CLAIMS AGAINST THE COMMONWEALTH FOR DAMAGES
INCURRED IN BUREAU-MANAGED FACILITIES
Chapter 258 of the Massachusetts General Laws governs the procedure for the payment of claims against the Commonwealth for personal injury or property damage. If you receive an injury or sustain damage to property in a building over which the Bureau of State Office Buildings (BSB) has control, you must follow the procedures set forth below.
Send your claim in writing to:
Secretary
Executive Office for Administration and Finance
State House, Room 373
Boston, MA 02133
Attn: Tort Claims
Please do not send your claim or bills to the Bureau of State Office Buildings. The Bureau is not authorized to pay your claim or any bills arising therefrom. Moreover, sending your claim to the Bureau does not constitute proper notice under the Statute and will not protect your rights.
Include in the letter:
1. A statement that you are making a claim for personal injury or property damage under G.L. c.258;
2. The day, date, time and location of the incident that led to your injury or loss;
3. A factual description of the circumstances which led to your injury or loss;
4. The reasons you believe the Commonwealth is responsible for your injury or loss;
5. Copies of any documents that support your claim (medical bills, damage repair estimates, etc.); and
6. The names of any witnesses to the incident that led to your injury or loss. Please supply addresses, telephone numbers or places where witnesses can be reached, if possible.
After the Secretary receives your claim, he or she will forward the matter to BSB for investigation and review to determine whether the Commonwealth is responsible for your injury or loss. BSB will then recommend a course of action to the Secretary. The Secretary must approve all settlements.
Filing a claim does not necessarily require an attorney.
