Incident Reporting
Why should I report potential claims incidents?
In the course of your professional practice, you may have to make decisions on whether or not to report incidents that may lead to a potential claim. If you are even considering “should I report this incident?”, then we recommend a strategy of ‘better to report than be sorry’.
There’s no harm done when you notify either Guild or
Reporting incidents:
- allows effective investigation to take place to help to avert a more serious claim, or defend a claim if received, and
- is also a requirement under your insurance policy for those incidents that the insured feels may give rise to a claim.
Pharmacists may have cover with a ‘claims made’ policy. This means that pharmacists are covered for claims made during the period of cover, irrespective of when the advice, dispensing or incident occurred.
A ‘claims made’ contract will apply for pharmacists who have the Pharmaceutical Defence Limited – Pharmacists’ Liabilities cover within Guild’s Pharmacy Insurance package or as a stand alone Non-Proprietor Pharmacist Indemnity Policy both of which provide combined liabilities cover that includes cover for:
- Breach of Professional Duty
- Public Liability
- Products Liability ( goods sold )
It is imperative with a ‘claims made’ policy that your insurer be notified of any incidents as soon as you are aware within your current policy period because failing to inform your insurer may affect the level of indemnity provided. Generally, claims made policies exclude cover for known incidents that are not reported during the policy period.
Failure to report incidents has the potential to compromise the management of the incident and its consequences. This can lead to a seemingly minor issue quickly escalating.
Providing notification of incidents in a timely manner doesn’t incur penalties but rather is an essential practice in obtaining the best outcome for all parties.
It merely means that the insurer has a record, in the case that a claim might eventuate.
Reporting incidents is a practice that should be encouraged. It allows for support to be given and for decisive management strategies to be implemented, leading to the best possible outcome for all concerned.
To report an incident that could lead to a potential claim call 1800 810 213
Guild Insurance Limited
