So, you’ve just started a massage clinic and are planning to put insurance protection in place, but you haven’t done it yet. Maybe you haven’t found a proven insurance provider yet, or something else is holding you back. Whatever the reason, here are some real-world scenarios where insurance can help you — and compel you to purchase registered massage therapist liability insurance.
Alleged injury during a massage session
Case:
A massage therapist performs a standard massage on a client, but the latter lodges a complaint against the former, claiming he causes severe neck pain during the session, which leads to physical therapy treatment sessions, loss of work, and financial burden. The client files a lawsuit for negligence and demands compensation for medical expenses, loss of wages, and emotional distress.
How insurance protects:
With registered massage therapist liability insurance, the business carries coverage that handles the legal costs of defending the lawsuit and the amount for any settlement. With this policy, you can also rest assured of financial support for the legal fees and expert consultations, ultimately settling the case without affecting the RMT’s finances or reputation (like license revocation).
Client Injured from Falling off the Massage Table
Case:
After receiving a massage, a client feels lightheaded and trips while exiting the treatment room, falling and injuring the tibia. The client claims that the therapist is responsible for the injury, suggesting that the RMT does not provide proper after-treatment instructions, particularly on how to guide a client when getting off the table.
How insurance protects:
Registered massage therapist liability insurance covers the medical bills related to the client’s injury. The insurance also covers the cost of the legal defense if the complaint elevates into a court battle, as well as settlement fees. Oftentimes, this case resolves in favor of the therapist without being held liable for the injury.
Client’s nerve damage claim
Case:
Like the first two, a therapist can be vulnerable to nerve damage complaints. A client who has an underlying medical condition (for instance, whiplash after a car accident) reports feeling numbness and tingling in their arm or neck after a deep tissue massage. The client claims that the therapist’s technique caused nerve damage, which requires ongoing medical treatment and physical therapy – and a break from work. Eventually, the client pursues legal action, demanding compensation for medical expenses and long-term rehabilitation.
How insurance protects:
The RMT’s professional liability insurance covers the costs of legal defense. It also provides access to expert witnesses who testify about the proper techniques and the client’s non-disclosure of a pre-existing condition. Eventually, the case settles with minimal cost to the RMT, and the therapist continues the practice without significant financial distress.
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Are you online looking for comprehensive registered massage therapist liability insurance? Look no further than the American Massage Council. Call us today at (800) 500-3930 for inquiries.
