Unfortunately, no employer is immune from a current or former employee, or an employment candidate, filing a claim of alleged discrimination, wrongful termination or harassment of any kind. No matter which industry you’re in and whether your business is large or small, your business is at risk of a claim if you’re engaged in any of the following typical employment activities:
These activities all have the potential for a possible claim of discrimination, wrongful termination or harassment. Maybe you can’t imagine a situation in which an employee, a former employee or an employment candidate sues your business for harassment or discrimination (on the basis of, for example, age, sex, race or disability). Unfortunately, though, it can—and does—happen to businesses every day.
These days, hiring, firing and day-to-day employee management can be risky. If a claim against your business is made, you could spend valuable time and resources defending it, even if the claim is determined to be groundless. Many business owners may not realize—or may realize too late—that they have a gap in their insurance coverage.
Access to a Legal Advice Line, staffed by legal professionals who can help with employee/employer behavior-related issues or questions. Use does not erode your limit of coverage.
Access to experienced EPL attorneys, well-versed in wrongful employment behavior charges.
Access to online loss prevention information such as training modules, communication materials, sample forms and template documents such as an employee handbook.
You should also be prepared to defend against claims related to hourly wage calculations, overtime compensation, gratuities earned or other salary or benefits topics. With Wage and Hour Defense Costs1 added to your EPL coverage2 you’ll have coverage for payments arising from defense costs for covered wage and hour claims and suits.
It’s equally important to protect your business from third-party claims. Alleged discrimination or harassment against your customers, clients or vendors are covered by this optional coverage for third-party violations.
The EPL coverage2 you can add to your business policy covers:
Protect your business against charges alleging discrimination, wrongful termination and harassment against employees who pose a serious threat to not only your bottom line but also to your business's reputation. EPL coverage provides affordable cost and high-value protection against serious allegations from employees.
A local Erie Insurance agent can help you choose the right coverage, which includes EPL, to help protect your business. To get a free, no-obligation quote, talk to an ERIE agent.
1Wage and Hour Defense Costs coverage is available for an additional premium when EPL coverage is purchased with a limit of $50,000 or more. Wage and Hour Defense Costs coverage is not available in New York.
2Insurance coverage is subject to limitations, conditions, exclusions and underwriting. for more information. Talk to an ERIE agent for state specific and other important policy information.