In addition to times when health professionals can benefit from having professional liability insurance, many scenarios are not typically covered under this type of policy. General Liability—also referred to as Commercial General Liability (CGL)—covers business owners against claims of bodily injury, property damage, and any associated medical costs. 

Bodily injury: After a lengthy massage a client leans on the massage table’s headrest to steady herself as she was getting up. Not designed to support a person’s full weight, the headrest snaps off. The client injures her arm trying to prevent a fall and sues the massage therapist for damages. Liability insurance may cover the subsequent claim and related medical expenses, up to your general liability policy’s limits of liability. 

Property damage: A patient arrives at an audiology office for a diagnostic test. The receptionist at the office trips over the patient’s laptop bag, breaking the laptop. Even though this was an accident, the patient blames the receptionist and makes a claim. General liability insurance could protect against claims of bodily injury and property damage. 

Personal injury: While out with some friends, a dietician begins talking about a client in a false and unflattering way. The client learns of this conversation and sues for slander. We may cover the subsequent claim up to the limit of liability and pay for an attorney if necessary. 

General liability also usually covers electronic data liability—an important thing to consider as digital medical records continue to become the norm. Though your property will not usually be covered under general liability insurance, damage sustained to a third-party property typically is.