Potential Claims and New Employee's
By the very nature of the resort business, it is accepted that there are a number of “incidents” involving persons using your facilities and that the vast majority of such incidents are very minor in nature and present a slight prospect of a liability claim being made against you or a property claim being made to your insurer.
Aside from liability, your business is exposed to losses involving your assets which are vital to your operations. A loss involving your buildings, stock, equipment, business interruption, mechancial/electrical breakdown could be detrimental to your business solvency.
It is important that all new employee's are trained on what to do when a potential insurance claim occurs.
Here are a few helpful reminders:
- Prevent deterioration of the situation and provide assistance for any injured parties.
- Obtain emergency assistance as required and secure the scene if necessary.
- Notify your Insurance Broker.
- Fill out an incident report as soon as possible and obtain witness statements.
- If possible, take photographs, videotape or draw a diagram of the incident or accident site.
In the Case of Property Damage:
If a dangerous situation exists, cordon off the area or cover roof and window openings to prevent further damage to the site. Now is the time to gather inventory lists, schedules of buildings, sales and food receipts, maintenance records for equipment, records of usage and repair or any other documentation which may speed the timely settlement of your claim. Don’t forget to contact your accountant or bookeeper for your most recent financial statements.
In the Case of a Crime Incident:
Make sure to secure the crime scene to aid police investigations and obtain statements from witness as soon as possible. Remember not to release any information to the media without further assistance.
In the Case of a Liability Incident or Accident:
Never admit or discuss liability verbally or in writing. Remember to attach any letter(s) or threat of claim, Writ of Summons, or any relevant documentation to the incident report. Again, do not speak to the media without any further assistance.
The claims process can be challenging, but having proper training for new employee's on insurance claim procedures and protocols can save you time and money.
For further helpful hints on training new employee's, download our free New Employee Orientation Checklist.