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Loss Lessons
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WRONG LOCATION
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PestSure Members,
A general liability claim resulted when a PestSure insured
company sprayed the wrong home. A child with severe asthma
and chemical sensitivity lived in the home that was erroneously
treated. The child subsequently suffered acute and chronic
lung disease and diminished lung capacity. The claimant filed
suit and the defense counsel is asking for a demand from the
claimant in order to hasten settlement.
The fact that this location was home to a chemically sensitive
child makes this claim much more severe than might be expected.
However, the mistake of providing service at the wrong address
can result in many types of problems and our defense is somewhat
non-existent when this occurs. Being absolutely positive of
the treatment location and following the specific work order
is the best way to avoid any type of claim that results from
these mistakes.
Lesson:
- Train technicians to check and double check the
location address prior to beginning service
- Discuss the types of issues that can arise, including
this claim, when treatment is provided at the wrong location
- Whenever possible, make contact with the customer
at the location on that day, prior to beginning service
- Make it standard operating procedure to "walk"
the jobsite prior to beginning work to be alerted to any
changes or new developments on the property
The best method to reduce these types of non-defensible claims
is to eliminate the mistake of treating the wrong location.
Share the details of the claim mentioned in this Loss Lesson
and discuss strategies with your group for making certain
correct service is provided to only those people who are our
customers.
Linda Midyett
Area Manager
Safety and Loss Prevention, PestSure
Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services, Inc.
14241 Dallas Parkway, Suite 300
Dallas, TX 75254
972.663.6199
800.326.6203 |
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