Claims

For a comprehensive review of your claim, the following documentation is required: the exact location where the incident occurred; proof of ownership; photographs illustrating the damage claimed; two repair estimates from your chosen vendor; and substantiating evidence of the alleged negligence on the part of the City. Such evidence may include photographs, videos, written statements, and/or statements from impartial third-party witnesses. Please note that the reviewing analyst may request additional documents as needed.

In Tennessee, the statute of limitations for claims made under the Governmental Tort Liability Act is 12 months from the date the cause of action arises. Please ensure that your claim, along with all required documentation, is submitted within this one-year timeframe, as failure to do so may result in the denial of your claim.

Actions under the Governmental Tort Liability Act must be commenced within 12 months after the cause of action arises (T.C.A. 29-20-305), like other tort claims. This one-year statue of limitations can be extended when claims involve persons under legal disabilities (incompetents, minors, etc.) or when the injured party has reasonably failed to discover the existence of his or her cause of action against the City, City officials or employees. 

Immunity from any claim of a governmental entity is removed for any personal injury or property damage claim caused by a defect, unsafe, or dangerous condition of any street, alley, sidewalk or highway, owned and controlled by the City wherein the City had no knowledge of the defect, unsafe, or dangerous condition prior to your incident occurring. What does this mean? This means that if the City was unaware of the defect, unsafe, or dangerous condition, the City is not liable for any resulting damages under Tennessee Code Annotated 29-20-203.

Yes, one can do so by contacting claims at (423) 643-8250 or via email (claims@chattanooga.gov).