A Massage Therapist is Responsible For:
Massage therapists work closely with clients to provide relaxation and wellness services. Using primarily their hands, massage therapists work to release tension throughout the body by applying pressure and vibration. There are various techniques involved in massage therapy which are both structured and unstructured. Massage therapists have a strong understanding of human anatomy and more specifically, muscles. Through the alleviation of stress in soft tissues of the body, massage therapists enable clients to move through daily life with greater ease.
Massage therapists are certified professionals who must undergo training to legally begin their practice. Through the regulation of this profession, clients can rest easy knowing that the individual treating them is qualified to do so. Massage therapy training includes the teaching of different massage techniques as well as knowledge of human anatomy and musculature. Massage therapists are held accountable to standards of professional behavior and quality care.
The Risks Associated With Being a Massage Therapist:
It is necessary for massage therapists to undergo extensive training as they work intimately with the soft tissues of the body. Without a proper understanding of these soft tissues, a massage therapist can cause bodily harm to their clients which may result in long-term consequences. However, even when massage therapists have been trained and are qualified to work in their chosen field, unwanted outcomes can still arise.
Whenever a client is placing trust in a professional to provide them with proper care, it is important for that professional to be insured. Investing in insurance means that regardless of what happens, a massage therapist can mediate whatever negative outcome occurs. At one point in a massage therapist’s career, there is the possibility that they will accidentally injure a client. Similarly, there is the possibility that the customer will be displeased with the services provided and want a refund. Whatever happens, insurance provides massage therapists with peace of mind.
How to Mitigate Risk as a Massage Therapist:
When working closely with soft tissue, massage therapists run the risk of causing bodily harm to clients. As a result, it is important to invest in specific protections that cover the different circumstances that can arise. For example, if an accident occurs and a massage therapist is liable, insurance can cover damages to both finances and reputation. Professional Liability Insurance protects a massage therapist’s financial and reputational future. Similarly, Errors and Omissions Insurance protects a massage therapist in the event they make an error when providing care to clients.
Not only should massage therapists be trained and knowledgeable in their profession, but it is also important for them to have a strong understanding of hazard control. The ability to control potential hazards involves understanding the various risks involved with working with the human body. As every body is different, the type of care to be provided should be personalized to the individual. Therefore, medical history is important to investigate before care. If a massage therapist does not take into account a specific part of a client’s medical history and this results in bodily injury, the client may file a malpractice claim. In this scenario, investment into Errors and Omissions Insurance can help a massage therapist recover from damages to finances and reputation.
For massage therapists, an investment in insurance is a decision which can drastically impact one’s financial and reputational future. Even if a massage therapist has followed through with all the steps necessary to provide the highest degree of care to clients, there is still the possibility that an unwanted outcome will occur. With insurance, massage therapists can rest easy knowing that no matter what happens, they have a safeguard to protect them under all circumstances. Without insurance, even an accident can prove disastrous for a massage therapist.
What type of insurance does this industry need?
- Professional Liability: This policy, common in the professional services industry, helps to protect your business if a client believes they've suffered a loss due to a mistake or error made in a professional capacity. Your business may have contracts with clients or partners that require Professional Liability coverage, provide a "warranty or guarantee," or have clauses that require you to "indemnify or hold harmless" your clients. If so, Professional Liability coverage is often recommended. This coverage is also commonly recommended for any businesses providing advice related to legal or financial matters.
- General Liability: This policy protects your business in case of third party claims, such as bodily injury or property damage. For example, the common "slip-and-fall" claim would be covered by your General Liability policy. General Liability insurance is often considered to be the core coverage, particularly for businesses that regularly physically interact with customers or sell physical goods. In addition, many businesses have a contract, like a loan or a lease, requiring that they have this coverage.
- Medical Malpractice: This coverage protects physicians and other licensed health care professionals (e.g., dentists, nurses) from liability associated with wrongful practices resulting in bodily injury, medical expenses and property damage. The potential for a lawsuit is high in medical professions, and this coverage will help protect your business from the costs of damages and legal fees.
- Commercial Property: This policy protects the business's physical assets and is appropriate whether you own or lease your space. Keep in mind that this policy will only offer protection in the case of covered events. If you need protection for certain scenarios, such as floods or earthquakes, you may need additional coverage. If you have a mortgage or a lease, you may be required to have property insurance. Even if you are not, this is the best way to protect the building you are in and the business property you have in case of a natural disaster or some other accident.
- Workers Compensation: Workers Compensation covers an employee's lost wages and the cost of resulting medical treatment if they suffer a work-related injury or disease. It also covers services needed to help the employee recover and return to work. Workers Compensation coverage is mandatory in most states. The number of employees after which it's required differs by state, but you will generally need coverage once you have employees.
- Errors & Omissions (E&O): This policy, common in the professional services industry, helps to protect your business if a client believes they've suffered a loss due to an error or omission on your part. Your business may have contracts with clients or partners that require E&O coverage, provide a "warranty or guarantee," or have clauses that require you to "indemnify or hold harmless" your clients. If so, E&O coverage is often recommended. This coverage is also commonly recommended for any businesses providing advice related to legal or financial matters.
- Umbrella Insurance: Umbrella insurance offers excess liability protection in the case that your General Liability, Commercial Auto Liability, and/or Employer's Liability coverage is insufficient. It essentially acts as a "back-up" plan, providing additional financial protection in the case that your business faces a particularly large claim that exceeds a single policy's limits. This policy can be particularly valuable for a business that faces a variety of risks and has multiple liability policies.
- Hired & Non-Owned Auto: This insurance protects the business in the case of any incidents involving a vehicle that has been hired by the company to be used for business-related purposes. It also provides coverage in the case your business uses other vehicles which are not property of the business, such as having delivery drivers use their own vehicles. If your company hires vehicles or allows employees to use their own vehicles for business purposes, you will want to consider this insurance.
