If you wish to file a claim against the City of Columbus , Please consider the following information.

            Ohio Revised Code (Chapter 2744) defines the method of handling claims against political subdivisions. Under Ohio Law, political subdivisions are not liable in many cases. However, the City can be liable for claims involving motor vehicle accidents (except for emergency runs) problems with streets, public buildings and grounds, and some propriety functions. The law of sovereign immunity is complicated. If you are not sure whether the City is liable for your injury or damage, please submit your information to the City Attorney’s Office or the Department in question.

            Even if the City of Columbus is liable for your injury or damage, Ohio Revised Code Section 2744.05 defines limitations on damages awarded. If a claimant receives or is entitled to receive benefits (for injuries or loss allegedly incurred) from a policy or policies of insurance, that amount will be deducted from any award the political subdivision may consider paying. This means that even if the City is at fault, you must file a claim with your own insurance company first for property damage or medical injury before you file with the City. The City would then be responsible for such items as your deductible.

            Ohio Revised Code, 2744.05, states that no insurer or other person is entitled to bring an action under a subrogation provision of insurance or other contract against a political subdivision with respect to those benefits.

            If you wish to file a claim against the City of Columbus for property damage or personal injury, please follow this procedure:

1)                  Submit a claim to your own insurance company. This is necessary under Ohio Law. (If damage is less than deductible, there is no need to submit to insurance). Deductible page is still required when filing the claim.

2)                  You should submit your claim directly to the City Division / Department involved. See  Department / Division claims office phone list and E-mail addresses below.

            The Division/Department involved will do a preliminary investigation. If the Division/ Department feel your claim has some merit, they will either process your payment or, it will be referred to the City Attorney’s office for further investigation. If the Division/Department involved and the City Attorney’s office agree that the City will accept liability, the City Attorney’s office will contact you; acknowledge the claim, and make settlement arrangements. If your claim is denied, the Division/Department will contact you with a denial to your claim. If you are not satisfied with the denial, your recourse is to file a lawsuit against the City. There is no established appeal process for the denial of claims.

3)                  Your claim should include:

A)    Information indicating the filing of a claim with your insurance company including the amount of the claim, name of the insurance company, and adjuster, and the amount paid by the insurance company. Also, provide evidence as to the amount of your deductible by sending a copy of the declarations page of your policy.

B)     A written, notarized statement supporting the claim for which you are seeking recovery, including date, location, persons and property involved.

C)    Documentation of your claim:

a)      Certificate of Title showing ownership of the vehicle.

b)      If medical expenses are being claimed you will need to send copies of the bills to us after they have been submitted to your health insurance company or your automobile insurance company (under the medical portion of your policy) detailing what was covered by your insurance and how much the outstanding balance is.

c)      If property damage is a vehicle, send a copy of the declaration page (showing the deductible amount and your total coverage) from your insurance company. If you only have liability insurance coverage you will need to submit (2) repair estimates with your claim.

d)      Evidence of any other amounts you are claiming. (Include all receipts).

e)      Names of persons you have communicated with regarding this claim.

D)    If you do not have medical, vehicle, or property damage insurance, you must fill out, and have notarized, an affidavit form stating that you do not have coverage.

            Once complete information on a claim is received, an investigation will begin to determine if the City is liable. All of the above information is necessary to start the investigation.

            Please submit insurance information and your statement of the claim immediately. A written statement for the total amount of the claim must be provided.

            If the City is liable, the City will write you a check, not an insurance company. That process may take 4 to 6 weeks. You will be asked to sign a Release and Agreement and a W-9 form, and return them to the City Attorney’s Office, Claims Division.

            Hopefully, this has answered all of your questions; however, if you still need assistance, you can call the City Attorney’s office and speak to one of the legal investigators listed below.

Leslie Chappelear         Legal Investigator                     (614) 645-7984       E-mail: lchappelear@columbus.gov

Ashiko Hudson             Legal Investigator                     (614) 645-8603       E-mail: aahudson@columbus.gov

To Download a copy of the various claims forms, or fill out an electronic copy, please see the links below