On September 26th, 2015, Trisura’s Steve Carreiro donned the goalie pads alongside HUB HKMB’s James Gilles & Greg Markell, who took to the concrete at the Woodbine Racetrack to participate in The Road Hockey to Conquer Cancer (RHCC) tournament.

The tournament, which annually consists of hundreds of teams, aims to raise money for the Princess Margaret Cancer Treatment Centre. The event takes place over the course of the entire day, featuring musical acts, interactive activities, lots of food & beverages, celebrity guest such as Johnny Bower, Todd Shapiro, and Eric Lindros, events, and of course- hundreds of spirited road hockey games.

Steve, James, and Greg were part of the “Mariner Mayhem” team, who together raised $13,000 for the Princess Margret Cancer Treatment Centre

This year, Road Hockey to conquer Cancer drew over 1,500 participants and raised over $2.4 million. Although the event is over, you can still donate today by visiting the RHCC website by clicking here.

To find out more about the Princess Margret Cancer Treatment Centre, visit their website by clicking here.

On Wednesday September 23rd, Trisura’s Richard Grant and over 20 insurance industry professionals from around the world came together as part of the Cycle for Wishes team. The team departed Montreal on a 500 km cycle, with the final destination of Quebec City. Day 1 destination: Venise-Quebec (104km), day 2: Magog (146km), day 3: Victoriaville (140km), and day 4: Quebec City (115km). The ride concludes on Sunday, September 27th when Richard and the team arrive for the kick-off of Canadian RIMS 2015.

The ride is focused on raising money for the Make-A-Wish® foundation Canada. In 2011, the Cycle for Wishes team consisted of 11 enthusiastic cyclists and 4 well organized support team members that helped grant 5 kids their wishes by raising over $53,000. For 2015, Richard and his co-cyclists have set a goal to raise in excess of $100,000.
This can only be accomplished through the help and generosity of committed corporate supporters, friends, family members and industry colleagues. The support from donators will allow Make-A-Wish® to continue to create powerful wish experiences, improving a child’s state of mind, replacing fear with happiness, and helping them to feel like a normal kid again. Every donation helps move Make-A-Wish® closer to their vision of granting the wish of every eligible child in communities across Canada. Wishes like:

Maya, Age 4, Leukemia, “I wish to be a ballerina”
Rachel, Age 6, Ocular Melanoma, “I wish to have a butterfly garden”
Damien, Age 12, Cancer, “I wish to be a paleontologist”
Annabelle, Age 4, Cancer, “I wish to meet Cinderella”
Owen, Age 4, Heart Condition, “I wish to be a firefighter”

This is an opportunity for the Canadian Insurance Industry to help share the power of a wish®. To succeed, we need your help. Please donate directly to Make-A-Wish® Canada via Cycle for Wishes 2015. This process will generate a charitable tax receipt. Donations are accepted after the event, so you haven’t missed your chance to show your support.

The 2015 Cycle For Wishes team:

Trisura Guarantee Insurance Company: Richard Grant
Integro (Canada) Ltd. : John Haas, Patrick Bourk, Pam Rankin, Mark Rankin
GPL Assurance Inc.: Christian Giner
Eagle Underwriting Group Inc. : Mike Wills
Zurich Insurance Company Ltd.: Kelly Tomenson-Haas, Debbie Oleskiw, Dave Swindells
AIG: Pascale Samson
Aviva Canada: Lindsey Bellinger
ENCON Group Inc.: Ted Bellinger
Liberty International Underwriters: Michel Quatrale
Tara Investment Partners: John Clements
Grey Swan Advisory: Murn Meyrick
Lloyd Sadd Insurance Brokers: Paavo Montandon
Swiss Re: Nick Bush, Robert Hunziker
Chubb Insurance Company of Canada: Cameron Rose
GPL Assurance Inc. : Louis-Thomas Labbé

When an insured acupuncturist met with Patient X for the first time, the patient complained of insomnia and general body aches and pains. The acupuncturist worked at a very large massage clinic, and it was the clinic’s internal procedure to insist that all new patients receive a full explanation as to the nature of and the risks inherent with the proposed treatment. The patient was required to sign a patient acknowledgment and consent form prior to any treatment being performed. The consent form specifically advised the patient that results are not guaranteed, and that risks such as minor bleeding, bruising, pain, nausea, fainting, infection, and perforation of internal organs are possibilities with any acupuncture treatment. The acupuncturist explained the treatment she was proposing, as well as the risks involved, and asked Patient X to sign the consent form. Patient X waved her off and advised he was in a rush and didn’t have time to read and sign the document. He would read it at home and bring it in signed the next time. The insured proceeded to perform the treatment. Patient X returned six more times for treatment, each time failing to bring the consent form, but promising to read it and sign it for the next appointment.

On the last appointment, Patient X brought his girlfriend with him. While the needles were inserted, the Insured had to advise Patient X multiple times to remain prone and not to move, as Patient X kept on moving around while carrying on a heated conversation with his girlfriend. After the needles were removed, Patient X stood up and advised that he felt faint. He then complained of severe chest pain, nausea, and trouble breathing. The Insured immediately called an ambulance. Patient X was diagnosed with a punctured lung and was treated in hospital for 12 days. He then commenced an action against the insured alleging negligence and seeking $150,000 for pain and suffering, as well as special damages, loss of future income, costs, and interest. The Insured reported the claim to Trisura. Trisura confirmed that coverage was available for this matter, and retained experienced counsel to represent the Insured. During the course of litigation, Patient X maintained the position that the risks inherent with the procedure had never been explained to him, and that he had never seen, nor been asked to sign a consent form. The Insured disagreed. Patient X insisted that he would not have agreed to treatment if he had known all the risks. He also denied having moved at all during treatment, and said that he had not spoken to his girlfriend while the needles were inserted. It therefore became an issue of credibility between the parties.

Given the facts, and in particular, the failure to follow proper clinical procedures and insist on a signed consent form before treatment was even commenced, settlement negotiations commenced to avoid a lengthy trial and a probable finding of liability against the Insured. The matter settled for $42,000. In addition to the settlement amount, the insured’s defense costs were in excess of $20,000. Trisura retained counsel, paid the legal fees, and paid to settle the claim.

Lessons learned:

1) Importance of following consent procedures that have been put in place
2) Litigation is expensive and can often come down to he said/she said
3) Professional Liability insurance can save you a lot of money in the event of a claim