be informed in writing why your claim was denied. If you have additional questions, you can contact your assigned adjuster/investigator, or you can contact the Human Resources Deprtament via email at hr@lynwood.ca.us, or by phone at (310) 603-0220 ext 221.
CONTACT US
If you have further questions that were not addressed above, or you are concerned about the status of your claim, contact the Human Resources Department via email at hr@lynwood.ca.us, or by phone at (310) 603-0220 ext 221.
WARNING: The Human Resources Office cannot provide you with legal advice, or advise you on how to complete a claim form. If you have any questions about how or when to file a claim and/or lawsuit, please consult with an attorney.