Submitting a Claim

Before submitting a claim

Consider the following as it will affect the process

If you already have insurance (such as automobile, homeowner, tenant, property, or business), you should report the incident to your insurance company or broker as soon as possible. Your insurance policy may cover your loss or damage.

If you think the City is responsible for the loss or damage to your property, an injury, or another loss you have experienced, you may submit a claim to the City for review.

Please note: The City is not an insurance company. Submitting a claim does not mean the City will automatically accept responsibility or provide compensation for the alleged loss or damage.

Every claim is reviewed on its own merits. The City will investigate the incident and consider the facts, applicable laws, and other relevant information before making a decision of accepting or denying a claim.

How to Submit a Claim

Claims can be submitted by completing the online claims submission form. The form can also be downloaded and submitted through mail to City Hall:

City of St. Catharines

50 Church St.

PO Box 3012

St. Catharines, ON L2R 7C2

You must include the following information in order for the claim to be processed:

• Full contact information
  • Full name, address, telephone number and email address
• The date, time, and location of the incident
• A detailed description of the incident
• A description of any injuries, property damage, or losses sustained, as applicable
• Supporting documentation, which may include:
  • photographs, receipts, invoices, estimates, plumber’s reports, or other supporting documentation
• The names and contact information of all involved parties, which may include:
  • witnesses, contractors or involved City staff, as applicable.

In your claim submission, you must clearly explain why you think the City is responsible for your loss or damage. You must also provide documents that support your claim and prove your loss or damage.

Claims Process

What Happens Next?

Once your claim has been successfully submitted, the Claims department will acknowledge receipt of your submission. You will be provided with the contact information of the assigned City staff member that will be reviewing your claim. The City may also refer the claim to its insurer, adjusters, or legal representatives for review, where appropriate.

This review may include:

• Checking to see if all required information had been properly submitted
• Gathering information from relevant City departments
• Reviewing inspection and maintenance records
• Investigating the circumstances of the incident
• Determining whether the City may be legally liable

If the City determines it is not legally responsible, your claim will be denied, and a written explanation will be provided.

Questions

If you have questions about how to submit a claim to the City, please email:

·         Citizens First by email citizensfirst@stcatharines.ca or by phone at 905.688.5600

·         Claims department at claims@stcatharines.ca

If you have questions regarding an existing claim, please contact the assigned staff member or assigned adjuster listed in the City’s acknowledgment letter you received after submitting your claim.

Notice Requirements and Legal Time Limits

Some claims are subject to specific statutory notice and legal time limits.

For example, if you are claiming injury due to an alleged defect in a roadway or sidewalk, written notice to the City generally must be provided within ten (10) days of the incident.

Please note that submitting a claim to the City is not the same as starting a legal action. Filing a claim does not begin a lawsuit or extend any legal time limits. In most cases, a legal action against the City must be started within two (2) years of the date the incident or when you became aware or ought to have been aware of the loss or damage.

The City cannot provide legal advice. You may wish to seek independent legal advice if you have any questions about your legal rights, notice requirements, or legal time limits that may apply.