- October 29, 2020
- Posted by: Casey Govero
- Category: industry news
As a public entity, you have a responsibility to the people to provide services on behalf of the government. But this unique position puts you at risk of unusual issues and challenges, most of which, if left unaddressed, open you to liability charges.
By learning more about the risks common to public entities, you gain a better understanding of the potential consequences. With more insights, you can proactively address these risks and adopt solutions, such as public entity insurance.
Common Risks Public Entities Face
Your organization faces risks unique to your profession. But the uncommon nature of these risks doesn’t mean they lack solutions. Often, the problem lies in you failing to prioritize these issues.
The Threat of Cyber Attacks
As a public entity, you have access to a database of sensitive information, whether concerning private citizens or government projects. This alone puts you at a higher risk of cyber-attacks and data breaches. In 2018, cyberattacks cost the US government as much as $13.7 billion. Experts expect this to worsen if public entities continue to ignore the importance of security solutions.
The Threat of Road Accidents
Law enforcement vehicles are equipped with electronic devices that enhance enforcers’ performance in the field. The average police vehicle is like a mobile office, with its own laptop computer, phone, and radio communication system. All these need to be monitored constantly, even during high-speed chases.
Unfortunately, though these devices were meant to help officers solve cases, they are often the cause of distracted driving. These days, even the most experienced officers struggle with these technological advancements. It puts them at risk of causing road accidents, from minor fender-benders to serious pileups on the highway.
The Threat of Aging Infrastructure
As the national deficit grows and unpredictable challenges arise, public entities are forced to defer maintenance on aging infrastructure.
- Transportation Infrastructure – Postponing repairs will lead to sudden closures of critical transportation links or, worse, structural problems that can cause accidents.
- Energy Infrastructure – Delaying upgrades will lead to intermittent power disruptions and increase different organizations’ vulnerability to cyber-attacks.
- Water Infrastructure – Failing to prioritize renovations and improvements presents risks of water contamination and wastage.
- Communication Infrastructure – Putting off the necessary digital upgrades and repairs poses a threat to communication, which may affect all sectors throughout the country.
Although most of these delays are reserved for those that do not need them immediately, they can still present problems that put the organization at risk of lawsuits.
Protect Yourself with the Right Insurance Plan
As a public entity, you have a responsibility to the community you serve. When you are unaware of the potential risks you face daily, you put the public in danger and jeopardize your entire organization. Midlands understands the problems you face. Using our extensive knowledge and industry expertise, we provide the appropriate solutions to protect you and your clients.