Does A Disability Support Worker Need Public Liability Insurance?

Disability support workers play a critical role in ensuring that the elderly and physically or mentally disabled Australians get the care and quality of life they deserve. However, there is some risk that disability support workers need to take into account. There are situations where physical harm or property damage can be caused accidentally to their clients or other members of the public.

Since Australia has one of the highest rates of lawsuits in the world (following only the United States), disability support workers should make sure they have the right insurance to protect them from financial burden.

What is public liability insurance?

Public liability insurance is designed to protect individuals and businesses in the event that they accidentally cause physical harm to their clients or members of the public. This type of insurance also covers property that is damaged as a result of business activities. It’s a great option for disability support workers since they regularly support their clients in their daily lives, at various premises or locations including in public spaces.

If a claim or lawsuit is filed, and there is cover under the policy, the insurance company would help cover the payment awarded to the claimant or settlement amount, as well as any legal fees associated with the claim.

Why disability support workers need public liability insurance

Disability support workers regularly care for their clients in public spaces as you help them with everyday activities. While instances of disability support workers causing physical harm and property damage are rare, they can happen, even inadvertently. It’s important that you have the proper coverage in place to protect you and your business from potential lawsuits.

There are two main areas where Public Liability Insurance protects disability support workers — physical harm and property damage. Physical harm could happen in the event that you cause your client or another person injury or damage. For example, maybe your client gets from their bed to wheelchair. If you slip and accidentally drop them, they might sue you to cover the resulting medical bills. Property damage could be any destruction of or damage to personal property including vehicles, appliances, or other belongings.

Disability support workers who work for a company or in a facility should check with their employer on insurance needs. In some cases, these organisations may require disability support workers to hold their own coverage. The last thing you want is to have a claim filed and find out that you don’t have proper coverage.

upcover offers insurance for disability support workers

Whether you are working as a full time, part time, contractor or freelance disability support worker, there are a range of activities that are included in the insurance that we offer. Visit our page for disability support workers for more information.

Protect yourself and your business

If you need help getting Public Liability Insurance, look no further than upcover. Using our instant quote generator, you can get the coverage level that you need to feel confident that you and your disability support business are well protected if you accidentally cause physical harm or property damage.