James had spent years building his Baton Rouge law firm into a respected practice. He took pride in the firm’s reputation, its sleek downtown office, and its steady flow of high-profile clients. But one rainy afternoon, a potential client entered the office, slipped on the freshly mopped marble floor, and landed hard. The client suffered a fractured wrist and immediately threatened legal action.
James assumed his professional liability insurance would cover the claim—after all, it was a law firm. But he quickly learned that professional liability policies only cover errors and omissions in legal work, not bodily injury claims from office visitors. Without a general liability insurance policy, his firm faced an expensive lawsuit, legal fees, and the possibility of paying medical bills out of pocket.
General liability insurance is a fundamental coverage that protects law firms from third-party claims related to bodily injury, property damage, and advertising injuries. While professional liability insurance covers mistakes in legal work, general liability insurance steps in when someone sues your firm for accidents, injuries, or damage that happen at your office or due to your operations.
For law firms in Baton Rouge, this coverage is non-negotiable—especially when clients and visitors are frequently in and out of the office.
Law offices are high-traffic professional spaces where clients, witnesses, vendors, and employees move around constantly. The potential for accidents—and resulting lawsuits—is higher than most attorneys assume.
If a client or delivery person slips, trips, or falls in your office, you could be held financially responsible for their medical bills, lost wages, and even pain and suffering. Without general liability insurance, your firm would have to cover these costs out of pocket.
If an attorney visits a client’s office and accidentally damages equipment, furniture, or other property, your firm could be sued for the repair or replacement costs. General liability insurance helps cover these types of claims.
Even law firms aren’t immune to defamation, libel, or slander claims. If your firm’s advertising or online content is accused of damaging another business’s reputation, general liability insurance helps cover legal fees and settlements.
Whether it’s an angry former client, an injured visitor, or a business partner dispute, general liability insurance helps pay for legal defense costs, court fees, and potential settlements.
A comprehensive general liability policy for Baton Rouge law firms typically includes protection for:
Here are some common misconceptions we hear when it comes to general liability insurance coverage.
No. Professional liability insurance only covers legal malpractice claims—not injuries or property damage. Both policies are essential for full protection.
Even with the best safety measures, accidents happen. If a visitor, delivery driver, or client is injured, the legal and medical costs can be substantial.
Lawsuits don’t discriminate based on firm size. Small firms are often more financially vulnerable to lawsuits, making general liability coverage even more important.
Most law firms in Baton Rouge should carry at least $1 million in general liability coverage, but larger firms or those with multiple office locations may need higher limits.
To determine the right amount, consider:
General liability is just one piece of the puzzle. Baton Rouge law firms should also consider pairing it with:
By combining these policies, law firms can create a full risk management strategy to protect their practice from financial setbacks and legal trouble.
General liability insurance is a must-have for any Baton Rouge law firm that interacts with clients, vendors, or the public. Without it, a single lawsuit could drain your firm’s finances, disrupt operations, and damage your reputation.
If your law firm doesn’t have general liability coverage—or needs a policy review—working with an experienced insurance provider can ensure you’re fully protected. Don’t wait until an accident happens—make sure your firm has the right coverage in place today.
Founded in 2017, Kastner Insurance Group is a full-service, independent insurance broker based in Lafayette, LA. Our insurance agents specialize in offering a variety of insurance products tailored to individual and commercial needs, making sure clients receive personalized and comprehensive coverage options from a variety of insurance companies/insurance carriers.
With over 43 years of combined experience, the team at Kastner Insurance Group is dedicated to providing expert advice and exceptional service. They proudly serve professional offices and businesses across Lafayette city/parish, Youngsville, Broussard, Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Alexandria, Acadiana, and statewide in Louisiana.
Call us today or visit our website for a customized quote.
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