On a lighter note...
Insurance is an interesting business. I've said this before in a previous blog I wrote and I thought I'd take another opportunity to show you how interesting it really is!
We get calls from people inquiring about insurance for their sports organizations. They inquire mostly because they are required to have it, not because they want it. We usually hear things like this:
..."I've never had a claim"
..."That would never happen to us"
..."We make sure that everyone provides proof of their own insurance, so we're not responsible."
From what I've learned and have witnessed from my time being in this industry, it's no longer if you'll get sued, it's when you'll get sued!
"But we didn't do anything"...That's right, it's what you didn't do. it's what someone perceives that you did or didn't do that can lead you or your organization to the courtroom. If you are involved in any capacity, whether as a coach, administrator, player, volunteer, there really is no other option but to make sure that your organization has coverage to pay in case you need the defense.
So I've scoured the internet and found a few examples from the website Bleacher Report that might make you think twice that you don't need insurance/
...In April 2014 San Francisco 49ers fan Joe E. Williams filed a $50 million lawsuit against the NFL. The suit accuses the league of conspiring with the Seahawks, Ticketmaster and other officials to enact "unconstitutional;" selective sales policy that amounts to "economic discrimination." Tickets to the game were limited to people with billing addresses in certain states and some parts of Canada. Mr. Williams did not live in one of those states and was unable to buy tickets and as such felt that it infringed on his constitutional right to...buy playoff tickets!
...In May 2014, it was reported that Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Corey Crawford was being investigated over an "assault" involving a Los Angeles Kings Fan. The fan filed battery charges against Crawford for allegedly spraying him with a water bottle as he was ejected during a game. The fan insisted the "water bottle contained backwash and caused serious irritation to his eyes" and claimed he required medical attention.
...In December 2008, two brothers from Colorado attended an NFL football game. At some point during the game they were involved in a physical altercation with unknown, drunken fans. TWO YEARS later, they filed a lawsuit against the Stadium alleging that it "encouraged the use of alcohol prior to the game at a tailgate party held in the parking lot and failed to provide adequate security for the event."
Interesting stuff hey?
James Pham, CAIB, CIP
Manager CSIB