Here’s a case study small-business owners need to read: The owner of a small gift and flower shop was sued by an employee for pregnancy discrimination and wrongful termination. The employee alleged that the shop owner had repeatedly treated her differently as a result of her gender and condition. Several fellow employees attested to the treatment by the employer during the investigation. Settlement costs totaled $30,000, and expenses for defense in court came to $12,000.
As a small-business owner, would you have realized that your actions could be seen as discriminatory? Would you have been prepared to pay the total expense of $42,000 out of pocket?
Small businesses are especially vulnerable to employment practices claims, which can include alleged age, gender and pay discrimination; sexual harassment and wrongful termination. Small businesses often do not have a human resources specialist or legal counsel on staff to develop employee handbooks and procedures and provide training on employment practices. In addition, they may not have the financial resources to cover settlement and defense costs.
Mutual Benefit Group’s Employment Practices Liability Insurance program not only covers the costs of settlement and defense up to policy limits, it also provides exclusive access to a website with resources that will help business owners avoid employee practices liability claims. The site includes a helpline number for free legal guidance on general employment practices, as well as samples of up-to-date, ready-made employment policies, procedures and training modules.
Read our Employment Practices Liability Coverage brochure for more details.