Should I demand to see insurance papers and workers compensation papers from workers prior to having trees tri

Question

I'm hiring a tree service to cut and trim up oak trees on my property. Thanks for any info.

Answer 1

Having been in the tree care industry for over twenty years now, I can tell you it is a good idea to get a copy of the insurance, with a phone number on it, for good measure. In the state of Texas, at least, there is no legal requirement for a tree company to have insurance. "Buyer beware."

Liability insurance for such an operation has more than doubled in the last five years. The monthly bill comes regularly if the tree man's phone rings or not. Many smaller companies are being squeezed out by larger corporate companies for this reason. There are even some small companies that charge extra for the consumer to use the company' insurance. Part of the problem being that the typical policy has a $500 deductible. Therefore, it is not unheard of for a small company to "renew" their policy with a bottle of White-out and a copy machine. So, having a phone number for verification can be important. Still, it's pretty difficult to do five or more hundred dollars worth of damage to a property unless you have just hired a couple of idiots who happen to have a chainsaw and a pickup truck because they are cheaper than a corporate company who has to pay large premiums for liability and the un-godly sums for workers comp. I still do both commercial and residential jobs w/o insurance at certain times of the year, but my customers are fully aware of the situatiuon, my reputation and level of skill from the outset. If I'm removing a limb over a roof, for example, for $200 and I have a $500 deductible, the incentive is there to be EXTREMELY careful at every phase of the operation. I can easier repair a hole in the roof than damage to my reputation. This is my livelihood.

Finally, I still do not understand fully what is a consumer's interest in worker's comp. Every year someone gets hurt, maybe even killed in the industry. It's a rough trade. I have never heard, however, of a homeowner being held liable for injuries sustained on his/her property. Those who do the work know the risks. In cases of severe injury or death, an investigation will determine where the fault lies. It is always up to the climber and/or company owner to take care in these matters.

Good luck.

Answer 2

of that which you are inquiring is foregone, if it is qualified for tree cutting of any dimension for correct outcome.

Legally, only licensed Tree Surgeon may and can correctly cut trees, so that there are not dire changes in the tree, roots, and other flora, and consquently fauna, especially insect and arachnid.

Trees have years, even tens of years of correct growth in limbs. The tree must be topped (never limbs severed, only correctly detached for blight or unmitigated damage). The order of topping, dead wood removal, manner of cutting, and tools are also essential. There is correct unique cutting for each tree, its type, location, whether for the health of the tree or to prevent roof clutter, and etcetera.

Tree cutter is a job that takes basic qualities of ability in plant and construction, a type of physique, and study; not likely in many areas to find a Tree Surgeon, hence, the answer is yes to insurance, but no to workman's compensation. A Tree Surgeon that is qualified is 100% no fall. It is one of the qualities that is tree surgery, except for climbing and practicing and taking the usual as a kid.

Thus, if you find someone that at least understands the difference between cutting a tree and hacking it, make sure it cuts the tree only by topping and in the same outline as the current. Only professional botanists and Tree Surgeons can change the long years shape of a tree without causing wild growth that will cause permanent damage, even entirely cause it to lose its native characteristics.

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Edit addition: hey, Pro... in cell below; first person or personal experience? if it is your bio, condolences; if not, condolences; thanks for excellent info and order in the rundown; bummer on the current statistic.

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Answer 3

I audit work comp policies. When someone pays non-employees by cash, they are included in the audit for just this reason. That way, if they ever file a claim/sue, the employer is covered. I also audited a small landscape business like your dad's who carried a very minimal policy just to cover 2 of his cash employees. It's possible to have insurance when you occasionally hire cash labor. If your Dad is going to hire cash labor, he should have had a policy. The insurance is to protect the employee from law suits like this that can devistate your finances.

Answer 4

Any company doing work for others is required to have insurance and should not have a problem showing documentation. If you have a contract with them, it should also verify this. If they are unwilling to produce paperwork, get another company.

Answer 5

Yes. Make it clear, over the phone, that it is a requirement.

Answer 6

sensible gave a sensible answer
also ask to see their contractors license and check out with licensing board