The city's Risk Management Division seeks to establish and maintain internal fiscal and policy controls to avert risk to the organization and employees, including ensuring city assets are protected from loss, theft, and misuse and protecting employees from mistreatment.  The mission includes the desire to reduce city losses from liability claims, lawsuits, and property damage. The Risk Management Division has responsibility for reviewing and determining the appropriate city action for any claims submitted against the city.

Through development and implementation of sound risk management programs, the Risk Management Division seeks to foster a safe and ergonomically sound workplace environment and minimize injuries to employees resulting in workers' compensation costs and lost time.  Staff works closely with employees that are injured on-the-job and off-the-job to protect them from further injury and to return them to full duties as soon as possible.  Through a proactive employer relations program, the city wants to ensure that employees are adequately trained on workplace wrongdoing and the consequence thereof, and the appropriate means for reporting an incident, in order to maintain an environment that is free of workplace wrongdoing.

Claims Information

What is a "claim"?

In the event you believe the city has caused damage to your personal property or bodily harm, you have the right to file a claim against the city for damages.

How do I file a claim for monetary damages against the city?

Claim forms are available on-line, as well as at City Hall, or through the City Clerk's Office.  Claims must be filed with the city within six months from the date of the incident.  The claim form should be completed with the most detailed and specific information available.  Incomplete claim forms will be returned to the claimant as insufficient. Refer to Government Code Section 910.

What happens to the claim after it is filed? 

Generally, the claim is forwarded to the city's claim adjuster for handling.  The claim adjuster will contact the claimant to discuss the claim and determine damages.  The adjuster recommends to the city if the claim should be accepted or denied.

Is this the same thing as small claims court?

No, small claims court is part of the Sacramento Superior Court.  However, a person must have filed a claim with the city, and their claim must have been rejected by the city, before filing an action with the small claims court against the city.

How do I file a claim for damages or lost property against the Police Department?

For police-related incidents, claims are to be filed with the City Clerk's Office and are to be submitted on an official Citrus Heights claim form. Claim forms are available on-line, as well as at City Hall, or through the City Clerk's Office.  Claims must be filed with the city within six months from the date of the incident.  The claim form should be completed with the most detailed and specific information available.  Incomplete claim forms will be returned to the claimant as insufficient.
 

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