What are Liability Programs?
Liability Programs respond when the University [allegedly] violates an individual's legal right or is found to be negligent in some manner and is legally obligated to pay the resulting damages. Liability may arise from the way a sidewalk is maintained; the way employees conduct their job duties, or the way employees operate University owned vehicles. (See Policy 300
www.adminvc.ucla.edu/appm/public/app_0300_0.html and BUS 75
www.ucop.edu/ucophome/policies/bfb/bus75.html)
Who is Covered by the Liability Programs?
The Regents and employees of the Regents are covered for their acts or omissions under the Liability Programs while acting within the course and scope of University employment. "Course and scope" refers to activities that are normally a part of a particular employee's job. Illegal activities or willful misconduct, for example, are outside the course and scope of all jobs, and thus would not be covered by the Liability Programs. University volunteers may be covered by the program under certain conditions.
What do the Liability Programs cover?
Liability Programs pay all sums that the Regents become legally obligated to pay for liability imposed upon the Regents by law. Liability Programs are divided into three areas: General Liability, Auto Liability and Employment Practices Liability.
General Liability (forms) covers personal and bodily injury to non-employees, property damage to non-owned property, advertising injury, employee benefits liability, and professional liability (except for medical malpractice, which is covered under the Professional Medical and Hospital Liability Program). For example, injuries to a visitor who slips and falls and is hurt are covered (if the injury is due to negligence of The Regents), damage to equipment borrowed by the University is covered, negligence in administration of employee benefits is covered.
Auto Liability covers bodily injury to others and damage to property owned by others, caused by vehicles owned by or hired by The Regents, if The Regents are liable. For example, injuries to the driver of a vehicle rear-ended by a University truck are covered, as is the damage to the other party's vehicle.
Employment Practices Liability covers damages claimed by University employees as a result of the employment relationship if The Regents are proved liable. These damages include wrongful termination, discrimination and violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and are separate from any claims that an employee may file under Workers' Compensation.
What should I do when a visitor reports an injury?
If a visitor reports to you that they have been injured on campus, ask the visitor if they require medical assistance, and call 911 if necessary. Even if the person did not require medical assistance, please call OIRM and report the incident immediately. If a visitor asks you to whom they should report an incident, please have them contact OIRM directly. Never advise anyone that the University will pay for his or her injury or damaged property. Instead ask what you can do to help the person and advise that the University will investigate the claim.
Are departments being charged for the Liability Programs?
UCLA participates in the University of California General and Automobile Self-Insurance Liability Program. Instead of purchasing an insurance policy, the UC campuses and medical centers pay self-insurance premiums into a trust fund managed by Office of the President. Each campus pays its share of premiums, which reflects the size and number of claims filed by that location.
UCLA began charging Liability premiums to departments in FY 1998/99. Starting in FY 1999/00, a surcharge for administrative costs was added to the Liability premiums (Loss Prevention Surcharge). Please visit the Risk Financing & Departmental Charges page for further details.