FILING A CLAIM    

To file a claim against the City of Lancaster you must complete a Claim Form. Claims must be made in writing and be completed in accordance with California Government Code sections 900-915.4. Most claims must be presented to the city no later than six months after the date of the incident or event.

A claim form can be downloaded here. The claim form can also be mailed or emailed to you, and forms are available on a walk-in basis. Completed claim forms and documentation must be delivered in person or by mail to the following address:

Faxed or emailed claims are not accepted. Claims must have the original signature of the claimant or their designated representative, copies are not accepted. Electronic signatures are not accepted.

Proof of damage is required to be submitted with the completed claim form (receipts, estimates, doctors’ bills, photos, etc.). Any claim presented without documentation will be returned as insufficient with no action taken by the City (Cal Gov §910, 910.2, 910.4, 910.8).

It is your responsibility to make sure you are filing your claim with the correct public entity. The City of Lancaster has no jurisdiction or control over the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Lancaster School District, Antelope Valley Union High School District, Antelope Valley Medical Center, AVTA, Caltrans, etc.

    AFTER YOUR CLAIM IS FILED    

The City has a process for handling claims in accordance with the California Government Code. Once your claim is received and deemed complete, an investigation will be done.

If any additional information is needed you will be contacted by Risk Management. Providing Information requested by Risk Management does not guarantee that your claim has been accepted for payment nor does it mean that the City accepts liability. Any information provided will be evaluated as part of the investigative process. All documents submitted to the City with or in support of your claim are public records subject to the California Public Records Act.

A written response to your claim will be provided within forty-five (45) days of its submission or amendment. If the City does not respond within that time frame, the claim is rejected by operation of law on the forty-fifth (45th) day.

WARNING - This is not intended as legal advice. Filing a false claim is a felony under California Penal Code Section 72. The City may seek to recover all costs of defense in the event an action is filed which is determined to have not been brought in good faith and with reasonable cause pursuant to: California Code of Civil Procedure §§128.5 and 1038, the California False Claims Act California Government Code §12650, and any other remedies available.