I was in Child’s Pose when the teacher pressed down on my sacrum to “deepen” the stretch. I felt a pop, followed by searing heat down my left leg. Two years and three surgeries later, the student is suing me for $1.2 million, alleging that my manual adjustment was “battery” (unwanted touching) and “gross negligence.” My insurance carrier sent a Reservation of Rights letter because I didn’t have a signed consent form specifically for touch.
Key Takeaways
- Battery vs. Negligence: Insurance covers negligence (mistakes). It often excludes battery (unwanted touching). If the student claims they didn’t want to be touched, coverage is jeopardized.
- The “Silent” Adjustment: Adjusting a student without verbal or written consent is the #1 cause of liability claims in 2026 yoga.
- Scope of Practice: If your adjustment resembled “Chiropractic manipulation” (a high-velocity thrust), you practiced medicine without a license. That is uninsurable.
- Defense Costs: Even if you win, proving you weren’t negligent costs
50k−50k−100k. Ensure your policy covers defense outside the limits.
The “Why”: The Abuse & Molestation Exclusion
The Trap:
Most yoga policies have an “Abuse, Molestation, or Harassment” exclusion or sub-limit.
While usually intended for sexual misconduct, plaintiffs’ lawyers now frame “unwanted physical adjustments” as a form of battery or harassment to trigger higher punitive damages.
If your policy excludes “Battery” or “Physical Abuse,” and the lawsuit alleges you forced the student into a pose against their will, the carrier might walk away.
The Investigation: I Quoted 3 Major Carriers
1. beYogi
- My Analysis: They are the industry standard for a reason. Their policy includes both Professional Liability and General Liability. They explicitly cover “Hands-on Adjustments” provided you are acting within the scope of your training.
2. Philadelphia Insurance (PHLY)
- My Analysis: They write policies for studios. They are strict. If you allow teachers to adjust students, PHLY wants to see your “Consent Protocol.” No protocol? They might deny the claim based on “failure to follow risk management guidelines.”
3. Alternative Balance
- My Analysis: Great for holistic practitioners. They cover the adjustment, but they warn that if the adjustment causes a “Snap, Crackle, or Pop” (spinal manipulation), they will view it as chiropractic work and deny it.
[IMAGE: Diagram showing “Safe Zones” for adjustments vs “Red Zones” (Neck/Spine)]
Comparison Table: Adjustment Liability
| Carrier | Covers Adjustments? | “Chiropractic” Exclusion? | Consent Required? |
| beYogi | Yes | Yes | Highly Rec. |
| PHLY | Yes | Yes | Mandatory |
| Alt. Balance | Yes | Strict | Highly Rec. |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Get Consent: Use “Flip Chips” or explicit verbal permission before every touch.
- Avoid the Spine: Stick to energetic adjustments or limb placement. Do not manipulate the vertebrae.
- Check Policy: Does it exclude “Bodywork”? If so, stick to verbal cues only.
- Document: If a student complains of pain, document exactly what happened immediately.
FAQ
Is a heavy adjustment considered assault?
Civilly, it can be considered “Battery” if there was no consent.
Does my certification cover me?
No. Your certification is proof of education. Insurance is a financial contract.
Can I rely on the general waiver?
Standard waivers cover “inherent risk of yoga.” They rarely cover “teacher forcing me into a pose.”