Last updated
By Ron McMinn, Esq. | Official sources rechecked November 9, 2026.
Read this article in Español.
Win Attorneys helps injured people in Laguna Beach from our only office in Tustin, at 17291 Irvine Blvd., Suite 210. Call (562) 296-5380. We speak Spanish and Vietnamese. Claims against the City are usually filed with the City Clerk within six months of an injury. This guide follows the City’s File a Claim page.
Is it a City of Laguna Beach claim?
Pacific Coast Highway (SR-1) and other State highways generally go to Caltrans (see our Caltrans claim guide). OCTA service goes to OCTA (see how to file a claim against OCTA). County facilities go to the County (see our County of Orange claim guide). Laguna Niguel, Laguna Hills, and Laguna Woods are separate cities.
The six-month deadline
Government Code section 911.2 says a claim for death or for injury to a person or to personal property must be presented no later than six months after the cause of action accrues. Most other claims get one year. Accrual is a legal question, so do not guess at the start date.
How to file with the City Clerk
The City’s File a Claim page says you may download and print a claim form, or contact the City Clerk’s Office for one, and that incomplete forms can delay the investigation. Mail or deliver the completed form and attachments to:
City of Laguna Beach, Attn: City Clerk’s Office, 505 Forest Ave., Laguna Beach, CA 92651.
City Clerk: (949) 497-0705. City Hall main line: (949) 497-3311.
The City asks claimants to attach supporting documents such as repair estimates, photos, medical records, and itemized bills when they apply, and to keep copies.
Government Code section 910 lists what every claim must show: the claimant’s name and address, the address for notices, the date, place, and other circumstances of the incident, a general description of the injury or loss, the name of any public employee who caused it if known, and the amount claimed or, for claims over $10,000, whether it would be a limited civil case.
What happens next
Under Government Code section 945.4, you generally cannot sue a public entity for money damages until a required claim has been presented and acted on, or deemed rejected. Section 912.4 generally gives the public entity 45 days to act. If it does not act, the claim is deemed rejected on the last day of that period.
After written notice of rejection, Government Code section 945.6 generally gives you six months from the date the notice is personally delivered or mailed to file suit. If no written notice is given, a two-year period from accrual can apply instead.
Missed the six-month window? Government Code section 911.4 allows a written application for leave to present a late claim within a reasonable time, not more than one year after accrual, with the proposed claim attached. Relief is not automatic. See our guide on a missed six-month government claim deadline.
Talk to us
Win Attorneys handles government claims and personal injury matters statewide from our only office in Tustin. We speak Spanish and Vietnamese. See our Tustin office page.
Call us at (562) 296-5380, reach us through our contact page, or start online with our intake form. Office: 17291 Irvine Blvd., Suite 210, Tustin, CA 92780.
Frequently asked questions
How do I file a claim against the City of Laguna Beach?
Download or request the City’s claim form from the City Clerk, complete it thoroughly, and mail or deliver it to City of Laguna Beach, Attn: City Clerk’s Office, 505 Forest Ave., Laguna Beach, CA 92651.
What is the Laguna Beach City Clerk address for claims?
City of Laguna Beach, Attn: City Clerk’s Office, 505 Forest Ave., Laguna Beach, CA 92651. City Clerk: (949) 497-0705.
What is the deadline for an injury claim against Laguna Beach?
The City’s claim page and Government Code section 911.2 require claims for death or injury to a person or personal property within six months. Most other claims, including many real property claims, have one year.
Is a Pacific Coast Highway crash a claim against Laguna Beach?
Not always. State highways such as Pacific Coast Highway (SR-1) are often Caltrans. City streets, City sidewalks, and City vehicles are usually City claims. Confirm which agency owned the location before you file.
Do you also handle Laguna Niguel and Laguna Hills claims?
Yes. Those are separate cities with their own clerks and claim processes. A claim filed with Laguna Beach does not protect a deadline against another city.