Martial Arts Insurance: The Best Defense Is a Good Defense
When it comes to protecting your martial arts school, the best defense is a proactive one. If an accident occurs, and you're left scrambling to recall the details months later, it can severely weaken your case.
Whether it’s a minor incident or a serious accident, having accurate and thorough documentation is essential to defending yourself effectively.
Why Documentation Matters
Imagine this: an attorney contacts you regarding an incident that happened eight months ago. You can’t remember exactly what happened, who was there, or what was done at the time of the accident. This lack of detail can seriously hurt your defense.
The opposing side may have gathered medical records, statements taken immediately after the incident, and even photographs of the injury.
To protect yourself, you need to be just as prepared with your own evidence.
For minor bumps and bruises, this level of detail might not be necessary, but for more serious situations, creating a comprehensive file is crucial.
Be Your Own Investigator
After any significant incident, consider yourself a private investigator. Your job is to gather objective facts—details that are free from personal bias or emotions.
This means documenting what happened, who was present, what actions were taken, and any possible contributing causes.
Recording these details serves as a safeguard against the inevitable fading of memory. Months, or even years, may pass before you have to provide testimony in a deposition or trial.
Relying solely on your memory to recall an event that happened two years ago can leave you vulnerable to skilled cross-examination by opposing counsel.
Having detailed notes will help ensure that your account remains consistent and accurate over time.
Have a Legal Team Ready
If you have martial arts insurance, your insurance company will likely provide your legal defense. However, if you do not have insurance, it’s essential to have an attorney in mind before you need one.
This could be a student or a parent of a student with a background in martial arts and experience in litigation.
Remember, once a lawsuit is filed, your attorney typically has 30 days to respond. If you spend the first 20 days searching for legal representation, your lawyer will be left with inadequate time to prepare a strong defense.
Avoid Last-Minute Scrambling
Rushed cases can lead to expensive settlements that could have been avoided with proper preparation. There are instances where attorneys have received case files just a day before critical paperwork was due, forcing them to rush the filing.
This can lead to higher settlement payouts because the defense wasn’t given enough time to properly prepare.
Being proactive and organized from the beginning can prevent costly mistakes down the line.
Conclusion
In the world of martial arts school insurance, the best defense is being prepared. Detailed documentation of incidents, having a legal team ready, and understanding the process can make all the difference if an accident ever leads to a lawsuit.
Don’t leave your school vulnerable—ensure you’re ready with a solid defense before any claims are made.