Making a Claim Against the Town of Saugeen Shores
What You Should Consider Before a Claim
Any damage to you or your property can be upsetting. However, it’s important to know that the Town of Saugeen Shores (the Town) is not your insurer. Making a third-party liability claim against the Town does not guarantee payment; as a claimant you must be able to establish that the damages were caused by the Town’s negligence.
If you have auto or property insurance, we suggest you consult your insurance company or broker first for advice on how to deal with your loss. Your insurance coverage may be more extensive than what you can recover from the Town.
If your insurer believes the Town is responsible for your damages, they may seek compensation against the Town on your behalf.
Establishing Negligence
The Town has an obligation to maintain its infrastructure. In doing so, it must exercise a reasonable standard of care. The Town may be found negligent if it fails to meet the appropriate standard of care and that failure results in damage or injury to the public.
If you choose to submit a claim
- If you choose to submit a claim against the Town, it is important to outline why you believe the Town is responsible for your accident and provide proof of your damages.
- Making a third-party liability claim against the Town does not guarantee payment; as a claimant you must be able to establish your damages were caused by the Town’s negligence.
What will happen after you submit a claim?
- Once the form has been submitted you will be emailed an electronic copy of the form for your records. Within five (5) business days you will receive a response from the appropriate staff member responsible for the claim.
- The Town will conduct an investigation to determine if it met its maintenance obligations. If you are not able to establish that your damages were caused by the Town’s negligence, the Town will not pay your claim.
- If the Town did not exercise a reasonable standard of care, the Town may be found to be negligent. In that circumstance, the Town will attempt to resolve your claim. Any compensation paid to you will be based on proof of damage that has arisen as a result of the Town’s negligence.
- If the Town did exercise a reasonable standard of care, your claim will be denied.