Tag Archive | Employment Practices Liability Insurance
September 16, 2010  

Eyes On NFL Sexual Harassment Controversy

This week in the news, the National Football League is at the center of an alleged harassment controversy. Mexican TV reporter, Ines Sainz, was covering the New York Jets for TV Azteca at last Saturday’s practice. Allegedly, when she went into the team’s locker room to interview QB Mark Sanchez, who has Mexican heritage, she said she heard comments from players such as “Oh my goodness she’s here,” and “OK, I want to be Mexican.”

(cc) jrsnchzhrs/Flickr

The story is making news this week, however, Sainz said she couldn’t definitively say whether the Jets’ conduct crossed a line that would warrant discipline. Sainz noted that she did not initiate the complaints about Jets players’ behavior. She said she mostly ignored the treatment Jets players were giving her in the locker room.

Whether or not Sainz was harassed is to be determined, but this brings to light harassment issues in the workplace and how business owners can be exposed to these types of potential claims. Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI) provides protection for an employer against claims made by employees, former employees, or potential employees relating to many types of employee related lawsuits including claims of sexual harassment, discrimination, wrongful termination, failure to employ or promote, etc.

Due to today’s economic times, there are significant increases in the number of employment practices liability related claims. Statistics show that businesses are four times more likely to face EPL claims than a fire loss of ‘slip and fall’ liability claim. Six out of ten employers have faced employment lawsuits in the past five years. The average EPL claim cost is about $163,000.

Even if a groundless or fraudulent claim is brought against your business, EPLI policies will reimburse your company against the costs of defending a lawsuit in court.

No business is invisible to Employment Practices Liability claims, not even professional football franchises. Is your business protected?

–JK

August 18, 2010  

What Is Employment Practices Liability Insurance?

Employment Practices Liability Insurance provides protection for an employer against claims made by employees, former employees, or potential employees. It covers discrimination (age, sex, race, disability, etc.), wrongful termination of employment, sexual harassment, and other employment-related allegations. These types of claims are not covered under a general liability insurance policy.

In December 2009, NASCAR settled a $225 million sexual harassment and racial discrimination lawsuit by former official Mauricia Grant

Who Needs Coverage?

Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI) is needed by any business with employees and those which begin to hire employees. It used to be that EPL claims were limited to major corporations. This is no longer the case. In today’s litigious climate, employers of all sizes are vulnerable. According to EEOC data, 41% of all EPLI claims are brought against small employers with 15 to 100 employees.

Why is Employment Practices Liability Insurance Needed?

Statistics show businesses are more likely to face an employment claim than a property or general liability claim. Cases against employers are on the rise. Once these claims manifest, they become a huge burden on a businesses assets and can easily put a small employer out of business for good. Here are some powerful statistics that bring the seriousness of EPL claims to light:

  • The average amount paid for out of court settlement is $40,000.
  • Defense of an average EPL case, through trial, costs over $45,000.
  • The median compensatory award for EPLI cases is $218,000.
  • 67 percent of all employment cases that litigate result in judgement for the plaintiff.
  • 41 percent of all EPLI claims are brought against small employers with 15 to 100 employees.
  • Six out of ten employers have faced employee lawsuits within the last five years.
  • The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced this past January that in 2009, more than 93,000 workplace discrimination charges were filed with the federal agency nationwide. This is the second highest level ever recorded

EPLI policies will reimburse your company against the costs of defending a lawsuit in court, even if a claim is groundless or fraudulent. They will also compensate for judgments and settlements. It doesn’t matter whether your company wins or loses the suit. Policies typically do not pay for punitive damages or civil or criminal fines, however.

How much does an EPLI Policy Cost?

The cost of coverage depends on your type of business, the number of employees you have, and various risk factors such as prior claims or loss history. Your insurance agent can provide a quote with very minimal information, often right on the spot.

-JK

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