Shepard on Insurance - Spring 2004

When an employee hurts themself on the job, workers compensation provides coverage. But what happens when the damage is not tangible - like when an employee accuses their manager of sexual harassment, and the claim isn't covered by your traditional policies?

Employment Practices Liability Insurance covers situations that may arise as an employer. It provides coverage for the legal defense and possible settlement (to policy limits) for the following complaints:

Wrongful Termination
Harassment
Retaliation
Discrimination
Wrongful Discipline

It can be costly, but much less expensive than the cost of defense and damages without any coverage. It's not necessary for everyone, contact us today for a recommendation.

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We've entered the "who-to-blame" era of legal liability. It seems that even the most selfless organizations can end up a target if someone sees them as the culpable party. Here are some of the growing issues found in liability suits today:

Privacy – With the Internet age advancing, personal information is readily available to the technology savvy. State laws are in effect to protect private citizens from intrusions and inappropriate use of private information. Businesses and groups that violate privacy by sharing, accessing or using information with disregard to privacy laws will be subject to legal action and penalties.

Securities – The SEC is cracking down on companies that were thought to participate in market timing, late trading, and other securities snafus. Businesses that operate within financial services may be subject to closer scrutiny.

Food Liability - As the US becomes more health conscious, consumer awareness of obesity, GMO’s (genetically modified organisms), and Mad Cow disease place the food industry under close scrutiny. Lawsuits (and even the simple rumor of one) can directly affect distributors, groceries, restaurants, and growers.

Wireless network connections, commonly known as Wi-fi, are beginning to gain popularity. In airport lounges, cafes and business hotels, you may be able to sit right down and tap into the web. In fact, soon you could even stop for some fast food with a fast connection – McDonald’s has signed on to test Wi-fi in some of it urban markets.

A couple of things to note - First, not all networks are created equal. Similar to your home network, you may be required to be a subscriber. (Some providers are joining forces to create broader coverage.) Second, when on these public networks, don't use credit card information or passwords. Until security moves to the next level, your private information can be snatched, quite literally, out of thin air.