PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

The cleanup has begun and funds are being advanced to insured’s to begin the recovery process.

Our claim team includes a dedicated group of both in house and executive loss adjusters who specialize in managing large losses of this nature.

To assist in understanding some of the technical pieces of this catastrophe we will review the language in the Warehouse Receipt and Bill of Lading in relation to a catastrophic event.

Also in this issue, we are reminded that winter weather has arrived. We will touch on precautions and safety reminders that apply regardless of where you are this time of year.

We are excited to announce a new addition to our claim team. Bill Hiller has joined our team and brings a strong background in Worker’s Compensation specifically the transportation/delivery vertical. Bill has contributed to our newsletter with a brief article on the Do’s &Don’ts of the un-witnessed work injury.

Finally, Zurich has contributes a section regarding strategies in managing your Workers’ Compensation Experience Modification Factors (EMR). It is becoming increasingly common for companies with workers’ compensation EMR greater than 1.00 to be prohibited from bidding on new or renewal contracts. As this has become one of several critical benchmarking metrics used to determine if a bidding company offers a competitive advantage, we have provided a link to Zurich’s recent white paper on this important information.

It is our mission is to continue to dedicate ourselves to providing the best insurance products and services to the moving and storage industry while supporting your efforts to service our joint customers. Paul Hanson Partners simply would not be here without you so please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns at lisapaul@paulhanson.com.

Lisa R. Paul

President
Paul Hanson Partners

When major events such as Hurricane Sandy strike, a large concentration of people unfamiliar with the claims handling process are drawn into the territory of filing an insurance claim.

Winter driving can be inconvenient, annoying, even infuriating. But you can offset those aggravations and minimize the special risks of winter driving.

Learn more...

Bill Hiller
Workers' Compensation Claims Specialist
License No. OB64567
Direct/ 707-261-2714
billh@paulhanson.com

BILL HILLER
is our newest claims team member!

A resident of Belle Vernon, PA Bill started his career in the insurance industry in 1982. He has a strong background in Worker’s Compensation specifically in the transportation/delivery vertical. He’s developed specific expertise in relation to Owner/Operators and Independent Contract drivers.

Bill will be implementing a more aggressive up front claims process which will promote open dialogue with the claims adjusters and eliminate speculation in the adjustment process. He will seek options to mitigate open claims and follow the files to conclusion. Bill possesses a vast knowledge of jurisdictional nuances and external influencers than can impact the claims process. He will be participating in our claim reviews with intentions of positively impacting the experience modifier for our clients.

In every Worker’s Compensation Claim the adjusters list of questions includes;“Was anyone else there?”, or, “Were there any witnesses?” Often times in the transportation industry, injuries occur when no one else is around.

When and if it happens, document the incident as much as you can including the circumstances and resulting injury. At a minimum notify your office even if it’s only with:

• Text the your office / dispatch if you can’t call and relay briefly what occurred.
• Leave a voice mail message with the “what happen” scenario at your office or dispatch.

Please remember to also call the toll free Zurich claim number to report the claim at 1-800-987-3373.

Waiting a day, or two, or, longer after the incident, facts are usually forgotten which results in losing credibility down the road.

Remember , the Claim Adjuster needs your help in an effort to settle the claim. If you can document almost immediately and follow the old adage;“Who, When, Where and What” questions, the question of compensability is answered sooner.
- Bill Hiller, Worker’s Compensation Specialist

MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. Box 5990 Napa, CA 94581
Physical Address: 1319 First Street, Napa, CA 94559
Toll Free: (800) 852-1968
Fax: (707) 252-5905