As a leader in your fraternal organization, you are aware of the risk of claims your organization faces every day.
A guest or volunteer could get injured, whether tripping on a rug or slipping on a wet floor. Property damage could occur through severe weather like hail, wind and floods. Your directors and officers could make an unpopular decision and face backlash from other members or the community.
Unfortunately, part of running your organization means facing these potential claims, which is why it’s crucial to have a trusted insurance partner.
Below, we explore three common claims fraternal organizations face and elaborate on why tailored insurance matters.
3 of the Most Common Claims Against Fraternal Organizations
1. Liquor Liability Claims Against Fraternal Organizations
Liquor liability claims are always a leading cause of loss for fraternal organizations that serve alcohol. We recently saw claims that alleged:
- Patron was overserved, slipped and fell, sustaining broken bones.
- Guest was physically attacked by a patron who had been overserved.
- Patron was overserved and found responsible for an at-fault vehicle accident.
- Patron was overserved, received a DUI charge and sustained an injury that required surgery.
To reduce your organization’s risk of a similar claim, be sure to:
- Enforce the legal drinking age.
- Have policies in place to ensure patrons are not overserved.
- Supply plenty of snacks to help absorb alcohol.
- Stop serving alcoholic drinks at least one hour before the bar closes or the end of a party.
- Encourage guests to choose a designated driver and post information about local ride share or taxi options.
- Require your servers to complete alcohol server training.
2. Premises Liability Claims Against Fraternal Organizations
Slip and fall accidents are also a common occurrence at fraternal organizations. Recent claims related to falls include:
- A patron slipped on the ice after an event.
- After a cookout, a member fell on the lawn.
- A piece of furniture broke, causing the member to fall and break their hip.
To reduce the risk of slips, trips and falls at your property, consider these tips:
- Clean up all spills right away and place caution signs around the area to draw attention.
- Have proper lighting in all areas so members can see where they are walking.
- Do not run extension cords along walkways.
- Clearly mark steps and changes in elevation with bright colored paint and reflective tape.
- Repair uneven sidewalks, loose gravel, potholes and other hazards.
- Install sturdy, secure handrails along steps, ramps or sloping surfaces.
3. Kitchen Safety Claims Against Fraternal Organizations
Recent claims due to fire caused substantial property damage.
In one claim, the fire started from an unknown source inside the building, damaging the building, its roof and possessions within.
In another, a fire started in the kitchen and destroyed much of the building. The remaining structure sustained substantial soot, water and smoke damage.
Fires can be detrimental to fraternal organizations. To reduce the risk of a fire at your property, consider these tips:
- Follow guidance from organizations like the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
- Identify key fire risks, such as cooking appliances, electrical equipment, power strips, lighting and more.
- Install smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers.
- Remember to practice grill safety.
Protecting Your Post Against Claims
While it may feel that claims can be inevitable from time to time, there are steps to take to help ensure your organization is better protected.
- Implement risk management tactics, like a severe weather plan, safety improvements for Post property and volunteer waiver requirements.
- Ensure your special events are properly insured.
- Purchase your property, workers’ compensation, and crime insurance coverage from a trusted company.
- Report incidents to your insurance company quickly and thoroughly.
Lockton Affinity partnered with the VFW nearly 40 years ago to meet the insurance needs of Posts like yours by offering tailored insurance, support from customer service representatives with industry knowledge, risk management resources to prevent claims and more.
As a Lockton Affinity policyholder, you can rest assured that our team is here to support you. Whether you’d like support with your risk management plan or have questions about your claim risk, we’re here to help your organization.