Published:  02-Apr- 2007  | Product Category:  Claims | Comments: 0         

One of the unique services that Marsh's Sports Practice provides for event exposures is our on-site prevention and claims service program. The strategic use of trained claims professionals at the site of an event has proved to be a very effective way of reducing the frequency of spectator claims and mitigating the severity of those claims that are presented.

To be successful, the program requires close cooperation between the team and claim service provider. Where an insurer is involved, they also should be consulted. Some things to be agreed upon in advance are:

• Composition of on-site staff size and who is in charge;
• How much will this program cost and who will pay for it?
• How the staff will be deployed and for how long;
• How communications will flow - two way radios, in-house telephone system;
• What reports are expected, by whom, to whom, and when.

The event day activities of the on-site staff are critical to the success of the program. Some methods and procedures that have proved beneficial are:

• Inspecting the pre-event facility for any obvious hazards, such as wet floors, broken railings, housekeeping problems around concessions, or other areas in the facility, and anything else that might cause injury or damage to a spectator.
• Having access to communication systems used by facility security, so they can immediately respond to incidents that might produce claims.
• Photographing incident sites and obtaining names and statements of witnesses.
• Positioning a staff member in the first aid facility to promptly establish contact with potential claimants. In conjunction with the medical staff, be sure any evidence of impairment (alcohol/drugs) is noted.
• Assigning staff to areas of known problems. The actions of facility security personnel can be a source of potential claims against the athlete or team. By monitoring their activities, exposure may be eliminated.
• Arranging for in-house video to be retained if an event of significance (fight in the stands, spectator on the field, etc.) was recorded.
• Initiating prompt follow-up contact with potential claimants. If there is liability against the athlete or team, a timely settlement may be the economical way to promote customer relations.

As with any program involving multiple parties, close cooperation and timely communication are a must. The suggestions above are not intended to be all-inclusive. Each situation requires analysis as to what will work. As the program evolves, changes may be necessary.

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