Incidents and Claims - Risk Management

Accident and Injury Claims

Personal Injury to Students and Visitors 

Personal injuries resulting from accidents or incidents occurring on property owned or under the control of Northern Michigan University must be reported to Public Safety and Police Services in accordance with the university’s Incident Reporting Policy for Accidents/Injuries/Illnesses.

Any request for reimbursement, payment of medical expenses, or compensation for other damages must be promptly referred to the Risk and Insurance Manager for review and handling in accordance with the University's liability insurance procedures. Do not volunteer on behalf of the university to make payment for any claims.

Claims for loss of damage to NMU Property

Loss or Damage Involving University Property 

Claims involving the loss of or damage to University property must be reported promptly to the Risk and Insurance Manager. The Risk and Insurance Manager will coordinate the claim process in accordance with the University's Property Insurance Program and work with the affected department to facilitate the repair or replacement of the damaged property.

The maximum amount to be included in any loss is the lesser of either the cost to repair the damaged property to its condition prior to the loss or replace it with comparable property.

The department responsible for the lost or damaged property will pay for the first $250.00 of each loss in the following circumstances: 

• Theft of property under the control of the department.
• The total amount of the loss is less than $250.00
   

Loss or Damage Involving University Owned, Leased or Rented Vehicles 

Accidents involving university vehicles are to be immediately reported to the nearest police agency in accordance with State law.

In the event of an accident involving a University-owned or leased vehicle, the driver must complete a Northern Michigan University Vehicle Accident Report Form and submit it to the Risk and Insurance Manager. Copies of the form are available from the Risk and Insurance Management Office.

In the event of an accident involving a rental vehicle, the driver must complete all accident reports and documentation required by the rental car company and provide copies to the Risk and Insurance Manager as soon as possible. Inform the rental car company that the Risk and Insurance Manager is the university contact for any claim resulting from the accident.

The Risk and Insurance Manager will arrange for processing claims in accordance with the university’s Vehicle Insurance Program.

Lawsuits

Lawsuits naming the university, Board of Trustees individually or collectively, faculty, staff, students or volunteers, for any claim in connection with university business must be immediately reported to the Risk and Insurance Manager. The original suite papers, including any envelopes, should be forwarded to the Risk and Insurance Manager as soon as they are received.

The university will provide legal defense for any individuals named in such suits in accordance with the University’s Indemnification Policy. The Risk and Insurance Manager will arrange for legal counsel to provide defense in accordance with the university’s Liability Insurance Program.

If you have any questions, please contact Katrina Mattila at kamattil@nmu.edu or (906) 227-2745