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Ghost Hunters and
Malpractice Insurance
It’s not far off.
The day when CNN splashes a story about a team of ghost hunters who
leaves a client’s house and something ends up missing.
The homeowner screams “theft” and thus it begins.
Don’t get me wrong, before
you get angry. I’m not the
harbinger of doom and gloom. On
the contrary, I see the possibilities in this field.
I see the possible positives and the possible negatives.
I recently read a thread on a
forum about “ghost hunter certification”.
Now, when you’ve been in a field as long as some of us have, I’m
pretty sure we’d agree that this is a basic joke…certification.
There are no certifications for ghost busting / hunting or psychic
connection. Yes there are
colleges and universities that will degree a person in Parapsychology, but
aside from that, there are no persons entitled to or qualified to certify
someone else.
A group can have very
specific qualifications or procedures or policy within that group, but as a
recognized or accredited certification? No.
This is what may in fact
begin to be the downfall of ghost hunting groups and teams.
No credentials, aside from x number of years in a group or studying
ghost sites, stories, paranormal topics, etc.
No formal credentials can be had.
Therefore, what assurances does the homeowner or business owner have
that this team is honest, has integrity and is only there for the stated
purpose.
Releases are good.
Contracts written so that both parties understand the exact nature of
the investigation, are very good. The
homeowner should be assured that this team is there for ghost hunting.
In an ideal world, ghost
hunters could be bonded. An
assurance to the client that if something should happen, they are protected.
Unfortunately any career,
hobby or service that takes us into a person’s home, means we leave
ourselves and our teams open to litigation.
Yes, let the buyer beware, but integrity and honesty in this field is
essential for all of us. One bad
apple and the entire field looks bad.
Make sure that you and your
team are protected. Write up
exactly what’s expected of the team, exactly where you’re allowed to be,
what the homeowner expects, etc. Lay
it all out.
We don’t have malpractice
insurance in our field yet, but my prediction is that it will eventually
become essential. Entering
peoples homes leaves both us and the client vulnerable.
Be ready, keep lines of communication open and the best policy for all
involved at the present time is to make sure the home owner or a
representative of them is present at all times during the investigation.
That way, you’re covered.
2008 © JL Davis
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