Employment Practices Liability from Massachusetts Specialists

Proudly Providing Employment Practices Liability to Businesses in Massachusetts & Many Other States Across the Nation

A number of laws dictate how employers are allowed to treat employees, and failing to follow any of these regulations can have significant financial consequences for a company. For, any employee who has been wronged may file a claim or suit against the business that wronged them. Employment practices liability insurance helps protect Massachusetts businesses from covered liability suits and claims that accuse businesses of violating employment practices laws.

What is Employment Practices Liability Coverage?

Employment practices liability insurance (EPLI) policies are a specialized form of liability coverage. It’s specifically designed to protect businesses and other organizations from potential lawsuits and claims filed over businesses’ employment practices.

While exact coverages vary, a policy might offer coverage for the following types of incidents:

• A woman claims she wasn’t hired because she was pregnant while interviewing
• Background checks were completed without informing job applicants
• Interns weren’t paid for jobs they should have been paid for
• An elderly employee believes they were discriminated against because of their age

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Most EPLI policies begin providing protection as soon as a business is accused of a covered infraction. Policies will generally start providing resources for a business’ defense as soon as an accusation is made. They’ll also typically cover any settlements that are eventually agreed to or assessed (up to the policies’ limits).

What Massachusetts Businesses Should Consider EPLI?

Most businesses in Massachusetts that have one or more employees should consider getting EPLI coverage. After all, any business that hires an employee, or even just interviews one for a potential job, can be accused of violating federal or state employment laws.

Additionally, many nonprofits in the state may also want to get EPLI coverage. For instance, a church in Boston, MA, homeless shelter in Springfield, MA, food pantry in Worcester, MA or library in Northampton, MA might all want a policy. Not only will many of these nonprofits likely have employees, but they can also often use the protections that EPLI coverage offers to protect themselves from similar incidents involving volunteer workers.

When Should Businesses Get EPLI?

Businesses that want or need EPLI should obtain coverage prior to placing their first job opening. Most policies include coverage for hiring decisions and practices, but only if incidents involving hiring occur during the policy’s effective period. Thus, businesses that want protection for this portion of hiring employees should get a policy before beginning the hiring process or interviewing candidates.

Nonprofit organizations, similarly, should obtain coverage before interviewing paid job applicants or volunteer applicants. If a nonprofit doesn’t have coverage while volunteers are being selected and someone feels they were discriminated against in the selection process, a nonprofit likely won’t have protection for the claim.