Ri$k Happens: It all falls to pieces

Oct. 25, 2020 - By Angela Cady, AIC - Loss Analyst, ARA Insurance

Frank returned the weed eater to the rental store and explained to the employee that it was not working correctly. The employee took the unit to the back room to investigate. The door to the back room was propped open so that he could hear if someone rang the bell for assistance.

Potential customer Irene had a question about some equipment she wanted to rent. The other employee already was helping another customer. Irene did not notice the bell by the register. She headed into the back room to find an employee. There was an “Employees Only” sign on the door, but she did not see it as the door was propped open.

As she entered, the rental store employee was testing the weed eater to see if the issue was resolved. At that moment, a piece on the weed eater seemingly unrelated to the repairs broke. Shards of the broken piece went flying. One caught Irene near her eye, causing a gash. The employee quickly used the first aid kit and helped Irene apply pressure to the bleeding. Irene refused the offer to have an ambulance called. Instead, she called her husband, who came to take her to urgent care to get stitches.

Later, Irene presented her medical bill to the rental store requesting that it be paid. The rental store owner turned in a claim to her insurance carrier. Med pay coverage is available on some policies in a limited amount for customers injured on the premises regardless of liability. The adjuster will review to see if this is applicable. The adjuster also will investigate what specific repairs the insured employee made and have the unit inspected to understand more fully what went wrong. That way, he has as clear a picture as possible should further financial exposure arise. The matter is under investigation.

“Employees Only” signs are there for a reason. Be sure that they are visible, so that there is the best chance possible customers will take note.

This item, provided by ARA Insurance, Kansas City, Mo., contains safety tips and is intended to help readers better understand and manage risk. For more safety and risk management information, customers of ARA Insurance can log on to ReSource. Access is free, so if you haven’t signed up yet, contact your agent or call 800-821-6580.