Large businesses with many employees have Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPL or EPLI). But at Brokers Insurance Agency, which serves Lincoln, NE, we suggest that small businesses and new businesses consider getting this coverage, too.

Reasons an Employee May Sue a Business

EPI policies provide a defense lawyer if a company is sued by an employee who charges an unfavorable work environment. There are many reasons an employer can be sued that may activate the stated provisions of this coverage. They may include an employee’s allegation of:

• Discrimination based on sex, race or disability
• Sexual harassment
• Wrongful firing
• Breach of employment contract
• Subjectively in giving a poor employee evaluation
• Wrongful discipline
• Failure to promote
• Actions causing emotional distress
• Mismanagement of employee benefit plans

Employment Status Does Not Deter Lawsuits

With so many possibilities, it’s obvious that almost any business except a sole proprietorship is susceptible to employee lawsuits. A company may be sued by an applicant who did not get the job, a current employee, or a former employee.

What EPI Policies May Cover

An Employee Practices Liability policy pays for a defense attorney. If the company loses, the insurer makes a payout. This coverage does not pay punitive damages or civil or criminal fines. Nor does it pay for liabilities covered by another insurance policy.

How Businesses Can Protect Themselves From Employee Lawsuits

Having effective human resources and legal departments may help to prevent a lot of employee lawsuits. But since some businesses aren’t yet large enough to have these departments, we strongly suggest EPL insurance for many businesses at Brokers Insurance Agency.

At Brokers Insurance Agency, we serve Lincoln, NE, and we have the expertise to help business owners choose EPI. Contact us today.