Ville de Brossard’s legal services department manages all claims related to property damage or bodily injury that you may have suffered and that are attributable to the city. In this article, find out about the general principles surrounding claims, the process followed by the city and possible remedies.
Please note that the information presented here is provided for information purposes only. They do not replace official legislation, which always takes precedence.
Purpose of a claim
The purpose of a claim is to obtain compensation for damages suffered, whether material, bodily, economic or moral, provided that these damages are related to an action or omission of the City or its representatives.
Conditions for filing a claim
- Legal deadline: you have a maximum of 15 days from the date of the incident to inform the City of your intention to claim damages.
- Notice content: your notice must include a precise description of the circumstances, the damage suffered and your home address.
To make a claim, please fill in this form and send it to us in one click. You can also print it and send it :
- By mail or in person: Direction du greffe at City Hall (2001, boulevard de Rome, 1st floor);
- By fax: 450 923-7009
Important information:
- The form is provided for the sole purpose of assisting the claimant. The City assumes no responsibility for the manner in which it is completed.
- Please include any relevant documentation (photographic evidence, invoices, vouchers) to support your claim. If you are unable to provide these documents at the time your written notice is served, they may be forwarded at a later date.
- It is your responsibility to ensure that the City receives your claim within the prescribed timeframe.
- If you have an insurance policy protecting your property, we suggest you notify your insurance company of any damage you have sustained.
Claims processing
- Receipt and opening of file: Once your complaint has been received, the City will open a file and conduct a thorough investigation of the facts.
- Acknowledgement of receipt: You will receive written confirmation that your request has been processed.
- Analysis and decision: Once the investigation is complete, the City will send you an official response, by e-mail or regular mail, specifying the decision taken with regard to your claim.
If you have already carried out the necessary repairs, be sure to keep photographic evidence as well as all invoices and other supporting documents to back up your claim. These documents may be essential to the processing of your claim.
Possible remedies in the event of disagreement
If you are not satisfied with the City’s decision, you can file a legal appeal within the following deadlines:
- Bodily injury: 3 years
- Material, economic or moral damage: 6 months
Exemption from municipal liability
Under the provisions of the Cities and Towns Act and the Civil Code of Québec, the City is exempt from liability in certain situations:
- Snow and ice: the city is not responsible for accidents caused by these conditions, except in cases of proven negligence.
- Sewer backups: liability is limited, particularly if specific precautions have not been taken by the claimant.
- Infrastructure damage: the city is not liable for damage to tires, suspensions or other vehicle parts caused by road conditions. Nor is it liable for damages resulting from the absence of a fence between the right-of-way of a street, road, pedestrian or bicycle path and an adjoining property.
- Force majeure: an unforeseeable and irresistible event exonerates the City of any responsibility.
Additional information
For any additional information regarding claims handling, please do not hesitate to contact Services Brossard. For additional information on your rights and recourses, we invite you to consult a legal advisor.
