Employment Practices Liability Insurance Archives - Gracey-Backer, Inc.

Five Important Facts about Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI) for Healthcare Providers

Barbara Gracey Backer — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Employment Practices Liability Insurance is becoming an important part of a Florida medical or dental practice’s insurance portfolio, as more and more healthcare providers face a potential lawsuit by a disgruntled employee. Instead of griping by the water fountain, employees are resorting to employment practices lawsuits that have the potential of crippling a medical or dental practice. Healthcare providers in Florida are purchasing Employment Practices Liability Insurance to protect their practices from suits for such things as: wrongful termination, discrimination, failure to promote, breach of contract, alleged sexual harassment, wrongful hiring, etc.

Here are five things a Physician, Surgeon, Oral Surgeon, or Dentist in Florida should know about Employment Practices Liability Insurance:

The average U.S. based business with at least 10 employees has a 12.5 percent chance of experiencing an employment practices-related lawsuit.
During FY 2011 – 15,796 individuals filed 16,974 complaints alleging employment discrimination against the federal government.
Wage and hour lawsuits have increased for seven straight years and have increased by 438 percent since 2000.
7,764 Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) cases were filed during the yearlong period ending March 31, 2013, up 10% from 2012.
As of March 31, 2014, wage and hour lawsuits increased to 8,126, up 4.7 percent over the prior 12 month period.

While premiums are increasing, as more claims for Employment Practices Liability are filed against Physicians, Dentists and Oral Surgeons in Florida, there is still a competitive market for Employment Practices Liability Insurance. The bigger companies will provide excellent help in preparing employee manuals, offer webinars to staff, and generally provide risk management strategies. They retain the best labor attorneys to help their clients in the event of a lawsuit, and pay potential fines and penalties for their healthcare provider clients.

Based on an article published in Insurance Journal-National, June 16, 2016, page 14.

The post Five Important Facts about Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI) for Healthcare Providers appeared first on Gracey-Backer, Inc..

What is Employment Practices Liability Insurance and Why do I Need It?

Deborah Vashon — Mon, 01 Jul 2013 00:01:37 +0000

If you have ever faced a difficult situation with an employee, you know how quickly it can turn into a lawsuit. Where employees formerly complained around the water fountain, now they hire labor attorneys to go after you and your medical practice. Whether the issue involves hiring, firing, pay, benefits, contract interpretation, alleged harassment, or just a bad feeling, the effect on your practice can be devastating if the employee seeks legal action. Employment-related lawsuits are the plaintiff attorney’s new hot-button, as tort reform has reduced the frequency of medical malpractice-related claims.

Every physician and surgeon, whether in a large or small office, should consider purchasing Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI). Without this vital protection, you have an exposure that leaves you vulnerable.

EPLI covers suits against you by employees, vendors, independent contractors, or patients for actual or alleged acts such as:

Wrongful Termination
Discrimination
Sexual or Workplace Harassment
Breach of Employment Agreement
Wrongful hiring
Violation of Family Medical Leave Act
Defamation of Character
Failure to promote, etc.

Premiums are based on the number of employees in your practice. Legal expenses are covered outside the limit of liability. Third party suits against you, by vendors, independent contractors, sales representatives, patients, etc. are covered.

The post What is Employment Practices Liability Insurance and Why do I Need It? appeared first on Gracey-Backer, Inc..

I have my Dental Malpractice Insurance. What other insurance do I need?

Wendy Ring — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 00:01:05 +0000

Once we have completed the process of writing Dental Malpractice insurance, we are often asked this question. Since every client’s situation is unique, the answer is often different. What one Oral Surgeon or Dentist may require, another may not.

Other types of insurance for Oral Surgeon and Dental Practices include:

Businessowners – Protects a professional organization or an individual who owns or leases a business office from loss related to covered property damage or general liability (slip and fall). Hired and Non-Owned Auto coverage is also often recommended and offered under this type of policy.
Umbrella Liability – Extended Liability for your office.
Cyber Liability – Protects against computer hacks, breach, or patient privacy.
Medical Defense Liability – Defends claims against insurance and Medicare/Medicaid fraud.
Directors’ and Officers’ Liability – Protects against liability for decisions made while serving on a board as a director or officer.
Workers’ Compensation Liability – Protects the employer against employment related injury or accident. Required by the State of Florida in most cases.
Employment Practices Liability Insurance “EPLI” – Protects the employer against employment –related suits from employees.

In addition to Professional Liability, what other insurance do YOU need? In today’s litigious climate, understanding the importance of this question and it’s impact on a doctor’s financial future is crucial. It is important to select an Independent Agent that has the expertise required to assist the doctor in determining his or her needs.

As leaders in the Professional Liability Insurance marketplace, Gracey-Backer Insurance, Inc. , understands the needs of our Oral Surgeons and Dentists. We are committed to our job which is to protect our clients from financial loss with insurance products designed to meet their individual needs.

The post I have my Dental Malpractice Insurance. What other insurance do I need? appeared first on Gracey-Backer, Inc..