Knowledge Corner

In a time of critical and serious claims involving a crisis event, do you have a plan? Do you know who to call or what to do? If you have a fatality or building collapse, where do you turn?

Preparation in advance of these unfortunate events is key. Being proactive in preparation will lead to less mistakes when the moment does present itself. Learn and practice until it’s second nature. No one likes to think about claims, but when they happen, can you feel confident in your next actions or the actions of those representing you? Here are some important steps to take when a crisis event occurs: 

1. Hiring counsel and/or a field investigator
   The first moments after a crisis event are crucial to gathering information: taking witness statements, preserving evidence, securing photos, etc. This is usually when you can obtain the most accurate information and evidence. The longer the time goes by, the more stories start to change, and the accuracy of information dissipates.
   
   
2. Coordinating a stream of communication
   Who are your key contacts when a crisis strikes? Does the site need to be secured? Is there media coverage anticipated? Make sure your “Key Players” are notified of the situation and provide updates as necessary to the estimated damages or injuries. This is not the time for minor details but a concise communication outlining: this is what happened, here is the damage/injury of what we know to date, and here is our plan of action. Make sure the information being presented is accurate. Have one person designated to provide those updates so you don’t have multiple emails from various people reporting different information to different people.  
   
   
3. Active Caring/Social responsibility 
   Take care of the family, subcontractor, and employees involved. If tragedy strikes, consider getting grief counseling to the site or telephonic counseling for those who may need it. Is there communication with the injured worker’s family? Are they near or out of state? Provide them with details and offer hotel accommodations. The last thing an injured worker’s family needs to worry about is logistics. 
   
   Consider time off for individuals that were directly involved in a traumatic event, such as resuscitating a life onsite. Don’t skip the recognition of bravery or correction that comes with moments of life or death. Should a building collapse occur, consider environmental factors. Is there leaking fuel or environmental concerns? Think through getting an industrial hygienist or remediation company onsite to contain what might be a bigger problem down the road.
   
   
4. Notice to your insurance carriers/company
   Provide notice early and often especially when it comes to crisis events. Notify your insurance carriers as soon as possible and bring them up to speed with what has occurred. They will want to know an estimate of damages, who has been secured for remediation and will help walk you through anything else that might be needed. Be sure to communicate the claim number and adjuster, in your stream of communications in case follow-up is needed.  
   
   We don’t like to have crisis events occur, but when they do, make sure you are prepared. This isn’t an all-comprehensive list, nor does it cater to every crisis scenario that might come into play. The key is to know and have experts in your corner and risk management team. If you don’t have one, consider the experts at TSIB for your Crisis Management/Claim needs. Reach out to us today!

TSIB’s Risk Consultants are currently servicing the following locations:
East Coast: New York City, NY; Bergen County, NJ; Fairfield County, CT; Philadelphia, PA
Texas: Austin, San Antonio, Houston, Dallas
California: Orange County, Los Angeles County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County, San Diego County

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