Alright, let’s dive into bodily injury and how it impacts small businesses across the USA. If you’ve ever had to worry about someone slipping in your store, tripping over a toolbox at your job site, or even a delivery gone wrong, you’re probably already familiar with the term bodily injury.
But for those who aren’t—bodily injury refers to any physical harm caused to another person. And when it happens on your business’s property or due to your business operations? Well, you’re on the hook. It’s one of those risks most of us don’t like to think about, but trust me, it’s better to plan ahead than deal with a lawsuit after the fact.
Why Bodily Injury Insurance is Non-Negotiable
As a small business owner, accidents are unavoidable. Sure, you’re careful—you’ve got signs up, floors are clean, everything’s in place. But accidents don’t send you an invite before they show up, do they?
Take this stat: According to the National Safety Council, the average cost of a bodily injury claim in 2022 was around $42,000. Imagine having to shell out that kind of money because someone sprained their ankle in your restaurant. I mean, most small businesses don’t have tens of thousands just lying around for a rainy day, right?
Here’s the thing: bodily injury claims don’t just come with medical bills. They come with legal fees, lost wages, pain and suffering—all kinds of things that pile on costs. And you’ve got to handle it, because if a customer, vendor, or even a random passerby files a lawsuit, it’s your business on the line.
Real Talk: The Industries at Risk
Now, while every business should take bodily injury seriously, there are some industries where it’s practically lurking around every corner. Contractors, I’m looking at you. You’re running a crew, working on job sites, moving heavy equipment—it’s a recipe for someone getting hurt. A ladder tips over, a piece of equipment falls, someone’s in the wrong place at the wrong time. Bodily injury happens.
Retailers? Don’t think you’re off the hook either. Slips and falls are some of the most common reasons people file bodily injury claims, and stores are prime spots for it. According to the National Floor Safety Institute, over 1 million Americans go to the emergency room each year because of slip and fall injuries. Imagine what that could mean for your boutique or small shop. One bad fall, and you’re knee-deep in legal and medical bills.
And even if you’ve got a small business in a less “physical” space—like accounting or consulting—you could still be liable. Maybe you have clients visit your office. If someone trips on the way in, it’s not just their pride that’s hurt—you’ll be dealing with a bodily injury claim. It’s why bodily injury insurance isn’t just important—it’s a no-brainer.
What Bodily Injury Insurance Covers
So, what does bodily injury insurance actually cover? In a nutshell, it handles the costs of medical bills, legal fees, and potential settlements if someone gets hurt on your property or because of your business’s operations. This includes:
- Medical expenses: Hospital bills, emergency room visits, physical therapy—you name it.
- Legal defense: Let’s say someone files a lawsuit. Your bodily injury insurance will cover the legal costs.
- Settlements or judgments: If it goes to court and you lose (or if you settle), this insurance can help pay the damages.
But here’s the kicker: it doesn’t cover injuries to your own employees. That’s where workers’ comp comes in, which is a whole other conversation. We’re talking about customers, vendors, or any third party who comes into contact with your business.
How Much Coverage is Enough?
Now, you might be wondering, “How much coverage do I actually need?” Well, that depends on your business, but I’ll tell you this: most small businesses should have at least $1 million in bodily injury liability coverage. Sounds like a lot, but when you consider that the cost of a lawsuit can easily run into the six-figure range, it’s more like playing it safe.
For example, in 2020, small businesses in the construction industry faced an average claim of $95,000 for bodily injury. And retailers? Your average claim runs around $30,000. These numbers make it pretty clear: a solid insurance policy is way cheaper than footing those bills yourself.
Bodily Injury Insurance = Peace of Mind
At the end of the day, you’ve got to protect your livelihood. You’ve poured your heart and soul into building your business—don’t let one accident take it all away. Bodily injury insurance isn’t just another bill—it’s your safety net.
So, what can you do? First off, make sure your insurance policy has you covered for bodily injury. You’d be surprised how many small businesses think they have enough coverage, only to find out they don’t when it’s too late. You don’t want to be that business owner who thought, “Eh, it won’t happen to me,” and then ends up drowning in legal fees.
Here’s What Small Business Owners are Saying:
Take it from Diane, a bakery owner in Ohio:
“I thought my little shop didn’t need much coverage—until someone slipped in my store and I was slapped with a $15,000 bill. My insurance had my back, and I’m so glad I had it in place.”
Or Mike, a contractor in California:
“A tool fell off a ladder and hit a client on the arm. I was freaking out, but my bodily injury insurance covered the medical bills and legal costs. Best decision I made for my business.”
Ready to secure your business and sleep easy at night? Get a custom quote today from Business Insurance USA. With our specialized policies for small businesses across the USA, we’ve got your back—so you can keep doing what you do best.
