Emergency Repairs and Claims Due to Storm, Tree, Roadway Related Damages
If you have sustained personal property damage at your home as a result of a storm or a downed tree believed to be owned by the Town, please contact your homeowner’s insurance company immediately to file a claim so that the damage can be assessed by them and repaired in a timely fashion as they isnure your asset.
Your insurance company will work with the town's insurance carrier if they feel that the cause of the damage is the town's responsibility; your insurance company will provide you with further instructions on reparing the damage.
If you have any questions regarding a roadway defect claim, please refer to the procedure outlined below:
Roadway Defects or Pothole Claims
Procedures for filing a claim with the Town of Pembroke:
Claims of damages to a vehicle arising from defects in the public way are governed by M.G.L. c.84.
If you incurred damages caused by roadway and sidewalk defects or potholes within town limits and are seeking a reimbursement, please follow the procedure outlined below.
Your claim must be submitted in writing, not by email or telephone to the Office of the Board of Selectmen, 100 Center Street, Pembroke, MA 02359.
Your claim must include the following items:
Detailed Explanation of damages suffered
Exact Location of Incident
Date and Time of Incident
Claimant’s name, address and contact information
Items that may be included with your claim:
Itemized estimate of damages and/or receipts
Copy of Police Report if applicable
Pictures, color if possible
Copy of medical bills for personal injuries if applicable
If estimate of repairs is over $500, a second estimate may be required
Please Note: All claims for sidewalk, roadway or pothole incidents MUST be filed within thirty (30) days of the date of the incident per the Statute of Limitations Law, MGL Chapter 84, Section 18.
The Office of the Board of Selectmen will NOT submit for processing claims filed after the statute of limitation date.
In order for a municipality to be found responsible for damages caused by alleged defects in the public way, the municipality must have received sufficient, prior notice of the defect.
A new occurrence exists if a prior defect was repaired and then re-opens.
The Town is ONLY responsible for the filing of your claim and has no further involvement once it is forwarded to the insurance carrier.
The Town’s insurance carrier requires sufficient time to complete an investigation of your claim. Compensation is paid only if the Town of Pembroke is found liable. To preserve your rights, if the Town does NOT pay your claim, you may pursue your matter in the appropriate state court.