I think the main issue - in our situation at least (I mean personally) - is that if you as an Entertainer/Act invite people up on the floor either directly ("Come on everybody get up and dance!") or inferred (simply playing known, popular, dance music or styles of Dance) and someone falls on their ass, that person is entitled to sue whoever they can come after.

Could be (and most likely will be) the Venue.
Could be (and possibly might be) the Artist.

I want to be covered for the second possibility, and professionally, apparently, I HAVE to be.

Let's face it ... in this litigious society of ours, ANYONE will sue ANYONE ELSE for ANYTHING, and they will find a lawyer to take the case ...
In the musician's case, forget the 'tripping on a cable' (I always try to make sure mine lead behind me or they are covered with duct tape), as hellboy said, if someone is dancing to your music and falls, you stand as much chance (maybe MORE) of getting sued as the venue does, whether it's a club, NH, whatever ...
You may not NEED the insurance to work in a particular place, but you may WANT it, no matter where you work ...
... AND no, I do not have it ...

t.

BTW ... If you are covered for any and every occasion/venue with your own insurance policy, might it not be a worthwhile deductible business expense???
t.

Around here,....
No Liabilituy Insurance = No Work period.

Donny ... is that YOUR choice, or a requirement? ...
t.

Anybody actually been sued around here, or is this just us getting our panties in a wad?

I know in New York if you do something for hire (make money at it) it changes everything. This includes using your vehicle to transport equipment. Your not covered if you are getting paid to do it so vehicle insurance would not cover you or your equipment if in an accident.... I would think this would be the same for an private umbrella policy with your home policy.... Not sure 100 % but worth checking into....

Requirement I'd say in 50-75% of the establishments..client is asked upon booking the affair if the Dj/Band is insured & a copy of policy is to be kept on record & produced beforee you start playing to the banquet manager. Especially in the high end places.All gigging musicians should definitly have it...don't be a fool.




[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 03-15-2009).]

In 14+ years of performing upwards of 350-400 shows a year, I've NEVER been asked for proof of insurance. I've played at all the biggest, swankiest places in the Dayton Metro area, including large upscale affairs at Major Hotels, Banquet Ctrs., WPAFB, etc.

I was asked once at a retirement community, but they quickly rescinded the request saying entertainers didn't need to provide it.

I also think you could've made your point without calling people who don't carry liability a fool.

Cheers-




------------------
Bill in Dayton

Bill....
every state is different.....liability insurance is liability, Murphy's law, people dance, people drink, people fall & get hurt, people name you in a lawsuit,.....once you & the establishment get sued you'll be glad you have it or yes a fool for not, plain & simple. It's an inexpensive protection not to have it required or not.



[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 03-16-2009).]