No. The City Attorney cannot provide legal advice to private citizens on personal legal matters.
File Notice of Claim
What is a Notice of Claim?
Article X, Section 10 of the City Charter provides “Before the city shall be liable for damages for personal injuries of
any kind, the person injured or someone in that person's behalf shall file with the city secretary in the manner
prescribed by ordinance notice in writing of such injury within 180 days after the same has been sustained, reasonably
describing the injury claimed and the time, manner and place of the injury. The failure to so notify the city within the
time and manner specified herein shall exonerate, excuse and exempt the city from any liability whatsoever.”
How can I file a Notice of Claim?
A notice of claim can be filed with the City of Corpus Christi for up to 180 days of the date of injury or property damage.
Please read the following instructions carefully before submitting your claim.
- You may use the Notice of Claim Form to file a claim or may choose to include all required information in a letter format. Your claim should be submitted to the City Secretary. The form is linked below these instructions.
- The receipt of a claim is not an admission by the City of liability for the alleged damage or injury, nor is it a promise to pay for the injury or property damage. Once the claim form is received, it will be forwarded to the City’s Legal Department/Risk Management Division where a Claims Adjuster will contact you at the address and /or phone listed on the Notice of Claim Form. It is our goal to resolve your claim as quickly possible.
- The receipt of proper documentation to substantiate your claim will allow the claims adjuster to quickly assess liability. The claims adjuster may ask you to provide:
- Medical reports/medical statements and itemization of charges;
- Fully itemized estimate of damages; and or repairs
- A complete description of damage property including
- Photographs (if available)
- Witness statements; and
- Police reports (if applicable).
- Photographs (if available)
- Medical reports/medical statements and itemization of charges;
- Your claim is not considered submitted, nor proper notice received, unless the attached Notice of Claim Form is completed and signed, or unless the same information is submitted in a letter format.
Please submit your claim within 180 days of the injury and/or property damage.
Notice of Claim FAQs
Does the City Attorney provide legal advice to private citizens on legal matters?
Once a claim has been filed, what happens next?
After receipt of your claim you will be contacted within 2 business days. It is our practice, when possible, to complete our investigation within 15 business days of receiving your claim. Some claims may take longer depending on the complexity. After the investigation is complete, you will be contacted regarding the disposition of your claim.
The claim adjuster assigned to the case will investigate to determine the City’s liability and the amount of damages owed, if any.
State law provides immunities to cities regards to liability for various types of activities. If it is determined the city may be liable, the claims adjuster will work with you to achieve an equitable remedy or settlement. If the results of our investigation into the facts and applicable laws results in no liability for the City, you will receive a letter stating that your claim has been denied.
What types of damage is the City of Corpus Christi typically not liable under the law?
- Damage to your vehicle due to a pothole.
- Damage to your property due to a water break.
- Plumbing bills due to a clogged line.
- Waste Water back-ups.
- Glass/ Property damage due to road hazards.
- Weather related damage.
- Damages as a result of Police/Fire due to protection and control of operations.
About Us
The City Secretary is the local official who maintains the integrity of the election process, ensures transparency and access to city records, facilitates the legislative process, and is the recorder of local history. The City Secretary acts as the compliance officer for federal, state, and local statutes, including the Open Meetings Act and the Public Information Act, and serves as the filing authority for campaign finance reports and financial disclosure statements.
Contact Information
Address: 1201 Leopard Street,
Corpus Christi, TX 78401
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 9277,
Corpus Christi, TX 78469
Email: citysecretary@cctexas.com
Phone: (361) 826-3105
Fax: (361) 826-3113