Risk Exposure Employers have been facing rapidly increasing liability for employ-ment related claims. From sexual harassment to discrimination in hiring, employers are now legally responsible for a broader range of employment related acts. This change has resulted in an envi-ronment of rapidly increasing employment claims.

Here are some of the primary claims brought against employers by employees:

• Wrongful refusal to employ or promote a qualified applicant or employee.

• Wrongful demotion, evaluation, reassignment, or discipline of an employee, including constructive discharge.

• Harassment, coercion, or unfair discrimination as a conse-quence of such things as race, color, creed, gender, etc.

• Defamation of character.

• Slander or libel of an employee or violation or invasion of an employee’s right of privacy.

Do EPL claims occur? Yes, with surprising frequency and severity. Many small to medium sized businesses do not yet appreciate the significant employment exposure facing them. Employment litiga-tion has increased in the last 10 years as a growing number of em-ployees sue their employers for sexual harassment, discrimination and wrongful termination.

These can run from serious sexual harassment situations costing millions to smaller frivolous claims. While accurate statistics are hard to determine, it is believed that the average EPL claim now settles for approximately $450,000. Frivolous claims rarely settle for less than $10,000 including legal fees.

Call Scott Fikes at 405.443.2024 to discuss the specific needs of

your medical office or healthcare facility.

Employment Employment Practices LiabilityPractices Liability

Trust your business to a leading specialty agency that provides it’s services exclusively to the health-care industry. MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY GENERAL LIABILITY DIRECTORS & OFFICERS MEDICAL RECORDS ONSITE & OFFSITE PATIENT PRIVACY COVERAGE FUDICIARY LIABILITY BUSINESS INCOME PROTECTION ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE BUILDING COVERAGE BUSINESS PERSONAL PROPERTY MEDICAL DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENT WORKERS’ COMPENSATION ASSET PROTECTION AND TAX STRATEGIES FOR PHYSICIANS & MANAGERS

Scott L. Fikes

Direct: 405.443.2024 Fax: 405.443.2001

Email: sfikes@inlightrm.com