Since Three Arbor specializes in insurance placement for powerline construction & repair companies, we thought it would be helpful to share some real-life claims scenarios that have occurred over the years.
Auto Claims
These are the most common types of claims we see for powerline contractors. Big, heavy trucks driven by over-worked and sometimes inexperienced drivers can be a recipe for disaster. Even the most seasoned bucket truck drivers can experience claims given the right (or wrong) circumstances.
An employee driving a heavy bucket truck took a curve on a wet road too fast and slid into oncoming traffic. The two passengers of the oncoming vehicle suffered serious injuries and incurred many medical bills along with lost income. This claim paid out over $1M.
Workers Compensation Claims
These are our second most common types of claims for powerline contractors. Powerline contractors are injured quite a bit on the job. Due to the nature of their work, these injuries are rarely minor. Safety training is a must, but even with the best training and supervision, accidents still happen.
A journeyman lineman climbed a power pole insisting to use his own safety harness. As he approached about 25 feet up the pole, his harness failed to support him as he forgot to clip in his backup clip. This individual fell 25 feet causing significant injuries and nearly died. Workers Comp insurance paid out over $500,000 in medical bills and lost wages. This person still has physical therapy to this day which workers comp is still paying for.
General Liability Claims
Powerline contractors typically do an exceptional job in providing quick and reliable services to get power restored to a community. Because of that, general liability claims are not all too common, however they do occur.
A powerline contractor was in the process of changing out an energized line when he dropped the line to the ground. The live wire hit the ground which was covered in dry grass and caught fire. Fortunately, the fire was contained prior to reaching a nearby residence a few hundred feet away, however this could have been much worse. The general liability insurance company paid for the damages to the property. Fortunately, this claim was minimal, however had others been nearby when the wire fell, this claim could have resulted in major property damage or even death costing the insurance company millions.
As an owner or an employee of a powerline construction business, it’s critical to be intentional about the safety of your people and their operations. Should something go wrong, insurance is there to protect you financially. Give us a call to see how we can help you better protect your business so that you can continue helping communities keep the lights on when they need it most.
