To whom read in Portuguese:
http://www.geocities.com/rosazul_documentos/acidente.html
That's the following regarding accidents in DC's
4-24 DISTRICT CONVENTION OPERATIONS CO-15/97
Assistance Arrangement
It is important that everyone understands the purpose of the Society's assistance arrangement
for conventions. When accidents occur, worldly persons may view them as an opportunity
to seek a large settlement from an insurance company. However, the purpose of
the Society's assistance arrangement is to provide nominal medical expenses to those who
do not have medical insurance or are unable to pay, rather than encourage individuals to
sue for large insurance settlements. The Society is absorbing most losses and whatever can
be done to keep costs to a minimum is appreciated.
If an accident occurs, it should be determined if the person has other insurance coverage. This
is important because many persons have personal medical insurance coverage through their
employer. Inquiry should be made about such coverage, and the person should be encouraged
to submit medical bills to that coverage first. It can be kindly explained to the individual
that if his medical costs are not completely paid by his personal coverage, then the
unpaid balance of the bills can be submitted to the Society for consideration.
If a person is injured, the convention overseer should immediately assign an elder or two
from the injured person's congregation to ensure that he is being properly cared for medically.
If any question arises, the convention overseer should write or telephone the Society
directly at 25 Columbia Heights, Brooklyn, NY 11201-2483, Attention: Risk Management
Department, (718) 625-3600. These steps will help reduce the amount paid by the Society
for accidents. This will make the Society's assistance arrangement available to help our
brothers when a genuine need exists.
Accident Notice Reports and Insurance Claims
The Society sends two copies of the Accident Notice Report (T-5) to each convention to be
photocopied as needed. The First Aid Department should inform the convention overseer
of serious accidents (not chronic or acute illnesses) that could lead to a claim against the
Society. Small trivial injuries should not be reported on the Accident Notice Report. An
Accident Notice Report is not to be made out for those who experience fainting spells,
epileptic attacks, heart attacks, or natural death. Injuries that are borderline, or fall into a gray
area of potential seriousness, should be reported on the Accident Notice Report. A copy of
this report is to be given to the first aid overseer for duplication, and he is to obtain for the
convention overseer all the information requested on the report for each accident to be reported.
For example, many falls that result in sprains or back injuries (but not broken
bones) turn out to require extended medical or chiropractic treatment. Thus, any injury,
however small, should be reported if it could either (1) require extended treatment or
(2) result in loss of income from secular work. Loss of income is covered only when injuries
to volunteer workers are involved.
Accident Notice forms should be filled out in duplicate. After each convention the originals
should immediately be sent to the Society's Convention Office and the duplicates kept
by the convention overseer for seven years. If there are no accidents to be reported on the
Accident Notice Report, the words "No Accidents" should be typed at the top of the report
and it should be sent to the Society's Convention Office along with the First Aid Log.
The reports are to be checked and signed by the convention overseer. They are for the use
of the convention organization only and should not be shown to the injured person, his
doctor or lawyer, or others. Neither the Convention Committee nor anyone else should
agree to any settlement or commit themselves in any manner in regard to any accident.
Accident Investigation and Reporting
The following paragraphs will explain some of the points needed on the Accident Notice
Report beginning with section numbers 1 through 7. The first aid overseer is to provide all
the information requested on the form under each section whether the injured is one of Jehovah's
Witnesses or just attending the district convention.
SECTION 1: If the injured is unavailable to answer any questions, complete this section to
the extent possible and state that the injured was unavailable. After checking all the appropriate
boxes in this section that apply to the injured, state if the person was a volunteer at
the convention by inserting the phrase "volunteer worker" to the right of the "Other" box.
Obtain the injured party's name, address, and telephone number for future reference. Inquire
if the injured has any type of medical coverage, including Medicare or Medicaid. If
so, encourage the injured to present his or her medical expenses to that insurance program.
SECTION 2: Beside the word "Activity," insert the words "District Convention."
SECTION 3: Ensure that the injured party receives appropriate medical attention as soon as
possible.
Any citation for violation of any ordinance or statute would seldom occur in connection with
an accident at a district convention. However, if it does happen, attach a copy of the citation.
Although it would seldom occur before or shortly after a convention, if an investigation of
the scene of the accident is conducted by a third party, provide the information requested
on the form.
SECTION 4: Ask the injured party what happened. There should be two brothers present
to witness and document in writing the questions and answers. The following questions
should be asked (do not ask any other questions and specifically do not discuss who or what
may have been at fault, the cause of the accident, or any reference to any legal action):
1. What were you doing when the accident occurred?
2. How did the accident happen?
3. What injury did you suffer?
This report may be recorded on a separate sheet of paper and attached to the completed
Accident Notice Report.
All the facts related to the accident should be provided. Answer all questions and provide
the requested documentation, such as a diagram and photos, to the extent possible. Do not
photograph the injured person. In order to take the requested photographs, either borrow a
35-millimeter flash camera or purchase an inexpensive disposable 35-millimeter flash
camera. Provide the negative for each picture submitted to the Society.
Determine what, if anything, could reasonably be done to prevent similar accidents in the
future. Take appropriate steps and include on the Accident Notice Report a description of
the corrective action taken.
SECTION 5: Ask any witnesses to the accident to describe what happened. There should
be two brothers present to witness and document in writing the questions and answers. The
following questions should be asked (do not ask any other questions and specifically do
not discuss who or what may have been at fault, the cause of the accident, or any reference
to any legal action):
1. What were you doing when the accident occurred?
2. Did you see the accident?
3. According to your understanding, what happened?
This report may be recorded on a separate sheet of paper and attached to the completed
Accident Notice Report.
SECTION 6: This section covers anyone who may have additional helpful information
relative to the accident.
SECTION 7: The convention overseen should appoint, if at all possible, two experienced,
mature elders from the injured person's congregation to follow through to make sure the
needs of the injured are cared for and communicate with the Society, if necessary, as outlined
elsewhere in these instructions. List one of the elders as the coordinating elder. They
should keep in close touch with the injured and his family to assist as outlined above, particularly
if the injured is one of Jehovah's Witnesses.
Also, the convention overseer should sign on the line designated for his signature and provide
the date.
While endeavoring to obtain the required information, it is necessary to show genuine
Christian love and concern at all times. Do not make any statements of responsibility or liability
about the cause of the accident to the injured or any other party, including government
officials.
At the conclusion of the convention, make a copy of the completed Accident Notice Report
for the convention and send the original to the Society's Convention Office, 25 Columbia
Heights, Brooklyn, NY 11201-2483. When any communication, correspondence, or bills
related to the accident are received, make a copy for the convention files and forward the
original to the Society's Risk Management Office at the above address.
Immediately call the Society's Risk Management Office at (718) 625-3600 during working
hours and notify them of the accident if:
1. The injured requires medical attention in a hospital setting.
2. Any threat or notice of legal action is suggested.
Have the following information on hand when calling the Society: The date of the accident,
the name of the injured, the name of the congregation, and the name, telephone number,
and address of the coordinating elder. At that time the Society will provide reminders
concerning these procedures and will be available to provide answers concerning any
questions you may have.
