The “Monday morning surprise” — the term for when an employee approaches you on the first morning of the working week to report an injury he or she sustained at work on Friday — can be a dreaded situation for an employer.

Nearly all organizations face this at some point and the injury report is likely to trigger an agonizing chain of events, according to a report by the Society of Human Resource Management.

The Monday morning surprise comes with several questions. Is the injury truly work-related?

Could it be a case of cumulative effects? Was this an injury sustained over the weekend, on the employee’s personal time? Do you have evidence to prove it?

The injury could be legitimate (especially if it involves the musculoskeletal system) or due to cumulative exposure, but employers should be wary of instances where an employee clocks out of a shift on Friday with no reported injury and returns on Monday with an injury.

That’s a red flag for workers’ comp fraud.

What not to do

Workers’ compensation fraud experts recommend that you do not:

• Spy on employees — If the employer plays investigator and creates a Big Brother atmosphere of spying on workers, especially when they’re injured, a huge divide in trust is created between employees and managers. When a supervisor functions as a spy, employees are quick to notice and feel devalued.

• Have employees sign a no-injury pledge — While the intent may be positive, to eliminate work-related injuries and illnesses, such an agreement discourages early reporting and could deter a worker from reporting an actual injury that gets worse over time.

• Restrict employees’ personal activities — The range of activities outside of work that could be deemed too risky for employees is impossible to define, and is not legally defensible. An employer who tries to dictate employees’ personal lives will end up with disgruntled workers.

What you can do

First you should put a policy in place that all workplace injuries should be reported to management on the day they occur. That way, the employer can investigate immediately and talk to other staff that may have witnessed the event.

The more time that goes by, the less likely that witnesses will remember anything pertinent to the claim investigation.

As you gather the facts on your injured worker, be sure to address how and when the injury occurred. Did they cite a very specific incident, or was it a gradual onset that worsened over time? If it was gradual, how long ago did the symptoms start? Did the pain stay in the same location, or is it moving around into extremities? Is it worse now after some rest or is it feeling better?

You should ask the employee why they are only reporting it on Monday, instead of Friday when the injury occurred. Often it could be an honest mistake.

Perhaps they told a supervisor who didn’t kick the information to management. Or perhaps they didn’t report it because they didn’t want to go to a clinic and thought they’d feel better after the weekend.

But the biggest violation may not be the employee’s fault, it could be yours. If they did not know they were supposed to tell you about a near-miss or incident-only injury, that’s due to poor communication on your part. Workers need to know that should any incident happen, they are required to report it.

End-of-week employee injury statement

One way to address the Monday morning surprise is to develop an “End-of-Week Employee Injury Statement.”

Your accounting department can attach something like the following statement to each employee’s paycheck:

I have not received or witnessed any injury during the course of this week’s work with [Employer Name Here.]

Employees would be required to complete the form, sign it and return it to their supervisor.

The benefits of such a reporting program include:

• Employees reporting workplace injuries in a timely manner.

• Improved management-worker communications.

• Strengthened accident prevention and employee safety.

• The ability to reconcile injuries that have occurred and to alert supervisors and management of hazardous conditions and unreported injuries.

• The identification of witnesses who should be interviewed during accident investigations.

It should be noted, however, that the use of an end-of-week statement would not be defensible against a claim for benefits at the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board, but it could be used to establish the condition of the employee leading up to the at-work injury.

If you would like to speak with us call Gary Wallach at 914-806-5853 or click here to email or click here to visit our website.

BGES Group’s office, located in Larchmont, NY is a full service insurance agency offering, Property, Liability, Umbrella Liability, Business Auto, Bid & Performance Bonds, Inland Marine, Worker’s Compensation, Workers Compensation Premium Recovery, New York State Disability, Group Health, Life insurance, Personal lines and Identity Theft.

Special Contractor Insurance Programs (NY, NJ, CT) – We we have 50+ insurance companies to market your general liability, umbrella liability, business auto, workers compensation, bid & performance bonds and group health coverages. We help contractors set up proper risk transfer. If you’re a contractor we offer extensive information about insurance markets, coverages, risk transfer, subcontractor screening, ways to lower your insurance costs.

BGES Group are Worker’s Compensation Specialists for the States of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut – Issues we address: 1) Lowering pricing – we have specialty programs that can save you up to 40%; 2) Finding a new company; 3) Replacing policies that are being cancelled or non renewed; 4) Audit disputes; 5) Company creating fictitious payroll at audit time; 6) Lowering high experience modifications factors; 7) Misclassification of payrolls; 8) Lowering or eliminating renewal deposits;  9) Getting coverage when you’ve been without for a few months; 10) Covering multiple states under one policy; 11) Eliminating 10% service or policy fees; 12) Timely issuance of certificates; 13) Always being able to get someone on the phone or by email when you need to.

If you would like to speak with us call Gary Wallach at 914-806-5853 or click here to email or click here to visit our website.

Company: BGES Group, 216A Larchmont Acres West, Larchmont, NY 10538

e-mail: bgesgroup@gmail.com

website: http://www.bgesgroup.com

© – Copyright – 2023 – BGES Group

reporting workers compensation claim

workers compensation claim

Employers with 10 or more employees must post their completed OSHA Form 300A by Feb. 1 and keep it posted in their workplace until April 30.

The form must be posted where the company usually posts other employee notices, like minimum wage and workplace safety notices. Form 300A summarizes the total number of fatalities, missed workdays, job transfers or restrictions, and injuries and illnesses as recorded on Form 300.

The Annual Summary (Form 300A) requires the following information from the Form 300 Log:

• The total number of non-first-aid occupational injury and illness cases.

• The total number of cases with days away from work and cases with job transfer or restriction, and total number of other recordable cases.

• The cumulative total number of days from all injuries or illnesses, including days away from work and job transfer restrictions.

• The number of occupational injury/illness cases, including skin disorders, respiratory conditions, poisoning, hearing loss and all other illnesses.

Despite the form being relatively simple, many employers make mistakes filling it out. Here are the most common errors:

Keeping one log for multiple locations — Employers are required to keep one OSHA 300 Log per location where they have employees and that is in operation for a year or longer. The corresponding 300A form must also be posted at each location.

Improperly certifying the log — Under regulations, a company executive must certify the 300 Log and the 300A Annual Summary Form. An executive is defined as:

• An owner of the company,

• An officer of the corporation,

• The highest-ranking company official working at the location, or

• The immediate supervisor of the highest-ranking company official working at the location.

Listing all workers’ compensation cases — Only the injuries listed under the regulations must be included in the log. But deciphering OSHA’s recordkeeping rules to determine if an employee’s injury or illness is recordable is challenging.

The requirements and definitions differ significantly from those established under state workers’ compensation laws and, while there may be some overlap, some cases may be one and not the other.

It is important to only record and report those injuries that are required under the regulations, which require that an employer must record a work-related injury or illness if it results in one or more of the following:

• Death

• Days away from work

• Restricted work

• Transfer to another job

• Medical treatment beyond first aid

• Loss of consciousness

• Diagnosis by a physician or health care professional of a significant injury or illness.

Failing to record temp worker injuries — Regulations require that company employees and contract labor or temp worker injuries must be included in the OSHA 300 and OSHA 300A logs. The key is that the company must be in direct supervision of those workers.

Failing to post the form when there were no recordable injuries or illnesses — This is one of the most common mistakes that employers make. They think since they had no workplace injuries, the form does not need to be posted. That would be incorrect.

If you would like to speak with us call Gary Wallach at 914-806-5853 or click here to email or click here to visit our website.

BGES Group’s office, located in Larchmont, NY is a full service insurance agency offering, Property, Liability, Umbrella Liability, Business Auto, Bid & Performance Bonds, Inland Marine, Worker’s Compensation, Workers Compensation Premium Recovery, New York State Disability, Group Health, Life insurance, Personal lines and Identity Theft.

Special Contractor Insurance Programs (NY, NJ, CT) – We we have 50+ insurance companies to market your general liability, umbrella liability, business auto, workers compensation, bid & performance bonds and group health coverages. We help contractors set up proper risk transfer. If you’re a contractor we offer extensive information about insurance markets, coverages, risk transfer, subcontractor screening, ways to lower your insurance costs.

BGES Group are Worker’s Compensation Specialists for the States of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut – Issues we address: 1) Lowering pricing – we have specialty programs that can save you up to 40%; 2) Finding a new company; 3) Replacing policies that are being cancelled or non renewed; 4) Audit disputes; 5) Company creating fictitious payroll at audit time; 6) Lowering high experience modifications factors; 7) Misclassification of payrolls; 8) Lowering or eliminating renewal deposits;  9) Getting coverage when you’ve been without for a few months; 10) Covering multiple states under one policy; 11) Eliminating 10% service or policy fees; 12) Timely issuance of certificates; 13) Always being able to get someone on the phone or by email when you need to.

If you would like to speak with us call Gary Wallach at 914-806-5853 or click here to email or click here to visit our website.

Company: BGES Group, 216A Larchmont Acres West, Larchmont, NY 10538

e-mail: bgesgroup@gmail.com

website: http://www.bgesgroup.com

© – Copyright – 2023 – BGES Group

It is very common for the insurance requirements in a construction contract to include a provision requiring the subcontractor to waive all rights against the owner and general contractor for recovery of damages to the extent these damages are covered by the sub’s workers’ compensation and general liability or commercial umbrella liability insurance. Owners and general contractors insist on this provision because they want to protect themselves from being held liable for injuries to a subcontractor’s employee. Typically, the contractor giving the waiver asks its insurance company to attach a “waiver of subrogation endorsement” to its workers’ compensation policy.

The endorsement states that the insurance will company will not enforce its right to recover payments it makes to an injured worker from the person or organization listed on the endorsement. It applies only to the extent that the employer insured by the policy performs work under a written contract requiring the employer to obtain the insurance company’s waiver. It does not directly or indirectly benefit anyone not listed on the endorsement. With this endorsement on the policy, the company cannot attempt to recover payments it made to an injured worker from the company listed on the endorsement, even if that company was responsible for the injury. Consequently, the loss impacts the employer’s experience modification, probably increasing future premiums. In addition, the endorsement carries an additional premium for the employer, normally some percentage of the premium attributable to the job.

The endorsement and the waiver agreement in the contract do not bind the injured employee. He still has the ability to sue the owner and general contractor for his injuries. However, it is also common for construction contracts to require the subcontractor to defend and indemnify the owner and general contractor from any such suits. Therefore, it is probable that the employer will have to pay an additional premium for the endorsement, pay higher future workers’ compensation premiums for the loss, and pay higher future liability insurance premiums because its policy will cover the other parties’ liability.

For example, assume the sub’s employee suffers serious injuries when tools and materials fall off a scaffold and strike him. He collects workers’ compensation benefits for his medical costs and lost wages. The sub’s workers’ compensation policy includes the waiver of subrogation endorsement, so the insurance company cannot recover any of its payments. The worker sues the owner and general contractor for his pain and suffering. However, the contract requires the sub to cover the owner’s and general’s liability, so the sub’s liability insurance pays for the pain and suffering lawsuit. The sub’s insurance pays twice for the same injury to the same worker.

Owners and general contractors require waivers of subrogation for several reasons. Insurance consultants, brokers, and risk managers usually encourage them to require waivers. Waivers protect their liability insurance and reserve it for other claims. Because a waiver reduces potential liability losses, they become more attractive to liability insurance companies and probably pay lower premiums. Also, subcontractors often do not resist these requirements because they feel they lack negotiating leverage and their insurance companies are usually willing to provide the endorsement.

A few states have curbed the use of waivers of subrogation in their workers’ compensation systems. At least four states have passed laws making the requirements unenforceable, and other states allow the employer to recover from the injured employee some of the proceeds of pain and suffering lawsuits.

In the majority of states that allow waivers, contractors should work with professional insurance agents experienced in providing construction insurance. They can suggest insurance companies that will offer the needed coverages at a reasonable cost and assist with contractual issues such as waivers of subrogation. Above all, contractors must read and understand their contracts so that their agreements do not become an ugly surprise after a loss.

If you would like to speak with us call Gary Wallach at 914-806-5853 or click here to email or click here to visit our website.

BGES Group’s office, located in Larchmont, NY is a full service insurance agency offering, Property, Liability, Umbrella Liability, Business Auto, Bid & Performance Bonds, Inland Marine, Worker’s Compensation, Workers Compensation Premium Recovery, New York State Disability, Group Health, Life insurance, Personal lines and Identity Theft.

Special Contractor Insurance Programs (NY, NJ, CT) – We we have 50+ insurance companies to market your general liability, umbrella liability, business auto, workers compensation, bid & performance bonds and group health coverages. We help contractors set up proper risk transfer. If you’re a contractor we offer extensive information about insurance markets, coverages, risk transfer, subcontractor screening, ways to lower your insurance costs.

BGES Group are Worker’s Compensation Specialists for the States of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut – Issues we address: 1) Lowering pricing – we have specialty programs that can save you up to 40%; 2) Finding a new company; 3) Replacing policies that are being cancelled or non renewed; 4) Audit disputes; 5) Company creating fictitious payroll at audit time; 6) Lowering high experience modifications factors; 7) Misclassification of payrolls; 8) Lowering or eliminating renewal deposits;  9) Getting coverage when you’ve been without for a few months; 10) Covering multiple states under one policy; 11) Eliminating 10% service or policy fees; 12) Timely issuance of certificates; 13) Always being able to get someone on the phone or by email when you need to.

If you would like to speak with us call Gary Wallach at 914-806-5853 or click here to email or click here to visit our website.

Company: BGES Group, 216A Larchmont Acres West, Larchmont, NY 10538

e-mail: bgesgroup@gmail.com

website: http://www.bgesgroup.com

© – Copyright – 2023 – BGES Group

If employees are hurt on the job, workers’ compensation coverage will protect them. This coverage pays for lost wages, medical bills and any other related expenses workers incur while recovering. Since the number of scams with this type of insurance are very small, it is safe to assume that the majority of employees are honest about getting hurt. Another incentive for this is the requirement that a doctor must provide an assessment. If an employee were not really hurt, a doctor may be able to identify a false claim. However, some scam artists slip through the cracks, and the damage they cause is substantial enough that it costs billions of dollars every year. In addition to this, some employers skip paying premiums. Both offenses are considered workers’ comp fraud.

Although the scam rate is lower for workers’ comp than it is in other areas of insurance, the perpetrators are causing premiums to increase for everyone. This is costly for honest workers and businesses alike. When dishonest employees make bogus claims about injuries, their motives vary. One of the most common motives is free money. In most cases, the workers claiming to be injured have other jobs or secret businesses they use for additional income. Another motive is free vacation time. Many workers want to collect money and have time off to enjoy traveling, hobbies or other activities.

How Bogus Claims Work
There are several different ways workers can make claims and get away with their lies. The following paragraphs outline some of the most popular methods they use.

Exaggerated Injuries
If a worker is using this method, he or she will have a very minor injury. It may be a slight pain in the back, wrist or any other location. However, he or she will embellish the injury’s severity enough to take time off of work. After taking time off, the worker will usually claim that it is taking a long time to recover in order to collect more money.

Off-Site Injuries
People who get hurt while they are off the job may wait until they return to work to file a claim. They may fake an incident that would result in the same injury they sustained while away from work.

Fake Injuries
In some cases, workers may fabricate the details of a nonexistent injury. Some of the most popular scams involve soft-tissue damage. Back and neck problems are common claims. Since some of these are hard to disprove, employers may have to pick up the tab for a such a worker’s dishonesty.

While these are the most common methods used, some workers may use an old injury or malingering to gain money. With old injuries, workers pretend the damage is new in order to get out of work or to get paid for treating injuries they may not be able to afford to treat otherwise. Malingering is abusing the system by staying home longer than necessary.

Stolen Premiums
In some cases, workers’ comp fraud is committed by business owners who reduce the premiums they owe. Such premium scams may be hard to detect. If businesses use this method, they often hide their swindles behind covers, tax records, dummy companies or fake accounting records. Although the number of bogus claims made each year exceeds the number of premium scams, the scams have a much larger financial impact. One scam alone can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. If a scam lasts for several years, the total may reach into the millions.

Whether businesses are avoiding paying premiums, lying about the number of workers on the payroll or lying about workplace safety, workers comp fraud is a serious offense. Lying claimants and crooked doctors also face serious consequences if they are caught. Employers can fight back by being insured properly, making the workplace safer and making the environment at work a happy place for employees. To learn more about this type of fraud and how to prevent it, discuss concerns with an agent.

BGES Group’s office, located in Larchmont, NY is a full service insurance agency offering, Property, Liability, Umbrella Liability, Business Auto, Bid & Performance Bonds, Inland Marine, Worker’s Compensation, Workers Compensation Premium Recovery, New York State Disability, Group Health, Life insurance, Personal lines and Identity Theft.

Special Contractor Insurance Programs (NY, NJ, CT) – We we have 50+ insurance companies to market your general liability, umbrella liability, business auto, workers compensation, bid & performance bonds and group health coverages. We help contractors set up proper risk transfer. If you’re a contractor we offer extensive information about insurance markets, coverages, risk transfer, subcontractor screening, ways to lower your insurance costs.

BGES Group are Worker’s Compensation Specialists for the States of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut – Issues we address: 1) Lowering pricing – we have specialty programs that can save you up to 40%; 2) Finding a new company; 3) Replacing policies that are being cancelled or non renewed; 4) Audit disputes; 5) Company creating fictitious payroll at audit time; 6) Lowering high experience modifications factors; 7) Misclassification of payrolls; 8) Lowering or eliminating renewal deposits;  9) Getting coverage when you’ve been without for a few months; 10) Covering multiple states under one policy; 11) Eliminating 10% service or policy fees; 12) Timely issuance of certificates; 13) Always being able to get someone on the phone or by email when you need to.

If you would like to speak with us call Gary Wallach at 914-806-5853 or click here to email or click here to visit our website.

Company: BGES Group, 216A Larchmont Acres West, Larchmont, NY 10538

e-mail: bgesgroup@gmail.com

website: http://www.bgesgroup.com

© – Copyright – 2023 – BGES Group

Workers’ compensation premium fraud is costing honest employers millions of dollars every year – and endangering workers who are frequently exposed without workers comp protection.

Most people are familiar with fraudulent claims of injury on behalf of workers who fabricate or exaggerate their injuries to collect claims they aren’t entitled to.

That’s small potatoes next to employers who commit premium fraud.

In one recent case, California prosecutors announced the arrests of three individuals – Osvaldo Molina, 40, of Fresno, Fortino Galeno, 46, of Fresno, and Alicio Galeno, 41, of Los Angeles – for committing workers comp insurance fraud via their company, Floor Care Systems. The company solicited other businesses to clean their store and showroom floors, generally at night.

According to prosecutors, these men had concealed over $5 million in payroll from their insurance carrier. Molina and Fortino Galeno were each charged with 61 felony counts. Alicio Galeno was charged with 23 felony counts. Prosecutors alleged that they paid workers under the table, failed to pay them minimum wage or overtime in accordance with both federal and state laws, and even locked employees in their worksites without supervision. According to the State of California, the fraud has cost insurers an estimated $782,000 in workers’ compensation premiums and caused the State to miss out on $187,000 in withholdings.

In a similar case last year, the Liberty Mutual Insurance Company obtained a $1.4 million judgment against a company called Viking Industrial Security. In that case, Viking had actually maintained a false set of books. One set had a very small payroll, and that was what they disclosed to their insurers and to tax officials. That payroll was much smaller than their actual payroll. The fraud scheme was detailed and deliberate.

In that case, the insurance company was able to get a court order to download the company’s computer records, including its QuickBooks records. This court order allowed Liberty Mutual to prove the payroll fraud, and get a handle on the amounts at stake.

Viking’s owners compounded their error by attempting a fraudulent conveyance. That is, they attempted to transfer assets out of their own corporation into a brand new entity. The transfer had no legitimate business purpose other than to shield them from Liberty Mutual. This is illegal, and the courts entered a judgment against the new entity as well as against Viking.

This kind of fraud is much more difficult to detect than worker fraud. But the dollar amounts involved can be substantial.

Workers comp premium fraud, by its very nature, is almost always accompanied by tax evasion, including payroll tax fraud. While prosecutors come down heavy on all forms of fraud, the courts have taken a particularly hostile attitude toward employers who illegally withhold payroll taxes and who fail to deposit Social Security and Medicare taxes with the IRS. Don’t count on your corporation to separate your personal assets from your business assets, if you are guilty of this kind of fraud. Courts can and do routinely “pierce the corporate veil,” disallowing the limited liability benefits of corporations and LLCs in order to attack the personal assets of business owners who commit this kind of fraud.

Workers’ compensation fraud is generally governed by state law, so specifics vary with your jurisdiction. Business owners who commit egregious violations of the law are subject to severe fines and long jail terms, in addition to whatever civil penalties may apply. If a worker is injured, the business and possibly the owner who allowed the workplace fraud generally face liability for the worker’s cost of treatment.
And that’s before the IRS gets done with you for payroll tax fraud.

BGES Group’s office, located in Larchmont, NY is a full service insurance agency offering, Property, Liability, Umbrella Liability, Business Auto, Bid & Performance Bonds, Inland Marine, Worker’s Compensation, Workers Compensation Premium Recovery, New York State Disability, Group Health, Life insurance, Personal lines and Identity Theft.

Special Contractor Insurance Programs (NY, NJ, CT) – We we have 50+ insurance companies to market your general liability, umbrella liability, business auto, workers compensation, bid & performance bonds and group health coverages. We help contractors set up proper risk transfer. If you’re a contractor we offer extensive information about insurance markets, coverages, risk transfer, subcontractor screening, ways to lower your insurance costs.

BGES Group are Worker’s Compensation Specialists for the States of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut – Issues we address: 1) Lowering pricing – we have specialty programs that can save you up to 40%; 2) Finding a new company; 3) Replacing policies that are being cancelled or non renewed; 4) Audit disputes; 5) Company creating fictitious payroll at audit time; 6) Lowering high experience modifications factors; 7) Misclassification of payrolls; 8) Lowering or eliminating renewal deposits;  9) Getting coverage when you’ve been without for a few months; 10) Covering multiple states under one policy; 11) Eliminating 10% service or policy fees; 12) Timely issuance of certificates; 13) Always being able to get someone on the phone or by email when you need to.

If you would like to speak with us call Gary Wallach at 914-806-5853 or click here to email or click here to visit our website.

Company: BGES Group, 216A Larchmont Acres West, Larchmont, NY 10538

e-mail: bgesgroup@gmail.com

website: http://www.bgesgroup.com

© – Copyright – 2023 – BGES Group

As unpredictable weather like the pummeling rains that hit the West Coast in early 2023 grow across the country, businesses that are not properly insured could be left paying for damage to their properties out of pocket.

With flooding events increasing, it’s noteworthy that many companies located in or near flood zones do not carry commercial flood insurance, without which any damage their properties sustain won’t be covered. Damage from flooding, including inundation generated by a hurricane-generated storm surge, typically is not covered under a standard commercial policy, including a commercial package policy or a business owner’s policy.

Companies located in flood plains will usually carry some flood insurance, but 30% of all floods in the U.S. occur outside such areas. As the recent storms in California illustrate, even businesses and homes located outside of flood plains are at risk.

The main source for coverage is the National Flood Insurance Plan (NFIP), a federally backed program. There are also a handful of private carriers that offer flood insurance. We can help you secure the best coverage for your needs and situation.

What does flood insurance cover?

First off: If your commercial property is located in a high-risk flood area and you have a mortgage from a federally regulated or insured lender, you are required to purchase a flood insurance policy. But as mentioned above, properties outside of designated flood zones can also flood. 

Insurance covers damage to your building and contents caused by flooding.

This includes losses resulting from water overflowing rivers or streams, heavy or prolonged rain, storm surge, snow melt, blocked storm drainage systems, broken dams or levees, or other similar causes.

Also, damage from mold and mildew resulting from the after-effects of a flood is covered, but each case is evaluated on an individual basis.

Mold and mildew conditions that existed prior to a flooding event are not covered, and after a flood, the policyholder is responsible for taking reasonable and appropriate mitigation actions to eliminate mold and mildew.

On the other hand, if water comes from above — for instance from rain or melting snow overflowing gutters and leaking onto your inventory — you’ll be covered by your standard commercial property insurance.

What’s my risk for flooding?

If you are not in a designated flood plain, the best general indicator for the risk you face is whether your commercial property is at ground level or on an elevation.

Location is the most important factor for weighing your risk. Is your business situated in or near a flood zone? Flood map search tools can be found online.

If not in a flood zone, is it near the coast or a river, lake or stream. As seen in the past, even areas with low flood risk can also be inundated during particularly heavy storms.

Also consider in which parts of the building your businesses equipment and inventory are located. Anything housed on a lower floor, for instance, will be at greater risk.

Where can I get coverage?

Flood insurance is available from the NFIP and some private insurers. However, NFIP coverage can only be purchased through an insurance professional; you cannot buy it directly from the federal government.

Feel free to call us about your options and a review of your property.

Important: Typically, there’s a 30-day waiting period from date of purchase before your policy goes into effect. This is to keep firms from purchasing a policy just before an expected deluge or when it looks like their property may imminently flood.

Limits

Commercial flood insurance premiums can cost a few hundred dollars a month up to several thousand dollars a year. The best way to calculate the amount of coverage you need and what you require from a flood insurance policy is to consult us.

Policies typically provide up to $500,000 of coverage for your building and up to $500,000 for its contents.

You can purchase what’s called excess insurance coverage to rebuild properties valued above those limits. This type of coverage usually includes protection against business interruption.

Think ahead

Don’t wait too long. As mentioned above, most flood policies won’t take effect until 30 days after the purchase, so you can’t wait until a threat surfaces to make this decision.

BGES Group’s office, located in Larchmont, NY is a full service insurance agency offering, Property, Liability, Umbrella Liability, Business Auto, Bid & Performance Bonds, Inland Marine, Worker’s Compensation, Workers Compensation Premium Recovery, New York State Disability, Group Health, Life insurance, Personal lines and Identity Theft.

Special Contractor Insurance Programs (NY, NJ, CT) – We we have 50+ insurance companies to market your general liability, umbrella liability, business auto, workers compensation, bid & performance bonds and group health coverages. We help contractors set up proper risk transfer. If you’re a contractor we offer extensive information about insurance markets, coverages, risk transfer, subcontractor screening, ways to lower your insurance costs.

BGES Group are Worker’s Compensation Specialists for the States of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut – Issues we address: 1) Lowering pricing – we have specialty programs that can save you up to 40%; 2) Finding a new company; 3) Replacing policies that are being cancelled or non renewed; 4) Audit disputes; 5) Company creating fictitious payroll at audit time; 6) Lowering high experience modifications factors; 7) Misclassification of payrolls; 8) Lowering or eliminating renewal deposits;  9) Getting coverage when you’ve been without for a few months; 10) Covering multiple states under one policy; 11) Eliminating 10% service or policy fees; 12) Timely issuance of certificates; 13) Always being able to get someone on the phone or by email when you need to.

If you would like to speak with us call Gary Wallach at 914-806-5853 or click here to email or click here to visit our website.

Company: BGES Group, 216A Larchmont Acres West, Larchmont, NY 10538

e-mail: bgesgroup@gmail.com

website: http://www.bgesgroup.com

© – Copyright – 2023 – BGES Group

12 Ways:

1. We represent GREAT construction insurance programs for New York contractors (we cover the tri-state area).  We have a program that if you fit, can save you up to 50% and provides excellent coverage too!

2. We have programs for low risk contractors i.e. electricians and plumbers to high risk i.e. restoration and asbestos.

3. Our pricing can be up to 35%+ less than other companies.  We saved a NYC restoration contractor $100,000+, an upstate demolition contractor $30,000+, a Queens HVAC contractor $26,000.

4. Unhappy with your Umbrella Liability pricing?  We have a company that   can save you up to 35%+ on pricing.  Coverage is better than most other carriers too!

5. We are “Construction Insurance Specialists.”  Ninety five percent of our client’s are contractors.  We’ve been insuring contractors since 1981 and unlike most brokers who are order takers, we know what we are doing!

6. We understand coverage forms, exclusions, restrictions and warranties.  We obtain quotes from companies that best fit your coverage needs.  Note most brokers DO NOT understand the policies they sell.  They obtain quotes, present them to you with a list of exclusions, BUYER BEWARE!

7. Unhappy with your Workers’ Compensation company?  We have a program that has been around for 20+ years, offers great pricing, coverage and long-term coverage stability.  We also offer every conceivable option available i.e. a program that does not do invasive annual audits…may not have to do an audit at all!

8. We get the job done when others can’t.  We pull off miracles for contractors with bad losses or considered “High Risk” i.e restoration.  IF YOU ARE NOT HAPPY WITH WHAT YOU HAVE CALL 914-806-5853 NOW…WE ANSWER 7 DAYS A WEEK!

9. We offer property, builders risk, inland marine, general liability, umbrella liability, cyber, auto, bid & performance bonds, workers compensation, disability and group health.  We also offer personal lines coverages.

10. We offer quick issuance of certificates.

11. When you call, you get us on the phone in seconds.  When you email we respond immediately.  When you text we text you right back.  You get to deal with a 42 veteran who treats everyone like a “Very Important Person!”

12. We are transparent, straight shooters.   We are “Old School” and have integrity, over time you will trust us because we do what we say and do not bull__it.

Here is What Client’s Say About Us:

Elena E.

My broker, Gary Wallach, is the BEST!  He’s professional and a pleasure to deal with. Always has the answers for me and is quick to respond to my emails and phone calls. This is one reason I remain a loyal BGES Group customer. Good Rates on all my insurance needs too!

Richard L

Gary was very Helpful and Fast. He listened to my complicated insurance problem tried to solve it from different approaches before finding the best course of action for me. He selflessly spent a lot of time making sure that leaving the State Insurance Fund was definitely necessary before using his services. I am 100% happy with his services. I can’t recommend him highly enough.

Lawrence A

Gary is one of a kind broker. He always respond to our emails right away. He always do his best to find the right policy for us. It is a pleasure to work with, he is always there when you need him.

Peter D

Gary Wallach and the BGES Group has been vital in updating and offering continuing coverage for our insurance needs. Gary is always extremely helpful and responsive for any questions that arise. He is always willing to explain and provide updates on what may be needed. We at PDA, Inc. are very grateful for the support that he continues to offer us!

WP Blue

We have been using Gary and his services for over 10 years now. He is absolutely amazing. Always right on top of things. Answers you back quickly and helps you through all your issues! Gets you certificates of insurances within the hour. We can’t recommend him enough!

If you would like to speak with us call Gary Wallach at 914-806-5853 or click here to email or click here to visit our website.

BGES Group’s office, located in Larchmont, NY is a full service insurance agency offering, Property, Liability, Umbrella Liability, Business Auto, Bid & Performance Bonds, Inland Marine, Worker’s Compensation, Workers Compensation Premium Recovery, New York State Disability, Group Health, Life insurance, Personal lines and Identity Theft.

Special Contractor Insurance Programs (NY, NJ, CT) – We we have 50+ insurance companies to market your general liability, umbrella liability, business auto, workers compensation, bid & performance bonds and group health coverages. We help contractors set up proper risk transfer. If you’re a contractor we offer extensive information about insurance markets, coverages, risk transfer, subcontractor screening, ways to lower your insurance costs.

BGES Group are Worker’s Compensation Specialists for the States of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut – Issues we address: 1) Lowering pricing – we have specialty programs that can save you up to 40%; 2) Finding a new company; 3) Replacing policies that are being cancelled or non renewed; 4) Audit disputes; 5) Company creating fictitious payroll at audit time; 6) Lowering high experience modifications factors; 7) Misclassification of payrolls; 8) Lowering or eliminating renewal deposits;  9) Getting coverage when you’ve been without for a few months; 10) Covering multiple states under one policy; 11) Eliminating 10% service or policy fees; 12) Timely issuance of certificates; 13) Always being able to get someone on the phone or by email when you need to.

If you would like to speak with us call Gary Wallach at 914-806-5853 or click here to email or click here to visit our website.

Company: BGES Group, 216A Larchmont Acres West, Larchmont, NY 10538

e-mail: bgesgroup@gmail.com

website: http://www.bgesgroup.com

© – Copyright – 2023 – BGES Group

As a bomb cyclone seems to be the new norm every winter in the United States, Fed-OSHA has issued a reminder for workers and their employers to be aware of the hazards associated with storm recovery work and working in cold weather.

Cold and snowy conditions can expose outdoor workers to frostbite, hypothermia and cold stress, all of which can be fatal. On top of that, working in snowy or stormy conditions poses a number of other dangers to outdoor workers, such as more risk of slips, trips and falls, dangerous driving conditions, getting stuck in a vehicle, and more.

As work in these conditions is often harried, safety protocols can easily be overlooked. That’s why it’s important that employers and their workers understand the safety issues they face and mitigate against injury or exposure.

Guarding against exposure

OSHA says employers should monitor the wind-chill temperature to better prepare their employees to work safely.

It is also important to monitor workers’ physical condition during tasks, especially new employees who may not be used to working in the cold, or those returning after spending some time away from work.

Follow these work practices to stay safe in cold weather:

• Know the symptoms of cold stress: reddening skin, tingling, pain, swelling, leg cramps, numbness and blisters.

• Dress properly; wear at least three layers of loose-fitting clothing, insulated gloves and boots, and cover your head.

• Monitor your physical condition and that of your co-workers.

• Stay dry and pack extra clothes; moisture can increase heat loss from the body.

• Take frequent breaks in warm, dry areas.

• Drink warm liquids.

Other dangers

In addition to exposure, there are other winter weather-related hazards that workers may be exposed to, such as falls, slips, exposure, structural collapse, lacerations, struck-by hazards and electric shock.

Dangers facing workers include:

Winter driving — Promote safe driving behavior by ensuring workers recognize the hazards of winter weather driving, for example, driving on snow/ice-covered roads; are properly trained for driving in winter weather conditions; and are licensed (as applicable) for the vehicles they operate.

Work zone traffic safety — Set up work zones with the traffic controls identified by signs, cones, barrels and barriers, in order to protect workers. Workers exposed to vehicular traffic should wear an appropriate high-visibility vest at all times.

Stranded in a vehicle — If a worker is stranded in a vehicle, they should stay in the vehicle and call for emergency assistance if needed. They should notify their supervisor of their situation and not leave the vehicle to search for assistance unless help is visible within 100 yards.

Shoveling snow — During snow removal, in addition to following the tips for avoiding cold stress such as taking frequent breaks in warm areas, workers should warm up before the activity, scoop small amounts of snow at a time and, where possible, push the snow instead of lifting it.

Using powered equipment like snow blowers — Snow blowers can cause lacerations or amputations when operators attempt to clear jams with the equipment turned on. Workers should never attempt to clear a jam by hand.

Instead, they should first turn the snow blower off and wait for all moving parts to stop, and then use a long stick to clear wet snow or debris from the machine, keeping their hands and feet away from moving parts. 

Preventing slips on snow and ice — To prevent slips, trips and falls, employers should clear walking surfaces of snow and ice and spread de-icer, as quickly as possible after a winter storm.

In addition, workers should wear insulated and water-resistant boots with good rubber treads when walking on snow or ice is unavoidable. Keeping a pair of rubber over-shoes with good treads which fit over your street shoes is a good idea during the winter months.

Workers should take short steps and walk at a slower pace so they can react quickly to a change in traction, when walking on an icy or snow-covered walkway.

If you would like to speak with us call Gary Wallach at 914-806-5853 or click here to email or click here to visit our website.

BGES Group’s office, located in Larchmont, NY is a full service insurance agency offering, Property, Liability, Umbrella Liability, Business Auto, Bid & Performance Bonds, Inland Marine, Worker’s Compensation, Workers Compensation Premium Recovery, New York State Disability, Group Health, Life insurance, Personal lines and Identity Theft.

Special Contractor Insurance Programs (NY, NJ, CT) – We we have 50+ insurance companies to market your general liability, umbrella liability, business auto, workers compensation, bid & performance bonds and group health coverages. We help contractors set up proper risk transfer. If you’re a contractor we offer extensive information about insurance markets, coverages, risk transfer, subcontractor screening, ways to lower your insurance costs.

BGES Group are Worker’s Compensation Specialists for the States of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut – Issues we address: 1) Lowering pricing – we have specialty programs that can save you up to 40%; 2) Finding a new company; 3) Replacing policies that are being cancelled or non renewed; 4) Audit disputes; 5) Company creating fictitious payroll at audit time; 6) Lowering high experience modifications factors; 7) Misclassification of payrolls; 8) Lowering or eliminating renewal deposits;  9) Getting coverage when you’ve been without for a few months; 10) Covering multiple states under one policy; 11) Eliminating 10% service or policy fees; 12) Timely issuance of certificates; 13) Always being able to get someone on the phone or by email when you need to.

If you would like to speak with us call Gary Wallach at 914-806-5853 or click here to email or click here to visit our website.

Company: BGES Group, 216A Larchmont Acres West, Larchmont, NY 10538

e-mail: bgesgroup@gmail.com

website: http://www.bgesgroup.com

© – Copyright – 2022 – BGES Group

OSHA Tips for Working Safely During Blizzard Recovery and in Cold Weather

There are many issues that can cause setbacks for businesses. Electrical fires can damage inventory and equipment as well as shut down a business temporarily. Customer injuries can lead to lawsuits, natural disasters can destroy property and burglaries can result in thousands of dollars of losses in equipment and valuables.

After any of the above events you’ll have to file a claim with your insurer. But if you aren’t prepared, take too long to file your claim or fail to document all of your losses, you may not receive a full claims payout. You can avoid that by following these tips:

Gather all the information — Before you file a claim, you have to first understand what happened, because the insurer and your claims adjuster will need detailed accounts of the event and circumstances leading up to it.

Look at the insurance policy to see if there are any other necessary steps to take. Some policies include instructions about what to do if certain types of insurable losses occur.

Don’t procrastinate during this time. It’s important that you quickly collect and document all the pertinent information.

File a claim with your insurer — The most efficient way to get your claim started is by contacting the insurance carrier directly.

The best way to get the claim underway is by visiting your carrier’s website and going through their claims process. Many offer a convenient online method, but also provide an 800 number to call if you prefer to speak to someone one-on-one.

Whether you do it online or over the phone, you will be walked through the claims intake process. Be prepared to provide the information you gathered in the first step because your insurance company will need to know all the details about what and when it happened to properly assess your claim.

Most insurers will contact you within 24 to 48 hours after you file your claim.

Inform us of the claim — Once your claim has been started, it’s now time to inform us, your insurance agent. In addition to answering any questions, we can explain your coverage and properly set expectations for what’s to come.

Additionally, if your claim has any complexity or nuance, we will be able to work with the carrier and/or provide useful advice and guidance.

Create an inventory of losses — While you wait for the claims adjuster to contact you or for them to come out to assess the damage, you can work on creating an inventory of your losses.

This is essential for providing a clear picture of the loss or damage. Include descriptions of items, their original values and estimated current values. It is also helpful to include a description about the condition of the item before it was damaged.

If it is possible to photograph the damaged items, take photos for the insurer. Find copies of any receipts for damaged items.

It is also helpful to do a walk-through of the damaged area with a video camera or a cell phone video camera. Videos help show the damage live and from multiple angles. Use them to supplement photo files.

Show proof of the loss — Insurers require policyholders to sign sworn statements that show proof of their losses, and the required information must be sent along with the statement. This statement must be made and signed within 60 days of the insurer’s first request for it.

Make temporary repairs if needed — If temporary repairs must be made to prevent further damage or to protect other assets, they can be completed before the adjuster surveys the property. Do not order any unnecessary repairs.

The only types of temporary repairs that should be made are those that will prevent further damage or prevent a possible liability. For example, a temporary roof repair may be necessary to prevent it from collapsing and injuring people, or a broken window may be fixed to prevent rain from coming into a building and causing water damage.

Since repairs are included in the settlement, keep receipts for any services and items purchased. For contracted work, obtain two written bids from separate companies before hiring someone.

The takeaway

Always stay organized when going through the claims process. Keep all papers accessible, and have information ready in the event that an agent or adjuster calls.

When talking to any repair companies or other related parties on the phone, keep track of calls and the reason for the calls. Save receipts for any items that are purchased in relation to the damage. To learn more about what to do during the claims process, give us a call.

If you would like to speak with us call Gary Wallach at 914-806-5853 or click here to email or click here to visit our website.

BGES Group’s office, located in Larchmont, NY is a full service insurance agency offering, Property, Liability, Umbrella Liability, Business Auto, Bid & Performance Bonds, Inland Marine, Worker’s Compensation, Workers Compensation Premium Recovery, New York State Disability, Group Health, Life insurance, Personal lines and Identity Theft.

Special Contractor Insurance Programs (NY, NJ, CT) – We we have 50+ insurance companies to market your general liability, umbrella liability, business auto, workers compensation, bid & performance bonds and group health coverages. We help contractors set up proper risk transfer. If you’re a contractor we offer extensive information about insurance markets, coverages, risk transfer, subcontractor screening, ways to lower your insurance costs.

BGES Group are Worker’s Compensation Specialists for the States of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut – Issues we address: 1) Lowering pricing – we have specialty programs that can save you up to 40%; 2) Finding a new company; 3) Replacing policies that are being cancelled or non renewed; 4) Audit disputes; 5) Company creating fictitious payroll at audit time; 6) Lowering high experience modifications factors; 7) Misclassification of payrolls; 8) Lowering or eliminating renewal deposits;  9) Getting coverage when you’ve been without for a few months; 10) Covering multiple states under one policy; 11) Eliminating 10% service or policy fees; 12) Timely issuance of certificates; 13) Always being able to get someone on the phone or by email when you need to.

If you would like to speak with us call Gary Wallach at 914-806-5853 or click here to email or click here to visit our website.

Company: BGES Group, 216A Larchmont Acres West, Larchmont, NY 10538

e-mail: bgesgroup@gmail.com

website: http://www.bgesgroup.com

© – Copyright – 2022 – BGES Group

The year 2022 was one of the most tumultuous climate disaster years in history, a year when we saw the massively destructive Hurricane Ian, an unprecedent number of tornadoes, growing wildfires in the West and a “bomb cyclone” in late December.

And the increasing number of natural disasters is not just a U.S. phenomenon. It’s happening around the world.

According to a report by Swiss Re Institute, the research arm of the reinsurance giant, insured catastrophe damage totaled $115 billion globally for 2022, although total economic losses were much higher at $260 billion.

The increasing frequency and intensity of these natural disasters in the United States, combined with soaring inflation, supply chain issues and labor shortages, is also having a knock-on effect on homeowner’s insurance prices.

There were 15 billion-dollar weather and climate disasters in the first nine months of 2022 alone:

• Southern tornadoes: March 30

• Southeastern tornadoes: April 4-6

• Severe weather in the South: April 11-13

• Western fires: Spring through fall

• Severe weather in the South and Central U.S.: May 1-3

• Hailstorms in north-central U.S.: May 9

• Severe weather in north-central U.S.: May 11-12

• Hailstorms in north-central U.S.: May 19

• Severe weather in Central U.S.: June 7-8

• Central derecho (an inland hurricane): June 13

• Severe weather in north-central and Eastern U.S.: July 22-24

• Flooding in Kentucky and Missouri: July 26-28

• Hurricane Fiona: Sept. 17-18

• Hurricane Ian: Sept. 28-30

• Western drought and heatwave: All year

And just to cap the year off, we had the Christmas bomb cyclone (known as Winter Storm Elliot) that threw a blanket of arctic freeze across large swaths of the country, causing an estimated $5.4 billion in insured losses in 42 states, according to Karen Clark & Co.

There are a few things to note about the list of calamaties. You’ll notice that some of these events were “severe weather” that didn’t qualify as a hurricane or derecho. But these severe weather events are starting to have as much destructive force as these primary perils.

Much of the weather the U.S. is experiencing is more intensive and far-reaching than before. The nature of hurricanes is also changing: these storms have typically caused wind and storm-surge damage, but as they grow wetter, they are now causing more rain and flood damage on top of the other damage.

And hurricanes are bringing flooding far beyond the coasts and into the central parts of states such as in Florida and the Carolinas, according to the Swiss Re report.

Drought is also a serious issue, particularly how it affects wildfires and water supplies. Years of low rainfall and overuse have left the Colorado River a shadow of its former self, resulting in record low levels in Lake Mead and Lake Powell, the sites of two main dams that may soon stop producing electricity for millions of people.

According to the Sept. 27, 2022 “U.S. Drought Monitor” report, about 51% of the contiguous U.S. was in drought, up about 5.4% from the end of August. Drought conditions expanded or intensified across portions of the Mississippi Valley, central and northern Plains, Northwest, Southeast and parts of the Great Lakes.

The fallout

As of this writing, the full-year insured costs of weather disasters in the U.S. had not been calculated, but modelers predict the total property and infrastructure damage would be nearly $100 billion. Through the first nine months of 2022, total losses due to property and infrastructure damage reached $29.3 billion.

Those figures don’t include Hurricanes Fiona and Ian, the latter of which caused an estimated $65 billion in insured damage. Hurricane Ian was the year’s costliest catastrophe and the second-largest insured loss on record after Hurricane Katrina.

These events, plus the cost of repairing and rebuilding buildings and infrastructure also on the rise thanks to increasing material and labor costs, are having a knock-on effect on homeowner’s insurance.

Homeowner’s insurance rates rose 12.1% on average nationwide in 2022 from the year prior, according to Policygenius. However, people living in disaster-prone areas are seeing much higher rates. In the case of Florida and California, some people are unable to find insurance for their homes or face two-, three- or four-fold increases in their rates.

If you would like to speak with us call Gary Wallach at 914-806-5853 or click here to email or click here to visit our website.

BGES Group’s office, located in Larchmont, NY is a full service insurance agency offering, Property, Liability, Umbrella Liability, Business Auto, Bid & Performance Bonds, Inland Marine, Worker’s Compensation, Workers Compensation Premium Recovery, New York State Disability, Group Health, Life insurance, Personal lines and Identity Theft.

Special Contractor Insurance Programs (NY, NJ, CT) – We we have 50+ insurance companies to market your general liability, umbrella liability, business auto, workers compensation, bid & performance bonds and group health coverages. We help contractors set up proper risk transfer. If you’re a contractor we offer extensive information about insurance markets, coverages, risk transfer, subcontractor screening, ways to lower your insurance costs.

BGES Group are Worker’s Compensation Specialists for the States of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut – Issues we address: 1) Lowering pricing – we have specialty programs that can save you up to 40%; 2) Finding a new company; 3) Replacing policies that are being cancelled or non renewed; 4) Audit disputes; 5) Company creating fictitious payroll at audit time; 6) Lowering high experience modifications factors; 7) Misclassification of payrolls; 8) Lowering or eliminating renewal deposits;  9) Getting coverage when you’ve been without for a few months; 10) Covering multiple states under one policy; 11) Eliminating 10% service or policy fees; 12) Timely issuance of certificates; 13) Always being able to get someone on the phone or by email when you need to.

If you would like to speak with us call Gary Wallach at 914-806-5853 or click here to email or click here to visit our website.

Company: BGES Group, 216A Larchmont Acres West, Larchmont, NY 10538

e-mail: bgesgroup@gmail.com

website: http://www.bgesgroup.com

© – Copyright – 2022 – BGES Group