Real-Life Yoga Teacher Claims: Why a Liability Waiver Matters

Yoga teachers ensure safety during class by encouraging students to listen to their own bodies, inspecting the studio for unsafe measures like a ceiling leak, and guiding practitioners into accessible yoga poses with plenty of variation. However, accidents such as sprains from falls or joint stress can still occur. When they do, some students resort to suing the yoga instructor or studio. 

You can protect your business by distributing yoga liability waivers to students before their first class with you. Liability forms are documents students sign before participating in a yoga session. They include a clause or statement saying the student understands the physical risks involved in practicing yoga and releases the instructor from liability in case of an injury. Without a waiver, a student that sues could more easily prove negligence or that the teacher provided an unsafe environment. 

Yoga Instructor Lawsuits: Real-Life Examples

Even with proper training and experience, injuries can still occur. When they happen, the consequences can cause major headache. It might damage a yoga instructor's reputation and livelihood. Below are real-life examples of lawsuits and how a yoga waiver can help.

1. Portland Yoga Studio Faces a $455,000 Lawsuit

A mirror fell off a wall and crashed onto a female student, causing severe damage to her legs. She sustained deep cuts requiring several stitches and surgery to her ankles, resulting in medical bills of up to $40,000. 

The complainant was hospitalized for four days and was on painkillers for four months. Although she got back to work and to practicing yoga again, the incident caused severe scarring to her legs.

The student decided to file a $455,000 lawsuit against the yoga studio owner and the company that installed the mirror. While this example was primarily directed at the studio and the installation company, a teacher should protect themself with a well-crafted waiver in case they are named in the lawsuit.

Liability waivers can help shield you from legal claims, ensuring students acknowledge the risks involved in yoga practice. If your students sign a waiver, it may help protect you from potential legal issues. 

2. A Yoga Teacher Sued When a Student Fell From a 6th-Floor Window

Alec Baldwin's wife was reportedly sued when one of her students fell from a 6th-floor window while performing a handstand. The fall caused severe cuts and a fear that the student might be permanently disabled. A witness said the yoga teacher warned that the handstand pose was performed incorrectly, and the student continued doing it anyway. 

Even with proper instruction from the teacher, the student chose to sue, causing many repercussions beyond the financial worry. 

As long as you have a robust liability waiver form & and a solid liability insurance policy backing you, this will help in the chance a lawsuit comes your way even to no fault of you own.

3. A Yoga Instructor Sued Over Unwanted Hands-On Adjustment

A California man sued a Boulder-based yoga instructor for unexpectedly adjusting his yoga position without permission. The unwanted adjustment resulted in a significant knee joint surgery and a permanent disability. According to the student, the instructor "failed to exercise reasonable care," which led to severe injuries that caused extreme pain and suffering. 

Although the yoga instructor should not have performed a hands-on assist without consent, it was not done out of malice. A liability waiver may protect yoga instructors from these types of negligence claims. 

The Importance of Liability Waivers

Yoga involves executing physical postures that some people may not be used to, these unfamiliar poses can lead to injuries if not done with proper instruction. Students who suffer an injury performing a yoga pose can easily blame the instructor and file a lawsuit. You can protect your reputation and livelihood by asking your students to sign a liability waiver before they enter your class.

In the waiver, inform the students of the potential risks and ensure that they understand them. It should clearly state that the student releases the yoga instructor from liability. Ask an attorney to review the waiver, ensuring it covers all the essential services & risks.

Ready to Find the Right Insurance? 

In addition to yoga waivers, we recommend that instructors buy a yoga insurance policy to protect themselves from expensive lawsuits. NACAMS coverage includes various policy options to fit your needs, including an online or part-time yoga instructor. You get coverage for up to $3 million annually, and we cover 500+ modalities.  

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