University Risk Management

Claims

The investigation or settlement of claims against the University should not be undertaken by a department, college or other unit. If you become aware of a claim or if someone presents a claim against the University, the claim should be referred to the Claims Management Office for that campus. The Claims Management Office will review the claim and make any payment that might be due to the individual making the claim.

Under no circumstances should a department, college or other unit on any campus pay money to settle a claim without the express approval of their campus Claims Management Office or the Office of University Counsel.

Instructions for Completing a Public Injury/Property Damage Report

When operating a facility open to the public, things can happen; people may get injured, and property may get damaged.   When an incident does occur you and/or your staff should complete the Public Injury/Property Damage Report form.  A campus-specific form can be found by using the ‘Public Injury/Property Damage Report’ link under the ‘Helpful Links’ section on the right hand side of this web page.  Please discontinue use of all versions prior to January 2010.

The Public Injury/Property Damage Report form is not an admission of fault by the University.   It is a means of gathering information surrounding the injury or damage that occurred.   The details provided assist the Office of Workers' Compensation and Claims Management in conducting a further investigation of the incident.

Your Responsibility:

  • Assess the situation and contact appropriate authorities as needed
  • Document the incident using the campus-specific Report form (the Report form is provided as a tool to gather the information)
  • Show concern, but don't make any promises or financial commitments on behalf of the University
  • If possible, answer questions or direct them elsewhere.   For example, if the harmed party asks “What is the University going to do about this?”, then your response would be, “My responsibility is to document the information.   Any questions should be directed to the Office of Workers' Compensation and Claims Management.” 
  • Immediately submit the form to the location indicated at the bottom of the form. 

Office of Workers' Compensation and Claims Management's Responsibility:

  • Investigate the incident to determine if the University is legally responsible
  • If necessary, communicate with the “harmed” party
  • Involve appropriate campus personnel if a safety issue is identified

Last Updated: January 27, 2010