Liability insurance for educators

[loisane]

To the those of you already teaching in a classroom/academic setting: Do you carry Liability Insurance?

I'm not talking about traditional liability insurance that many of us have for clinical practice (that would cover a nurse involved in the care of a patient who subsequently files a lawsuit claiming negligence).

I am hearing more and more about college and graduate students filing lawsuits related to their education. These students claim they were treated unfairly, usually related to an evaluation or a grade. Many times they have been unable to successfully complete their program, or have not been allowed to continue due to their poor performance. So they sue to try and force their way back into the program. I am wondering if there are liability insurance policies available for educators to protect themselves from this type of risk.

Does anyone know of any company or agency offering such a policy?

I have been told that I might be able to obtain such coverage through a professional organization. What professional organizations exist for nursing educators? The only educational professional organizations I have found are for grades 1-12 teachers.

Yes, I know my employer's insurance would cover me if a lawsuit was filed. But I am still exploring options to obtain my own, personal coverage.

Any thoughts?

loisane

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

your employer may not cover you as much as you think. There are always loopholes and they are more concerned about their own protection. I am adjunct faculty at a university and work in a hospital setting. I have insurance thru my homeowner's policy (rider) that is

[loisane]

Good idea, classic. I did ask my insurance agent, but they said they didn't know of any such policy. I will ask about a rider, that might be an option the agent didn't think of.

I agree with you about loopholes, that is why I am trying to find some individual coverage.

Thanks!

loisane