How to File a Claim with the City of Long Beach

Pursuant to the California Government Claims Act (Government Code sections 810-996.6), 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 its employees unless a written claim has been properly filed with the City.

The City of Long Beach has a standard filing process for claims. You may complete and submit your Claims form online for your convenience. Alternatively, you may download and print a Claim form. We ask that the claim form be completed thoroughly. Incomplete claims forms may result in delays in completing the investigation. 

You may submit your completed Claims Form and attached documents by either mail or delivering directly to:

City Clerk
411 West Ocean Blvd
Long Beach, CA 90802

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 Section 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 Section 911.2(a)). 

WARNING: You should consult with an attorney to determine the time period for filing either a claim or a lawsuit.

Please print out the Claim Form complete and sign it, and either deliver it directly to the City Clerk’s office or return it by mail to the City Clerk’s office at the address set forth above.