What Happens If a Patient Slips and Falls in Your Dental Office

It was a rainy Tuesday in Baton Rouge. Dr. Simone’s morning schedule was packed, and the tile in her front waiting area was slick from the parade of wet shoes coming in. By 10:15 AM, disaster struck—a patient stepped in, lost her footing, and hit the floor hard. An ambulance was called. A sprained wrist, a bruised hip, and a conversation with a personal injury attorney followed soon after.

Dental offices aren't just about fillings and cleanings—they’re also places where accidents can happen. If someone slips and falls inside your practice, are you ready for what comes next?

Why Dental Offices Are at Risk for Slip-and-Fall Incidents

Unlike retail stores or construction zones, dental offices might not look like a high-risk environment—but they are.

Several factors increase the risk of a fall in your practice, especially in busy or wet conditions. Here’s why:

• Smooth flooring (like tile or polished concrete)

• Tight scheduling (patients rushing in or out)

• Water from umbrellas, raincoats, or HVAC systems

• Anxious patients (distracted or dizzy before/after procedures)

One fall can turn into a serious financial and legal problem—especially if you don’t have the right coverage.

General Liability Insurance: Your First Line of Defense

If a patient or visitor is injured on your premises, your general liability insurance can help you recover financially. It addresses both legal and medical costs that could otherwise fall squarely on your shoulders.

Here’s what general liability insurance typically covers:

• Medical expenses resulting from the injury

• Legal fees if they file a lawsuit

• Settlements or court awards if you’re found liable

Without this coverage, your practice may have to pay out of pocket—and that can be costly. Even a minor injury with physical therapy can run into the thousands.

What’s Actually Covered?

When general liability coverage applies, here are the specific areas it may cover depending on the situation:

Medical Costs

Covers immediate care like ER visits, X-rays, stitches, or follow-ups stemming from the incident.

Legal Costs

Covers attorney fees, court filings, and legal representation if the injured party decides to sue.

Settlements and Judgments

If you’re found at fault—say, your staff didn’t clean up a spill quickly enough—your policy covers the payout.

What’s Not Covered

Even comprehensive policies have their limits. Not everything falls under general liability, especially when it comes to your own team or your clinical services.

Here are some situations that are excluded:

• Injuries to your employees (that’s workers’ comp territory)

• Damage to your own property

• Claims related to patient care errors (that’s professional liability/malpractice)

This is specifically for third-party injuries—patients, delivery drivers, vendors, or even your landlord.

Real-World Scenarios Where Coverage Matters

Not convinced it could happen to you? These examples reflect how quickly a normal day at the office can turn into a claim:

Scenario 1: Waiting Room Fall

A patient slips on a freshly mopped floor that wasn’t marked with a sign. Their medical bills and rehab are covered under your policy.

Scenario 2: Uneven Walkway

A cracked walkway outside your office causes someone to trip. Even if it’s technically part of the building, as a tenant, you may still be held liable—especially if you didn’t report it.

Scenario 3: Spilled Water at Checkout

A child spills a drink, and the next patient slips five minutes later. Your staff didn’t notice in time. Covered.

Preventing Accidents Before They Happen

Insurance can save your practice after an incident, but prevention is the smarter (and cheaper) first step. With a few simple changes, you can significantly reduce the chance of someone getting hurt.

Here are a few proactive steps you can take:

• Daily walk-throughs of high-traffic areas

• Anti-slip rugs at all entrances

• Prompt clean-up protocols and signage

• Staff training on spotting and correcting hazards

• Regular communication with property management if you rent

Do You Have Enough Liability Protection?

General liability policies vary, and too many dentists rely on baseline coverage without realizing the financial risk of a major injury claim.

To better protect your practice, consider the following:

• Reviewing your general liability limits (most start around $1 million per occurrence)

• Evaluating risk factors like location size, foot traffic, and weather exposure

• Considering an umbrella policy for added protection beyond the basic coverage

When a Fall Becomes a Lawsuit, Will You Be Ready?

The truth is, even the cleanest, most cautious dental practices can face slip-and-fall claims. It only takes one rainy day or missed water spot to lead to a serious injury—and a legal headache.

At Kastner Insurance, we specialize in helping dental practices across Louisiana—from Lafayette to Baton Rouge, Alexandria to New Orleans—protect their business inside and out. From general liability to custom business coverage, we make sure you’re not one wet floor away from a financial setback.

Contact us today to get the protection your dental office needs—so you can focus on patient care, not injury claims.

About Kastner Insurance Group