Whether you operate a business out of an office suite, a retail store, or any other location that receives visitors, you can’t afford to be without bodily injury coverage, which is typically part of a commercial general liability (CGL) insurance policy. In today’s highly litigious society, businesses face the possibility of costly lawsuits resulting from third-party on-premises injury claims.
Why Your Business Needs Bodily Injury Coverage
Think of bodily injury coverage as your business’s primary defense against claims of physical harm to a third party. A single incident—such as a customer slipping on a recently mopped floor or tripping over a loose carpet—can lead to an expensive and time-consuming lawsuit for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and legal fees. Without this coverage, your business would be responsible for these costs, which could be financially devastating. In addition to resolving third-party injury claims, your CGL insurance carrier will also provide the legal defense and settlement costs, allowing you to focus on your business without the constant threat of a lawsuit.
Most Common Bodily Injury Claims in West-Central Florida
While any on-premises accident can lead to a claim, some types of incidents are more common than others:
- Slip-and-Fall Accidents are the most frequent type of claim in Florida. They can be caused by wet surfaces from rain or spills, uneven walkways, or tripping hazards like extension cords.
- Falling Objects: A client injured by a product falling from a high shelf in a retail store, or by a piece of equipment falling from a contractor’s truck, can also result in a claim.
- Customer Injuries: A customer could be injured in a parking lot or by a piece of faulty equipment within your business, leading to a claim.
What Bodily Injury Covers and What It Doesn’t
Understanding the scope of your coverage is essential:
What It Covers
Your CGL policy’s bodily injury coverage protects against claims of physical injury to a third party. This coverage pays medical expenses, ambulance fees, legal defense costs, and any settlements or judgments from a lawsuit, up to the policy’s limits.
What It Doesn’t Cover
It’s important to note that bodily injury coverage typically excludes injuries to your employees, which are covered by Workers’ Compensation insurance. It also does not cover injuries arising from a car accident, which falls under Commercial Auto Insurance, or from professional negligence, which requires Errors and Omissions or professional liability insurance.
Does Your Business Need CGL with Bodily Injury Protection?
While every business with visitors should have this protection, certain professions have a higher exposure to risk:
- HVAC Companies: Technicians working on a client’s property could cause a third party to be injured by their equipment.
- Electricians: A client could trip over an extension cord or tools left on a job site.
- Masonry & Concrete Contractors: Work sites can be hazardous, and a customer, vendor, or visitor could be injured by falling debris or uneven ground.
CGL & Bodily Injury Protection for Commercial Businesses in Southwest Florida
Commercial Insurance Specialists is a Trusted Choice independent agency, which reflects our commitment to providing exceptional service and a broad range of insurance options for your business. We have the flexibility to explore and compare policies from various top-rated insurers, ensuring your business gets the bodily injury coverage that fits your budget. We serve clients across multiple industries, including HVAC companies, electricians, healthcare providers and masonry & concrete contractors in Indian Rocks, Sarasota, Temple Terrace, Safety Harbor, and surrounding Gulf Coast and Central Florida communities.
Contact CIS today for a free, no-obligation commercial property insurance quote! Simply fill out our online form or give us a call, and one of our experienced and licensed agents will help you understand your options and find the best coverage for your business.
