Submit a Claim
Instructions for Filing a Claim
In the claims process, there are certain responsibilities you have as the claimant, and certain responsibilities the Brunswick-Glynn Joint Water and Sewer Commission has. Although the process is not complicated, it is important for you to follow the correct procedure in order to assist the Commission in taking proper action.
When someone is injured or their property is damaged and they believe the Brunswick-Glynn Joint Water and Sewer Commission to be responsible, Georgia Law mandates that a claim must be submitted in writing to the governing authority within six months of the event giving rise to the claim. This submission must include the specific amount of monetary damages sought, date, location, parties involved, and a brief explanation of the event as well as invoices for any costs incurred resulting from the damages claimed.
In addition to the required items in these instructions, you should also include the names and contact information for any witnesses to the incident. If all of this information is not available at the time you file your claim, it should be obtained and given to the Office of the Executive Commission Administrator/Liability Claims Manager within one week of the filing of the claim. The written statement of claim must be signed and sworn to by the owner of any damaged property, or in the cases of personal injury by the injured person (or his or her parent or guardian if the injured person is a minor).
Claim forms are available in the Administrative Office of the Brunswick-Glynn Joint Water and Sewer Commission at 1703 Gloucester Street in Brunswick or on the bottom of this web page. You may pick up a claim form, or one will be mailed at your request. All claims are managed through the Office of the Executive Commission Administrator/Liability Claims Manager which can be reached at (912) 261-7136 if there are questions.
The claim must be notarized. A notary public is available in the Office of the Brunswick-Glynn Joint Water and Sewer Commission. (This requires an in-person visit by the claimant and an official picture ID of the claimant).
The law puts the burden on you as the claimant to supply all factual information necessary to support your claim. Consequently, when you file a claim, you should state specifically all facts known to you which may affect the Commission’s liability. You must also provide copies of all documents, photographs and receipts necessary to support your claim and the amount you are requesting.
Georgia Law mandates that the Executive Director and/or the Chairman of the Commission shall be served by delivering the claim to the office of such official personally or by certified mail or statutory overnight delivery. Once a claim is delivered, it is forwarded to the Office of the Executive Commission Administrator/Liability Claims Manager for review, investigation and a decision based on the evidence will be made. The facts are then forwarded to the Executive Director and/or the Chairman of the Commission for a final decision.
If the Executive Director and/or the Chairman of the Commission approve the claim, a check will be made for settlement of the claim. Upon payment by the BGJWSC, the claimant will be requested to sign a General Release of Liability Form. This is a legal document wherein you acknowledge that the payment by the Brunswick-Glynn Joint Water and Sewer Commission constitutes full and final payment of the claim and releases the Commission from any future liabilities resulting from the specified incident.
If the claim is denied, the claimant may then file a lawsuit in the appropriate jurisdiction to be resolved by the court system. It is your responsibility to know and protect your legal rights.
If questions arise, contact the Office of the Executive Commission Administrator/Liability Claims Manager which can be reached at (912) 261-7136. If the manager is unavailable when you call, please leave your name, telephone number, and the nature of the claim you have filed or wish to file.
You may download and complete the following form for formal submission of a claim: BGJWSC_Official_Claim_Form
Once completed, please deliver to the following address for witness and notarization:
BGJWSC
Attn: Janice Meridith, Executive Claims Administrator
1703 Gloucester Street
Brunswick, GA 31520