Welcome to Spring! This is the sixth edition of the Johnsonese Brokerage Insurance Newsletter for Creative Businesses. The goal of our quarterly newsletter is to provide useful information about insurance to independent creative businesses .
Both the weather and the economy are finally showing signs of improvement. Crain's Chicago Business had a recent article stating that if your revenues are rebounding, so are your risks. If you've added employees, locations or other assets it's important to discuss this with your insurance agent. Overall, the article recommends an insurance review if you have seen a change in your business of 20-25% or more. |
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Employee Sues Boss Over Twitter Impersonation | |
A director of marketing at a Chicago interior design firm said she was impersonated by her boss on Twitter. The employee was an avid social media user who promoted the firm online. She not only authored a blog for the company, but also used her Twitter account to post updates about interior decorating, local designers and other work-related matters.
A serious car accident left the employee unable to work for a period of time. Allegedly the employer than began tweeting under the employee's name. The employee is suing claiming that her employer violated federal law by using her name and likeness in a misleading way. The suit also alleges a violation of her right to publicity -- or the right to control the commercial use of her name and likeness.
A judge has ruled that the case can go to trial.
-MediaPost, March 19, 2011
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Insurance Company Sues Building Owner for Collapse | |
A couple's home in a small Pennsylvania town was severely damaged when a heavy snowfall caused the commercial building next door to partially collapse onto their home. The couple's insurance company settled their claim for $156,000.
Now the insurance company is suing the building owner to recover that same amount of money. Under the legal concept of subrogation, the insurance company has the right to seek to recover claims paid to its clients from third parties that the company believes are ultimately responsible for the loss.
In this case the commercial building owner needs insurance adequate both to pay for the damage to the neighboring home, and to rebuild its own facility. If this is not the case, the operation could be put out of business.
-Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, April 1, 2011
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Our Continuing Series: Unpredictable Business Lawsuits | |
 In a video that went viral, a woman is seen texting while exiting an anchor store in a Pennsylvania mall. She's distracted, and falls into a fountain dead ahead of her. She gets out fairly quickly and walks away. (Somehow the video clip got from mall security to the Internet.)
The woman is now suing the mall based on the fact that mall security did not come to her aid.
-Lawyers and Settlements, January 20, 2011
A mother has filed a lawsuit accusing personnel at a Wal-Mart of knowingly allowing a snake to roam the store and bite her toddler son. The lawsuit alleges that Wal-Mart knew a snake was roaming freely through the store and did not warn customers.
-Southeast Texas Record, March 2, 2011
Congressman and former presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich has sued the House cafeteria after bitting down on an unpitted olive in a sandwich. The sandwich "was represented to contain pitted olives" but in fact contained at least one unpitted olive. Kucinich bit on it and "sustained serious and permanent dental and oral injuries requiring multiple surgical and dental procedures," the suit alleges.
-Slate, January 27, 2011
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Help with Understanding Workers Comp |
I think Workers Comp can be one of the most confusing types of insurance for small businesses. For example, do you know if your free lancers or sub-contractors need to be covered by your Workers Comp policy?
Hartford insurance has come up with a web tutorial on Workers Comp that can help you answer these and other similar questions.
The tutorial is free and you don't have to provide any contact information or other data to use the site.
Here's the link if you'd like to give it a try.
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Safe Grilling Tips for Spring/Summer | |
Every year, hundreds of fires are started by grills causing injuries and burns, some fatal. Most of these are the result of unsafe grilling practices. If you like to grill, it doesn't hurt to review these safety tips:
1. Only grill outdoors and away from the house and otherstructures.
2. Never store a grill indoors; don't attempt to move it until it has completely cooled.
3. Never leave the grill unattended, once lit; keep a fire extinguisher close by.
4. Keep the lid open when lighting the grill.
5. Keep your grill clean to avoid grease fires.
6. Keep children and pets a safe distance away from grills.
7. Regularly check the grill for cracks and leaks. Do not light a match to check for leaks.
8. For charcoal grills, use starter fluid sparingly, and never add it to an open flame.
9. For propane grills, make sure the spark igniter is consistently generating a spark to create a flame and burn the propane gas. If the flame is not visible, gas may be escaping and could cause an explosion.
10. Always store propane tanks outdoors, in an upright position.
In the event of a fire, close the grill cover if using a charcoal grill. For propane grills, turn off the burners. Also shut off the take valve, if possible. Never try to extinguish a grease fire with water; it will cause the flames to flare up. Only use an approved fire extinguisher. If personal safety or property is at risk, call 9-1-1 immediately.
-The Injury Board Blog Network, August 02, 2010
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The Johnsonese Brokerage can assist you with most of your art insurance needs. To get started immediately call 773.857.0242 or Email info@johnsonese.com. Christopher Johnson |
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About the Johnsonese Brokerage |
The Johnsonese Brokerage LLC is a licensed and bonded independent insurance agency focused on insuring independent creative businesses.
Who we insure:
- Advertising Agencies
- Architects & Interior Designers
- Boutiques
- Event Planners
- Fashion Designers
- Florists
- Furniture & Design Dealers
- Graphics Designers
- Hair & Nail Salons
- Musical Instrument Dealers
- Photographers
- Pop-up Stores
- Publishers
- Restaurants
- Specialty Retail
- Special Events
- Spas
- Tailors
- Travel Agencies
- Videographers
- Wedding Planners
We are licensed in the states of California (license #0G69323), Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas and Wisconsin.
How are we doing? Your feedback is always welcome!
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Common Insurance Terms
1. Loss Payee
The party to whom insurance proceeds are to be paid in the event of a loss
2. Third Party Property Damage
Provides legal liability coverage for damage or destruction of property belonging to others while the property is in the care, custody or control of the insured.
3. Waiver of Subrogation
The insurer relinquishes the right to collect damages from another party paid on behalf of the insured. This waiver is sometimes required by landlords.
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Quotes We Like 'I find myself attracted to businesses that couldn't exist before now.' Lightbank co-founder Brad Keywell, from Crain's Chicago Business Today |
Our Business Partners
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AmWins -
AXA -
Chubb -
CNA -
Hartford -
Insurance Noodle -
Markel -
Philadelphia -
Risk Placement Services
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We Appreciate Referrals!
As a service business, referrals are our biggest source of new clients.
If you know of any other business needing insurance, please let us know. We promise to give them the same personal and professional service that you've come to expect from the Johnsonese Brokerage. |
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