General Liability Insurance for Attorneys

Frequently Asked Questions about General Liability Insurance

• Are General Liability Insurance and Professional Liability Insurance the same thing?

  No, General Liability Insurance and Professional Liability Insurance are not the same—they cover very different types of risks, and most law firms need both.

  • General Liability Insurance protects against third-party bodily injury, property damage, and advertising injury (like defamation or copyright claims). For example, if a client slips in your office or sues over a misleading brochure, general liability applies.

  • Professional Liability Insurance (also called legal malpractice insurance for law firms) covers claims related to the legal services you provide, such as mistakes, missed deadlines, or perceived negligence in handling a case.

  In short, general liability protects your business operations, while professional liability protects your legal practice. Both are essential for comprehensive risk management.

• What triggers a general liability insurance policy?

  A General Liability Insurance policy is triggered when a third party (like a client, visitor, or vendor) claims your business caused harm or damages, due to your actions, services, or business operations.

  Here are the most common triggers:

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  1. Bodily Injury

  A client slips and falls in your office and suffers an injury. Even if the injury seems minor, the claim can trigger your general liability coverage to pay for medical expenses and potential legal defense.

  2. Property Damage

  You or an employee accidentally damage a client’s property while visiting their location—for example, spilling coffee on a client's laptop during a site meeting.

  3. Personal and Advertising Injury

  This includes claims like libel, slander, copyright infringement, or misuse of someone’s likeness or ideas—for example, if your law firm’s marketing materials unintentionally defame a competitor.

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  General liability covers accidents and unintended harm to others, not issues related to your legal advice or services—that’s what legal malpractice insurance covers.

• What does general liability insurance not cover?

  General Liability Insurance covers third-party injuries, property damage, and certain reputational claims—but it doesn't cover everything. It does not protect against errors from a firm’s professional services, which require professional liability insurance. It also won’t cover employee injuries (that’s what workers’ compensation is for), damage to your own property, cyber incidents, or intentional wrongdoing.

  For full protection, law firms typically pair general liability with other policies, such as professional liability, cyber insurance, and workers' compensation, depending on their size and operations.

• What's the difference between a BOP and General Liability coverage?

  A Business Owner’s Policy (BOP) and General Liability Insurance are related but not the same. A BOP is a bundled package that includes general liability coverage, commercial property insurance, and often business interruption coverage. It’s designed to offer broader protection in one policy—ideal for small businesses, such as law firms.

  In contrast, general liability insurance is just one part of a BOP. It covers third-party claims for bodily injury, property damage, and advertising injury—but not your own business property or income loss. A BOP provides general liability and added protections in a single, cost-effective plan.