Numerous state and federal laws provide job candidates and employees with protections from discrimination and other unfair workplace practices. The number of employee lawsuits has increased in recent years, and any size business is vulnerable to this type of risk. Small businesses can be especially vulnerable because they are less likely to retain employment attorneys or have detailed employment policies and training programs.

In addition to taking steps to reduce your risk of employee lawsuits, you can financially protect your business by purchasing employment practices liability insurance (EPLI). Employment practices liability is generally not covered by general liability insurance, but can be purchased as a stand-alone policy or added as an endorsement to a Business Owners Policy or Commercial Package Policy. Bear in mind that EPLI coverage may have more limits and exclusions as part of a package policy.