Filing a Claim Claims Against the District of Columbia Individuals wishing to file claims against the District of Columbia Government for loss, damage, or injury, should read the following: Section 12-309, DC Official Code (2001) provides, in part: An action may not be maintained against the District of Columbia for unliquidated damages to person or property unless, within six months after the injury or damage was sustained, the claimant, his agent, or attorney, has given notice in writing to the Mayor of the District of Columbia of the approximate time, place, cause, and circumstances of the injury or damage. The Mayor has delegated to the Office of Risk Management his authority to accept such Notice of Claim letters, effective January 20, 2004. Notice of Claim letters MUST be RECEIVED by the Office of Risk Management within the six-month period and the Notice of Claim letter must contain ALL of the information required by the statute. Only the Office of Risk Management is authorized to accept such letters on behalf of the Mayor. If the statutory requirements are not satisfied, the claim will be denied. Under certain circumstances, reports of the Metropolitan Police Department may also satisfy the notice requirement provided that they contain all of the information required by the statute. The mailing address for claims is: Office of Risk Management ATTN: Claims 441 4th Street, NW, Suite 800 South Washington, DC 20001 (202) 727-8600 Notice letters MUST contain the following information: The identity of the claimant (please also include the address, work, and home phone numbers, date of birth and Social Security Number and/or business tax ID number) The date and approximate time of the incident The exact location of the incident The cause of the damage or injury The circumstances under which the damage or injury was sustained (explain, in detail, why the District of Columbia should be liable for the damage or injury) Please also include the following if relevant to your claim: Any police or other reports related to the incident Documents showing ownership at the time of the damage and original cost of damaged items Estimates for repairs (include two for vehicular damage) Medical bills and/or medical reports Within approximately 30 days after receipt of the claim, an acknowledgement letter will be sent that will provide the claim number and the identity of the investigator assigned to the claim. If you have occasion to contact the Office of the Attorney General while your claim is being processed, please reference the claim number and investigator.