RISK MANAGEMENT
GENERAL INFORMATION
PURPOSE
The Safety Office handles the Risk Management program at the university. The purpose of the program is to protect employees and property at the university through a variety of insurance and loss control programs.
CERTIFICATE OF COVERAGE
You may send a Certificate of Insurance Coverage or have one sent from the Safety Office. Please have available the name and address of the company, who you want the certificate sent to, the purpose, and the period of coverage.
FILING A CLAIM
General Liability: In order to protect your right to file a liability claim against the Commonwealth, you must adhere to the Virginia Tort Claims Act which can be found in the Code of Virginia beginning at Section 8.01-195. Notice of Claim is found in Section 8.01-195.6 and Statute of Limitations is found in Section 8.01-195.7. To file a general liability or medical malpractice claim the claimant must send a letter by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the Virginia Division of Risk Management, PO Box 1879, Richmond, VA. 23218-1879. The letter should state what happened, why the claimant believes the university was negligent and what reimbursement the claimant is seeking. Include copies of all medical bills and invoices for lost or damaged property. If you have any questions, please call the Division of Risk Management at 804-786-3152.
Property: To file a claim for university property, obtain copies of invoices for the lost or damaged property, copies of invoices for repair or replacement items, and a copy of the Police Report, if applicable. You must repair/replace the lost property before a claim can be filed. The State reimburses the university for replacement with the same item or its nearest equivalent. If you chose to upgrade, the State will only pay the cost of the lost item. Send all information to the University's Safety Office, PO Box 6909. A $2,000 deductible applies to property loss claims and must be paid by the department filing the claim. The University’s property insurance does not cover the personal property of employees or students unless the university needed the property and a person in authority stated this in writing.
Automobile: Damage to your automobile caused by something other than a state vehicle (e.g., rock thrown by a mower) is handled in the same manner as a general liability claim. Obtain two written estimates. If you need a rental vehicle while your car is being repaired, include an estimate in your letter to Risk Management. Damage to your car and/or injury claims caused by a state vehicle are handled through Crawford & Company. Please call Wanda Brooks or Jay Bey at 866-219-6120. Please fill out an accident report and send it to the Safety Office at PO Box 6909, Radford, VA 24142. Report all accidents involving state or rental vehicles to Crawford & Company.
Volunteers: Authorized volunteers seeking payment for medical bills must send a letter by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the Department of the Treasury, Director of Risk Management, PO Box 1879, Richmond, VA. 23218. The letter should state what happened and what reimbursement the claimant is seeking. Include copies of medical bills, medical reports, doctor's orders etc., to substantiate your claim. Medical bills alone are not sufficient. Be sure to include your telephone number and address in the letter. Claims for medical expenses from the incident can be sent in as they occur, with no time constraints. It is not necessary to wait and send in one claim. Also, be sure to include proof that you were an authorized volunteer acting in your official capacity when you were injured.
INTERNS
Radford University students engaged in internships under the teaching supervision of
university faculty are protected by the Commonwealth’s general liability insurance
and, if a health care provider, medical malpractice insurance. Limits are $2,000,000 for general liability and
$1,850,000
for medical incidents. Students must be engaged in activities that are part of the
approved course practicum. There is no coverage for activities that the student may engage
in on his/her own that is not part of the official course work.
VOLUNTEERS
General liability coverage of $2,000,000 is extended to volunteers as long as they are acting in an authorized capacity on behalf of the university. Coverage is also provided to authorized volunteers for incidental medical payments in an amount not to exceed $10,000. To ensure that volunteers are covered, a statement must be on file signed by a person in authority (supervisor, manager, director, or dean) containing the name of the volunteer, activities the volunteer will be doing, and the date and time of the activities. Please send a copy of the signed statement to the Safety Office at box 6909.
LIABILITY COVERAGE
All workers at the university (full time, wage, student workers) have general liability coverage of $2,000,000 and, if a health care provider, medical malpractice coverage of $1,850,000. Coverage is extended to employees as long as they are acting within the course and scope of their employment. This coverage is also extended to interns and volunteers as long as they are acting in an authorized capacity. Acts of fraud, dishonesty, or acts of intentional, malicious or willful and wanton misconduct may not be covered.
MEDICAL INSURANCE
The university does not carry blanket medical insurance on students, visitors, or employees nor does the university assume responsibility for all accidents that occur on campus. It is the individual's responsibility to ensure that he/she has proper medical coverage. Liability claims may be made against the Commonwealth of Virginia if a claimant believes the university was responsible for his/her injury. Please call the Safety Office at 831-7790 for information on how to file a claim.
WAIVER
The following general waiver has been approved by the Attorney General's Office and may be used by departments at the university:
I agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Commonwealth of Virginia, Radford University, their agents, employees, and officials from any and all costs, damages or loss, claims, liability, expenses (including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees and expenses) or injuries caused by or arising out of my participation in this activity.