As the owner of a small business, you know that you couldn’t get things done without your loyal employees. When they are hurt on the job, you expect that your insurance policy will cover the costs of their medical expenses. But will it? If you think that general liability insurance will cover you, you might be in for a surprise. Here’s what you need to know.
General Liability Insurance
This type of coverage is what you use for unavoidable liabilities of a specific nature. What it does not do is cover injured employees. Things covered by general liability insurance include:
- Injuries that a person visiting your business sustains.
- Damage that you cause to another’s property without intent.
- Issues like libel and slander.
Should your business be sued over incidents like those above, your general liability insurance will cover you.
Workers’ Compensation
Workers’ compensation is the type of insurance that will cover your costs should an employee be injured while performing their work duties. You can count on this type of insurance to help when:
- A work-related injury to an employee requires medical care and recovery.
- Your employee cannot return to work due to a covered injury (lost wages).
- Dependent support and/or funeral costs when a work injury is fatal.
- Liability damages if you are sued because of work-related injuries.
How They Differ
Each of these policies has similarities, but each is also unique. Workers’ compensation is required by state law when your business has a certain number of employees. General liability is important to carry even if you don’t have employees. You cannot predict when someone will trip on your property and sue you for their medical bills.
It is your responsibility to protect not only yourself, but your clients and your employees. When you carry both types of insurance, you have all of your bases covered. Neither is a stand-in for the other. As a small-business owner, it is important to carry both.
If you have been injured at work, call our team of workers’ compensation attorneys today. We will review the details of your case and advise you of your options. Do not settle for less than what you are owed, and never accept a denial of your claim without the advice of an attorney. Call now or browse our website for more information about our firm and how we can assist you.
