Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a filing fee for filing a claim?
No, there is no filing fee.
 
How many copies of the claim form are needed?
The original signed claim form with all evidence attached is required. One copy of the claim form and evidence may also be submitted with the original, but is not required.
 
Who needs to sign the claim form?
The claim form must be signed by the claimant and also by the attorney if an attorney is representing the claimant.
KAR 108 1:030

Why is a social security or federal ID number needed?
The claimant's social security number is required if a check is to be processed. Please note that inmate ID numbers are also required.

Is there a minimum amount of damages to claim?
The board only accepts claims of $100 or above. KRS 44.165

Is there a maximum award?
Yes. A single award shall not exceed $200,000. If a single act of negligence results in multiple claims, the total award shall not exceed $350,000 to be equitably divided among the claimants, but in no case shall any claimant individually receive more than $200,000. KRS 44.070(5)

Who can a claim be filed against with the Board of Claims?
The board accepts negligence claims filed against state agencies, state departments or state employees while working within the scope of their employment.

Is there a deadline for filing a claim?
Yes. Claims must be filed within one year of the date of the incident. For claims regarding personal injury or medical malpractice, consult with the board's counsel, G. Mitchell Mattingly, who may be contacted at mitch.mattingly@ky.gov or 800-469-2120. KRS 44.110

How long does it take to receive a decision?

• Claims under $1,000 are investigated by the board’s investigator and a decision should be received within 60 days of the date of the letter acknowledging receipt of the claim.
• The time varies for claims $1,000 and above. The agency that the claim is filed against has 30 days from the date of notice sent by the board notifying the agency of the claim to investigate and respond to the board with an answer.
• If the agency admits liability for the full amount of recoverable damages, the award is placed on the board's agenda for the next scheduled meeting to be approved by the board. Once approved by the board, the check is requested.
• If the agency denies liability or admits liability but disagrees with the amount of damages claimed, the claim is assigned to a hearing officer to conduct a hearing.
• Also, if an agreed settlement is involved, the agreed settlement with signatures of both parties is placed on the board's agenda for the next scheduled meeting to be approved by the board. 
• Once approved by the board, the check is requested.

Where is the hearing held?
The claim will be assigned to a hearing officer who will schedule the hearing date in the county in which the incident occurred. KRS 44.084

Does the hearing officer decide the claim?
No. After the hearing, the hearing officer will make a recommendation to the board, who will make the decision on the claim. KRS 44.070(6)

How long does it take to receive a check?
If an award is entered on a claim, the check should be received within 30 days of the date of the order making that award.
KAR 108 1:040

• Claims under $5,000 - the check will be requested and mailed directly to the claimant from the state agency.
• Claims $5,000 and above - the check will be requested and mailed by the clerk of the board.
• All awards made against the Transportation Cabinet - the check will be requested and mailed from the Transportation Cabinet.

What if I disagree with a decision?

• For claims under $1,000, a full board review may be requested within 14 days of the date of the order. KRS 44.086(6) and KAR 108 1:010 Section 2(6)(c)
• For claims $1,000 and above, a request may be made for the claim to be appealed to the circuit court in the county in which the incident occurred. The request must be submitted to the circuit clerk of that county, and notice will be sent from the circuit court to the board requesting the file. KRS 44.140
  

Are there any offsets?

• The board is prohibited from making any awards for mental distress or pain or suffering.
• Any damage awarded shall be reduced by the amount of payments received or right to receive from worker's compensation insurance, social security programs, unemployment insurance programs, medical, disability or life insurance programs or other federal or state or private programs designed to supplement income or pay claimant's expenses or damages incurred.
• Also, the board is prohibited from making any awards for collateral or dependent claims that are dependent on loss to another and not to the claimant. This includes consortium claims and subrogation claims.