Civil Claims Information
Any claims for damages should be made through the Lakewood Law Department. The Law Department investigates and processes all claims made against the City of Lakewood. If the claim is for $500.00 or less, the Sundry Claims Commission will make a determination of whether or not the claim should be paid. If the claim is more than $500.00, the claim will likely be forwarded to the City's insurance carrier for consideration. Please note that the City of Lakewood and its insurance carrier only pays claims for which it is legally liable.

If you wish to submit a claim, click and print the accompanying Claim Form below. Fill out the information completely, then fax the form to the Lakewood Law Department at 216-228-2514.

CIVIL CLAIM FORM (PDF)

Or mail your completed form to:

City of Lakewood Law Department
Civil Claims
Lakewood City Hall
12650 Detroit Ave.
Lakewood, OH 44107
(216) 529-6030
Fax (216) 228-2514
Email Law Department

Your claim will be acknowledged by an investigator, who will advise you if any additional information is needed.

Please note that from the time your claim is received in this department, it may take up to twelve weeks for processing, depending on the nature of the claim. Your cooperation in supplying the required documentation in support of your claim will allow us to handle it in the most efficient manner.

Contact the Law Department to receive a hardcopy form or write to the Law Department requesting reimbursement for your damages detailing how the damage occurred, what property was damaged, the amount of claimed damage, why you feel that the City of Lakewood is legally responsible for this damage. Please attach any documentation that you have in support of your claim, i.e. receipts, bills, etc. Be sure to include both daytime and evening phone numbers where a member of the Law Department Staff can reach you, as well as your address and the date of the incident that gave rise to the damage. Send your claim letter and any supporting documentation to:

City of Lakewood Law Department
Civil Claims
Lakewood City Hall
12650 Detroit Ave.
Lakewood, OH 44107