What Happens If a Volunteer Gets Hurt? Your Legal and Financial Responsibility
Oct 03, 2025Many churches and faith-based groups rely on volunteers to keep things running by giving their time and energy to ministry work. But what happens if a volunteer gets hurt while they're working? Churches need to know what the law says they have to do, what risks they can face, and how to protect themselves as much as possible. This complete book goes over the laws that apply to injuries that happen to volunteers, the forms of liability that churches face, and useful ways to keep your ministry safe. To keep everyone safe, follow the rules, and keep your money safe, you need to understand these things.
Why Volunteer Injuries Need to Be Taken Very Seriously
Volunteers are kind enough to help out without expecting to be paid, but the church has a legal and moral duty to keep the place secure. People can get hurt at events, when they are maintaining a facility, when they are traveling, or when they are doing outreach work. If you don't handle volunteer injuries appropriately, you could get sued, face regulatory fines, and damage your reputation.
Liability Types When Volunteers Get Hurt
Liability for the Premises
If a volunteer gets hurt because of harmful circumstances on church property, the church could be held accountable. Some examples are slipping and falling on wet floors, broken wiring, or equipment that isn't secured. Risk is lower when maintenance, inspections, and danger warnings are done right.
Not Paying Attention to Supervision
If you don't train, supervise, or keep an eye on volunteers appropriately, you could be held liable. Not getting enough safety training or ignoring recognized risks might be seen as neglect. It's very important to have regular training and clear rules for supervision.
Laws About Workers' Compensation and Injuries to Volunteers
Some states require volunteers to have workers' compensation insurance, while others do not. Laws are often different from one place to another; therefore, it's important to know the restrictions in your area. Even if it's not necessary, it is highly suggested to have coverage.
Liability for Cars
If a volunteer gets hurt while driving for church business or if their car causes an injury, the church may be responsible. Policies should make it clear what is covered when ministers use their own cars for work.
Responsibility by Proxy
If volunteers hurt someone while doing church work, the church can be held responsible for what they did.
Ways to Protect Yourself Legally and Lower Your Risk
Waivers and Releases for Volunteers
Get signed waivers from volunteers that tell them about the hazards and restrict the church's liability. Waivers can be a useful defense, even though they aren't perfect.
Insurance Coverage
Get the right accident insurance for volunteers and make sure that general liability policies include volunteers. Check your policies often to see if there are any gaps or anything that isn't covered.
Strong Training Programs
Give explicit instructions on how to utilize equipment, stay safe, and handle emergencies. Keep records of all training and attendance.
Clear Rules and Oversight
Write down rules for volunteers that address their work, behavior, and safety. Give supervisors the job of keeping an eye on what volunteers are doing and dealing with dangers right away.
Quick Reporting and Response to Incidents
Set up a way to report injuries right away. Write down everything that happened and work with doctors and lawyers.
What to Do After Someone Gets Hurt While Volunteering
Give medical help and support right away. As needed, report the injury to the company and to insurance companies. Look into the situation to find out what caused it and make sure it doesn't happen again. Talk to the volunteer and leadership in an open way. If you have questions about liability, go to a lawyer.
The End
Injuries to volunteers are a genuine risk, but they can be controlled with proactive legal and operational protections. Churches may honor their volunteers and preserve their mission by understanding liability, making rules, getting insurance, and creating a culture of safety.
Links Inside
- Find out more about church risk management and liability waivers.
- Check out our legal services for church insurance reviews.
- Learn how to follow church HR and employment law.
