INFORMATION #1 07-15-2002 - Laserfiche WebLink

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· League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust assigns an adjuster who makes contact with the Finance Department, other city employees who were involved or witnessed the incident, and the claimant · Insurance Company reviews facts and determines whether the City has any liability and informs the claimant by letter the findings along with payment or notification of denial of the claim · Case is closed The City always maintains open communication with the claimant and tries to help them work through the situation without at anytime admitting city liability or guaranteeing that payment will be made to them for their damages. As we stress with all claimants, the decision on whether or not the City was liable rests solely with the City's insurance company. Occasionally, when a claim is denied the claimant decides to either appeal or tries to push the issue in some other fashion. Typically after discussing the issue with them on the phone or by correspondence, the claimant understands why the City was not responsible, why the insurance company denied the claim, and why the City cannot pay for claims that are denied by the insurance company. The City Council has not in the past authorized payments to claimants because the LMCIT has denied their claim. However, once a claimant threatens a lawsuit or makes other threatening actions, communications with that claimant cease and the item is turned back to the insurance adjuster or the City Attorney. The Bengstons have threatened legal action against the city. Therefore after a phone conversation with Mr. Bengston on July 10 in which I informed him that I was sending a letter addressing the items raised in his recent letter, staff immediately discontinued communication and has had no further communication with Mr. or Mrs. Bengston. As I stated earlier, attached is some of the correspondence regarding this claim along with a memo from Gary Leirmoe explaining the facts of this claim. Both Gary and I will be present on Monday night to answer any questions the Council may have regarding this issue.