CRIME CLEAN OF TEXAS
(210) 723-4892
Accident, Blood, Crime Scene,
Death, Trauma Scene
(512) 669-2999
Illness, Suicide, Murder, Gross Filth
Q: What should I expect when I find a
deceased tenant inside a unit?
A: When you find a deceased individual on property, a patrolman will
initially respond. In some cases, the Fire Department and EMS
will respond. Detectives and Evidence Technicians will
investigate, take pictures, and gather evidence. Once the
scene is released by law enforcement, it will be turned back over to
you.
Q: Why do Homicide Detectives show up
when an elderly person just passes away?
A: Whenever someone dies outside of a hospital or nursing home, law
enforcement must insure that the death is not a result of a criminal
act. Therefore, Homicide Detectives respond to all unattended
death scenes.
Q: Is it necessary for an autopsy to be
performed if an elderly person dies at home of natural causes?
A: The Medical Examiner, with input from law enforcement and
attending physicians, will determine if an autopsy must be
performed. In almost every case an autopsy will be performed
if the individual passes away outside of a hospital or nursing home,
however, there are a few exceptions.
Q: If there's just a small amount of
blood, can I have my maintenance or cleaning staff take care of it?
A: OSHA's Final Rule on Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne
Pathogens prohibits untrained employees from coming into contact
with any amount of blood or body fluids. If your employees
have not been trained, received medical counseling, received their
vaccinations (or declined them in writing), and have a job
description that supports contact with blood or body fluids, they
cannot come in contact with or cleanup blood or body fluids.
Under OSHA's Final Rule, the employer must also have Policies and
Procedures in place to support and protect employees if they are to
come in contact with blood or body fluids. OSHA Fines for
non-compliance can be substantial for company as well as decision
makers and managers.
Q: How do I know if I need to contact a
professional Crime and Trauma Scene Cleaning Company?
A: There are several types of scenes that always result in blood
and/or body floods being present. If you are a company with
untrained employees, you will need to hire a Crime and Trauma Scene
Cleaning Company for the following type of scenes. 1)
Long-term, unattended death scenes (human decomposition) always have
blood and body fluids present. 2) Murder from gun shot,
stabbing, cutting have blood which may be in several areas. 3)
Suicides by gun shot or cutting have blood which may be in several
areas. 4) Death Scenes with associated putrid odor will have
blood and body fluid present. 5) Injury or broken vein in a
person on blood thinners, will result in a site with a significant
amount of blood present.
Q: Should I do a walk through of the
unit to determine if a Crime and Trauma Scene Company should do the
cleanup?
A: NO. Even if you are in a management position, if you are
untrained and have not received medical counseling, OSHA restricts
you from coming in contact with blood or body fluids. An
experienced, trustworthy, Crime and Trauma Scene Cleaning Company
can assess the scene for you and will let you know if their services
are required.
Q: How much
does it cost to have a death scene cleaned up?
A: This is kind of like asking a contractor how much it would
cost to remodel your bathroom without giving any other information.
Having said that, it is very important to at least have a written
estimate before signing any forms. It is also important to be
wary of any company that will give you a price list, and will not
give you a quote or estimate. Several factors must be taken
into consideration when determining what the cost of your cleanup
will be. Manner of death, medications, length of time from
death to discovery, and the amount of bio-hazard are just a few
things the Crime and Trauma Scene Cleaning Company will be looking
at to determine the cost of the cleanup. Odor and structural
damage must also be considered. Crime Clean of Texas
Technicians will do a site assessment and put the cost to you in
writing. Our charges for death scenes start at $750.
Q: Don't all
companies charge about the same amount for Crime and Death Scene
Cleanup?
A: NO. Some companies charge $20,000.00 to $30,000.00
or more for what other professional, qualified companies would
charge $2,500.00 to $5,000.00 for.
Oftentimes families who hire a company that only gives them a price
list end up with some of the highest bills for services.
Q: Does
homeowners insurance pay for death scene cleanup?
A: In some cases homeowners insurance pays all or part of the
charges for death scene or bio-hazard cleanup. Several factors
determine whether the charges will be covered: 1) Policy coverage;
2) Cause of Death; 3) Structural damage/involvement; 4) Personal
Property Coverage. Remember:
Even on covered claims, the insurance company may not pay for
excessively high charges and you may be left with a large bill.
Q: What can
people do to protect against predatory companies at such devastating
times in their lives?
A: We know that it is very difficult to lose a loved one, and
have to deal with a hazardous cleanup too, but you have to be
careful not to end up with a bill in the tens-of-thousands of
dollars that may result in the loss of your home. Don't try to
do this alone. Have a trusted friend or relative with you if
you need support. Here is some
information that may help you move forward. 1) Remember
that the emergency is over once the property has been turned back
over to you. If it's in the middle of the night, and you have
just suffered a devastating loss, it's a good idea to secure the
property and try to get some rest. 2) Be aware that some
predatory companies heavily market Police and Funeral Homes.
3) Call a professional Crime Scene Cleanup company. 4) Get a
Quote or Estimate in writing. 5) Read ALL of the contract
before you sign anything. 6)
Remember: Only your insurance company knows if all or part of
the charges will be covered. 7)
If something doesn't feel right, or you
can't get a Quote or Estimate, contact a different company.
8) Most importantly, if you are feeling overwhelmed, take
some time for yourself.
Crime Clean of Texas (210) 723-4892 or (512) 669-2999 or (830) 317-3333