Bodily Injury Liability Insurance for Rehabilitation Professionals

Having bodily injury liability insurance is essential for athletic trainers to protect themselves and their families.

Bodily injury liability is a type of insurance coverage. It provides financial protection to the policyholder if they are found legally responsible for causing bodily injury or death to another person.

What does bodily injury liability insurance do?

For athletic trainers, bodily injury liability insurance is a form of professional liability insurance that provides coverage for claims made against the athletic trainer while working. The purpose of bodily injury insurance is to protect athletic trainers from financial loss if they are found legally responsible for causing bodily harm or injury to a client or athlete.

Recommended course: From Accident to Ambulance: Emergency Action Plans for the Injured Athlete

Despite an athletic trainer’s best efforts, accidents and bad decisions happen. Athletes may sustain injuries during training or competitive events. If an athlete believes that the athletic trainer's actions, advice, or treatment caused or directly contributed to their injury, they may file a lawsuit to seek compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Risk of injuries

Athletic trainers often work in settings, such as athletic training centers, fitness centers, schools, and healthcare facilities, where the risk of injuries is high. This makes liability insurance even more of a priority. In the event of a legal action against an athletic trainer, bodily injury liability insurance covers the costs of legal fees and court settlements up to the policy's coverage limit.

Having bodily injury liability insurance is essential for athletic trainers to protect themselves and their families from the financial burdens of legal accusations and ensure they can continue their professional practice with confidence.

Insurance coverage

Bodily injury liability insurance for athletic trainers falls under professional liability insurance, also known malpractice or errors and omissions insurance. Within the scope of professional liability insurance, there are two primary types of coverage:

• General liability coverage: Provides coverage for bodily injury claims arising from accidents or incidents that occur during training or events. For example, if an athlete falls and gets injured during a training session, and they believe it was due to the athletic trainer’s negligence, they might file a bodily injury claim.
• Professional liability coverage: This type of bodily injury liability insurance is more specific to professional services provided by athletic trainers. It covers claims related to accused errors, poor judgment, absence of information, or negligence in the performance of professional duties. For example, if an athlete suffers a bodily injury due to what they believe was a mistake or improper treatment from the athletic trainer, they might file a lawsuit to seek payment.

Together, these two types of coverage comprise a comprehensive professional liability insurance policy for athletic trainers. The policy limits and coverage details vary depending on the insurance provider and the specific needs of the athletic trainer.

Athletic trainers should review any policy carefully and ensure it adequately covers the general risks associated with professional practice as an athletic trainer as well as specific needs like online training liability coverage.

Finding insurance coverage

As with any insurance policy, athletic trainers should work closely with a reputable insurance provider or broker to ensure that the policy suits the needs of the policy holder. When shopping for bodily injury liability insurance, the following types of businesses and people can help:

• Commercial companies: Many large insurance companies offer professional liability insurance, which may include bodily injury coverage for different types of professionals, including athletic trainers. It is best to communicate directly with each company about coverage options. Not all will have expertise in athletic training.
• Specialty insurance companies: Some insurance companies specialize in providing coverage to specific professions, including athletic trainers. They understand the unique risks and requirements of each profession and can offer tailored policies. Look for insurance companies that mention coverage for athletic trainers and can speak wisely to the specific needs of athletic trainers.
• Insurance agents or brokers: Talking with an insurance broker or agent who specializes in professional liability insurance can help. They have access to most insurance carriers and can compare policies and find the best coverage.
• Professional associations: Check with athletic training professional associations for insurance information. Most professional organizations have partnerships with insurance providers and offer discounted rates or exclusive coverage options for their members.

• Online marketplaces: Online platforms allow shoppers to compare insurance quotes and coverage options from multiple insurance companies. However, check with a professional before making a commitment.

The cost of liability insurance

The costs of insurance coverage will vary by company and policy. Insurance Canopy, a company that provides insurance for athletic trainers, advertises customized bodily injury policies for athletic trainers that start at $12.50/month, or $129 annually. However, they disclose that the final policy cost may adjust depending on the type of coverage selected.

A list of insurers, although not comprehensive, that offer policies for athletic trainers is below:

• CMF Group Athletic Trainer Liability Insurance - Athletic Trainer Insurance (cmfgroup.com)
• Insure Fitness Group Athletic Trainer Liability Insurance | Athletic Trainer Insurance (insurefitness.com)
• Pro Liability Athletic Trainers Professional Liability Insurance (proliability.com)
• The Hartford Fitness & Personal Trainer Professional Liability Insurance (thehartford.com)
• Insurance Canopy Personal Trainer Insurance - In the Gym, Online, Or On-The-Go (insurancecanopy.com)

Evaluating a policy

After selecting an insurance provider, review the coverage details, policy limits, exclusions, and any additional features specific to athletic trainers. Look for a policy that protects the policy holder from all bodily injury claims and aligns with the specific risks associated with athletic training. And finally, confirm the reputation and the ability of the insurance company to fulfill their obligations in case of a claim.

For professionals working in exercise and athletic training environments, body injury liability insurance is a good idea. It can provide peace of mind and free the athletic trainer to focus on his or her job.