Holding municipality liable

What is it?

If you have been damaged or injured and it is the fault of the municipality, you can hold the municipality liable. You do this by filing a claim for damages with the municipality.

How does it work?

There are two types of damages for which you can file a claim:

• Damages you have suffered because of something the municipality has done.
• Damage caused by the municipality's failure to properly maintain roads, squares, public green spaces and structures.

The municipality assesses your claim for damages. If the municipality also finds that it is liable, you will be compensated for the damage (or part of it).

What to do.

Report damage first to your own insurer if you have insurance that covers the type of damage you suffered. This insurer will then recover the payment from the municipality. If you have legal expenses insurance, they can hold the municipality liable on your behalf.

If you are not insured, submit the claim to the municipality yourself. In your claim, put the following information:

• description of the event (with place, date and time)
• why you are holding the municipality liable
• description of damage
• the loss amount
• names of specialists who reviewed your claim
• your name, address and phone number
• The account number (IBAN) into which any compensation can be paid

What do I need?

• proof of damages incurred
• proof of the amount of damage incurred e.g. a bill of repair
• explanation of what happened and how the damage occurred, for example, a police report in an accident
• possibly a signed witness statement
• possibly photos

The municipality may ask you for additional information. You will be notified of this within two weeks.

How long does it take?

After all information is complete, you will be notified within 6 weeks. This will state whether or not the municipality will agree to your claim for damages or if more time is needed to assess it.