AVMA PLIT lists top claims for business insurance

 

The AVMA PLIT recently released results of an analysis of 12,483 claims submitted between Jan. 1, 2007, and June 30, 2011, by participants in its business insurance program for veterinarians.

 

Injury from animal contact was the most common workers’ compensation claim, leading to 82 percent of claims in the category and losses of $15 million. The mean cost of a workers’ compensation claim resulting from an animal bite or scratch was $1,629.

 

Injuries from slips, trips, and falls were the most common general liability claim and the most expensive workers’ compensation claim. The mean cost of a claim resulting from an injury from a slip, trip, or fall was $11,401.

 

Seventy percent of general liability claims resulted from such injuries to clients, vendors, and visitors. Overall losses related to slips, trips, and falls totaled $6.5 million.

 

Damage from severe weather was the most common and most expensive property claim. Damage from wind, hail, or lightning sparking a fire accounted for 68 percent of property losses, for a total of $6 million. Claims averaged $12,541.