The Nonprofit:
A nonprofit provided work opportunities for clients with functional disabilities. The nonprofit operated an office space that was open to the public to serve as a place for staff work and for working with clients.
The Incident:
One day, a staff member was mopping a floor but did not place warning cones or signage to indicate the surface was wet.
A member of the public walked through the area, slipped on the wet floor, and fell. The individual sustained a torn ligament in their knee and a sprained wrist.
The Legal Action:
The injured individual filed a claim against the nonprofit alleging bodily injury resulting from the fall.
The Coverage:
The nonprofit reported the incident to its insurance broker, who initiated the claims process under the organization’s Commercial General Liability coverage with Nonprofits Insurance Alliance (NIA).
The Result:
The claim was resolved through mediation. The nonprofit incurred legal defense costs as part of the process.
What the Nonprofit Did Well:
The nonprofit had established protocols for janitorial and maintenance work that included the use of warning cones and/or signage to alert the public to wet floors.
The organization reported the incident promptly and cooperated with the claims handling and resolution process.
How Can Your Nonprofit Protect Itself?
Nonprofits that operate facilities sometimes consider how safety procedures are communicated, how clients and staff are trained, how compliance with those procedures is monitored, and how incidents are reported and documented.
Clear protocols, supervision, documentation, and incident tracking can help organizations respond effectively when incidents occur and support resolution of claims if injuries are reported.
From the Claims Files stories are for general information only. They are simplified examples and do not guarantee coverage, a defense, or any specific outcome. Some losses described in this series may not be covered.
Coverage depends on the specific facts and on the terms, conditions, and exclusions in your policy. Contact your insurance broker or agent for guidance, and follow your policy’s claims reporting procedures if an incident may involve a claim.
This story is not legal, medical, financial, or professional advice. In an emergency, contact local emergency services first. Any risk management practices mentioned are general suggestions and may not apply to every nonprofit. Follow all applicable laws, licensing rules, and reporting requirements.
