Gotham Greens Homeowners Association by Michael Berg
Gotham City Police Department has been very successful with crime fighting in recent months which has left the Capped Crusaders searching for activities to fill their days . Batman has begun serving on his community association Board of Directors , and
taken to morning and evening constitutionals . He strolls the many parks and opens spaces of the city , often joined by his comrade , Robin . Together they ponder some of life ’ s biggest quandaries . Today , they are walking along a pathway in Batman ’ s community , a woodsy condominium association in a northern suburb of Gotham . They walk quietly , speaking little , breathing softly , as their thoughts float in and out of the tree branches above .
The spring season is coming to an end , and summer is about to take its place . While the trees are many months from shedding all their leaves , those that have fallen , reveal reminders of the winds of spring . One tree in particular catches Robin ’ s eye . A colorful kite has been pierced by a branch . It wasn ’ t the kite , though , that caught Robin ’ s attention . It was the ladder
and young man atop that ladder , leaning against the tree midway up from the ground .
The young man is dressed in green overalls with writing on the back . Of the words Robin can read , “ Tree Service ” indicates the purpose for this young man ’ s
“ Even though the Association has no employees , there are times when they could be considered the employer , and for a minimum premium they can protect that exposure .”
climb . However , it strikes Robin as odd that the man is not trimming the tree . He is reaching out , stretching away from the safety of
the ladder , presumably to remove the lost child ’ s toy .
CRACK
The branch holding most of the man ’ s weight gives way .
BOOM
OUCH !
The man falls through the branches , ripping clothing and flesh as he accelerates toward the earth .
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POP
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Robin stands frozen as he watches the man fall , so much so that he doesn ’ t realize Batman has tossed a Bat-net into the path of the tumbling tree trimmer . The net settles just in time to catch the young man and bring him to a safe rest at the foot of the tree .
“ Holy hard knocks Batman , that was quick thinking .” Robin exclaims !
The tone of astonishment in Robin ’ s voice takes Batman by surprise . After all their crime fighting , Batman expects quicker thinking from his Co-Crusader . “ You must be ready for everything all the time , Boy Blunder .” Batman imparts .
The dazed young man scrambles out of the net and gets his feet firmly on the ground . He holds his right arm where a branch has cut his clothing , but only grazed the skin . The wound will need no more than a band-aid .
As Batman stows the Bat-net in its case on his belt , he exhales in relief , “ Now , I am certainly glad the Board of Directors took the advice of our Insurance Agent and purchased a minimum premium Workers ’ Compensation Insurance policy .”
Quizzically , the young tree trimmer asks , “ Why would that matter , the company I work for has insurance ?”
“ Well ,” says Batman , “ not so fast my fallen fellow . In a situation like this , the Workers ’ Compensation policy carried by your employer would likely have denied coverage , because you weren ’ t really trimming that tree when you fell . Actually , some may say you were working as a maintenance man , cleaning debris from the tree . In fact , this is very similar to a case the Association insurance agent referenced in his discussion of why the coverage is prudent . If you actually had fallen and been injured , the Association would likely have been deemed the employer and responsible for your injuries .”
After a short silence , Robin says , “ So , what you ’ re saying is , even though the Association has no employees , there are times when they could be considered the employer , and for a minimum premium they can protect that exposure .”
“ Precisely Robin . Here is another example . Suppose our contractor has insurance that
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6 | The HOA Board Quarterly | Issue # 2 | Spring 2012 Spring 2012 | Issue # 2 | The HOA Board Quarterly | 7