Commercial General Liability (CGL) insurance is designed to help protect you and your business if you’re found legally liable for bodily injuries to a third party. Put simply, if someone gets injured on your business’ property and decides to sue you, your CGL insurance policy can help with legal costs and damages associated with the lawsuit.

CGL insurance provides essential coverage for bodily injury and property damage claims arising from your business operations. In Atlantic Canada, slip-and-fall injuries are among the most common claims under CGL insurance. These claims typically arise when a third party, such as a customer or visitor, sustains injuries due to a slippery or hazardous surface on the insured premises. CGL coverage helps protect businesses from the financial implications of such bodily injury claims, including medical expenses, legal fees, and potential settlements. It underscores the importance for businesses to prioritize premises safety measures to prevent accidents and reduce the risk of liability claims under their CGL policies.

Here are a few tips to help you minimize slip-and-fall injuries at your small business:

1. Regular Maintenance: Conduct frequent inspections to identify and promptly address any hazards. Clean spills, and repair damaged or uneven surfaces and pathways. Remove your clutter as well.
2. Weather Preparedness: Keep walkways clear of ice and snow, especially during winter.
3. Slip-Resistant Flooring: Install slip-resistant surfaces, particularly in high-traffic areas. Also address uneven, unsecured mats.
4. Warning Signs: Use visible warning signs in wet or freshly cleaned areas.
5. Effective Lighting: Ensure proper lighting to enhance visibility for customers and employees.
6. Staff Training: Train staff to quickly respond to spills and report potential hazards.
7. Maintain a log of items that were inspected and fixed if necessary.

Let’s delve into what types of injuries are covered under a CGL policy.

• Bodily Injuries on Premises: CGL policies typically cover bodily injuries sustained by third parties on your business premises. This includes customers, clients, or visitors who may slip, trip, or fall on your property.
• Products Liability: If your business manufactures, sells, or distributes products, CGL insurance covers bodily injuries caused by defects or hazards associated with your products.
• Completed Operations: CGL coverage extends to bodily injuries resulting from completed operations or services. If a client is injured due to a service you provided, the policy can provide protection.
• Advertising and Personal Injury: CGL policies often cover non-physical injuries, such as libel, slander, or false advertising claims. This ensures your business is protected against certain reputational and personal injury risks.
• Medical Payments: CGL policies may include coverage for medical expenses incurred by individuals who sustain injuries on your premises, regardless of fault. This can help expedite compensation and prevent legal action.
• Employee Injuries: While workers’ compensation generally covers employee injuries, CGL insurance may offer some protection in certain cases, especially if a third party is involved.

It’s important to note that the specific coverage details can vary based on policy terms and endorsements. Munn Insurance emphasizes the importance of customizing your CGL policy to suit your business needs. Working with experienced insurance professionals ensures that your coverage aligns with the unique risks of your business in Atlantic Canada.

Being prepared and proactive should be part of your plan, but sometimes accidents happen. If you do have a third-party bodily injury at your business, it’s important to have best practices in place on what to do. A good starting place is an incident report. Have a form at the ready for all those involved to fill out. This will help you record key details that you can reference when you report the incident back to your insurance provider. It’s very important to contact your insurance provider as soon as possible following an accident. They can walk you through the claims process and provide insight on important details, such as reducing your exposure to liability.

In conclusion, a well-tailored CGL policy available through Munn Insurance provides vital protection against a range of bodily injury claims. Whether on your premises, through completed operations, or related to your products and advertising, having comprehensive CGL coverage is essential for the overall risk management strategy of your business.

We have extensive experiencing insuring all types of businesses, from small one person operations to much more complex enterprises. We can help make sure you get the right coverage at the best price. If you have any questions, call the insurance experts at Munn Insurance at 1-855-726-8627. We’d be happy to help.