3 min read
Why Dental Offices in Louisiana Shouldn’t Ignore Business Interruption Insurance
Dr. Nguyen didn’t expect to walk into a dark, dead-silent office on a random Wednesday morning. A transformer fire down the street knocked out...
3 min read
Levi Kastner
Jun 4, 2025 3:29:35 PM
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?
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.
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.
When general liability coverage applies, here are the specific areas it may cover depending on the situation:
Covers immediate care like ER visits, X-rays, stitches, or follow-ups stemming from the incident.
Covers attorney fees, court filings, and legal representation if the injured party decides to sue.
If you’re found at fault—say, your staff didn’t clean up a spill quickly enough—your policy covers the payout.
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.
Not convinced it could happen to you? These examples reflect how quickly a normal day at the office can turn into a claim:
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.
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.
A child spills a drink, and the next patient slips five minutes later. Your staff didn’t notice in time. Covered.
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
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
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.
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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Dr. Nguyen didn’t expect to walk into a dark, dead-silent office on a random Wednesday morning. A transformer fire down the street knocked out...
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