Protect Yourself From Unhappy Employees

Employment related risks may be some of the most costly for California businesses. Most EPLI claims are centered on sexual harassment and wrongful termination. Firms with less than 50 employees are prone to have more exposure due to lack of human resources expertise.

According to EEOC enforcement and litigation statistics, the number of filings alleging employment discrimination (including race, age, disability, religion and national origin) totaled 88,656 in 2012, the greatest number of charges received by the federal agency since 2002 and the largest annual increase (9 percent) since the early 1990s.

Employment claims can be distracting and emotional for business owners. Owners may feel betrayed by employees they've known and trusted. Claims can take more than a year to resolve and many businesses suffer while owners fight a claim.

Here are quotes form business owners about EPLI claims:

“I had no idea that it would cost $50,000 to defend myself, and I was in the right” -- John, owner of a tech firm
"It was the hassle factor that was so distracting. The entire ordeal caused a lot of sleepless nights." -- Owner of a bottling plant

According to the Insurance Journal, “Employment practices in California is a known and growing concern for insurers, agents and employers, and that concern has some carriers ramping up rates dramatically or quietly pulling back from the area. Say those familiar with the region’s market.”

Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI) is designed to help employers respond to growing EPL exposures, such as:
Harassment
Wrongful Termination
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and other government authorities
Breach of employment contract
Discrimination
Wage and hour claims
Invasion of Privacy
Compensation Issues
Employee Benefits Administration
 
In today’s world employers can no longer assume all employment relationships will go smoothly. Finding a suitable Employment Practices Liability Insurance program has become one of the single most important things owners and managers can do. 

At Belltown Insurance Group, we provide comprehensive Business Owners Policy (BOP) insurance to many businesses in San Diego and throughout the state of California. A BOP combines all different coverages into one policy to protect your small to medium-size business assets.