Risk Management

Responsibilities

Risk Management is committed to providing a comprehensive risk management program that contributes to the safety and health of all employees as well as protecting the City's physical and financial resources.

Goal

Risk Management's goals are to identify, analyze, and reduce risks or exposures and make recommendations for appropriate levels of risk retention, risk transfer, and loss control measures.

Certificate of Insurance

A certificate of insurance may be requested through Risk Management. Questions should be directed to Jennifer Sears at 804-541-2211.

Liability Claims

Risk Management, in conjunction with a third-party administrator, investigates and processes claims from visitors, residents, and others for alleged defects in public buildings, roads, walkways, etc. as well as claims for auto accidents involving City vehicles and/or employees, and activities of City departments that may injure or cause damage to person or property. This division also seeks recovery from those who cause damage to City property. For assistance contact Jennifer Sears at 804-541-2211.

Process for Filing a Claim for Damages Against the City

Any person wishing to make a claim against the City of Hopewell for personal injury and/or property damage must complete a Personal Injury and Damage Claim Form and a W-9 Form (PDF), and deliver them to Risk Management, with a copy to the City Attorney within six months of the date of the incident that caused the damage. The letter must be addressed to:

• Human Resources
  Risk Management
  300 North Main Street
  Hopewell, Virginia 23860
  Email Risk Management
• Copy to:
  Marta Leon
  300 North Main Street
  Suite 220
  Hopewell, Virginia 23860
  Email Marta Leon

The letter must provide the following information:

• The date of the incident/accident
• The time of the incident/accident
• The specific location where the incident/accident occurred, in as much detail as possible
• What happened at the time of the incident/accident, in as much detail as possible
• The individuals involved, if known
• Any witnesses to the incident, if known
• The nature of the damage, injury, or other loss being claimed
• The estimated cost of the claimant’s losses (In cases of vehicle damage, the claimant may either provide estimates from two auto body repair shops or request that the City assign an appraiser to estimate the damage.)
• A statement of the claimant’s reasons for believing the City is responsible for his or her losses

The City will investigate and evaluate the claim. Risk Management may contact the claimant for additional information regarding the claim. Anyone with questions about this process or the status of a specific claim may call Risk Management at 804-541-2213, ext. 244.

Note: Filing a claim for damages against the City does not ensure payment. The City investigates each claim for liability and the extent of damages. The City accepts and pays only claims for which it is legally liable.

Workers’ Compensation

You must immediately notify your supervisor in the event of an on-the-job inquiry or illness. Failure to report an injury (or appearance of an illness) within 30 days may cause your claim to be denied.

To report an injury call 877-234-0898. The City of Hopewell VML Member Number is 055. For assistance contact Yaosca Smith at 804-541-2211.