Olympic Steel Employees: Navigating the Financial Implications of Fallen Tree Damage on Your Property

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Olympic Steel The primary healthcare provider for Olympic Steel is typically Cigna HealthCare. Olympic Steel, like many employers, partners with specific insurance companies to offer health benefits to its employees. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases for 2026 As we approach 2026, Olympic Steel may face significant healthcare cost increases alongside broader market trends. Expected premium hikes in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace could exceed 60% in certain states, driven by rising medical costs, the potential expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies, and substantial demands from large insurers. Consequently, employees enrolling in these plans might see their out-of-pocket expenses surge by over 75%, aggravating budget constraints for the company and its workforce. With a projected employer-sponsored insurance increase of 8.5%, Olympic Steel must prepare for an environment where healthcare expenses will be a critical concern, likely leading to shifts in benefits and out-of-pocket responsibilities. Click here to learn more

Are Olympic Steel employees responsible for the damage caused by a tree on their property that hits their neighbor’s home or other insured structure, such as a garage or shed?

In most cases, the answer is “no.”

When such damage occurs to your neighbor’s home due to forces outside your control (e.g., weather events), your neighbors may have to file a claim with their insurer to receive a reimbursement for the damage a fallen down tree caused.

There is one exception, however.

If it is determined that the tree damage stems from your negligence (e.g., dead limbs that you refused to cut down, or you chose to trim your tree as a weekend project), then the neighbor’s insurer may come after you to recover their loss—a process called subrogation.¹

You may want to check your policy or speak to your insurance agent to ascertain if your homeowner's policy covers your liability in cases of negligence.

When Neighbors Sue

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Some neighbors may seek to bring legal action against you, though often that is unnecessary.

For those working at Olympic Steel, determine what municipal laws are in place to cover such instances. Generally speaking, you are not responsible unless you knew, or should have known, about the danger. Proving what you knew or should have known can be difficult and costly in a court of law. It typically benefits both parties to arrive at a compromise that avoids an expensive legal process.

The information in this material is not intended as legal advice. Please consult legal or insurance professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation.