Employers Liability Insurance - Protect Business and Your Employees

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By Ben Ashfalk

Employers liability insurance gives protection to the business owner (employer) and the worker (employee) alike. It is effective in three cases. First, in case your employee falls ill, second, he suffers an injury and third, in case of an employee's death. Acquiring employers liability insurance is a legal obligation for every business. There is no escaping it. However, if you are your only employee or you don't hire anyone outside your family, only then can you make an exception.

Employers liability insurance is not only mandatory in the United States, but also in other countries such as France, Great Britain, and Canada.

Your insurance provider is obligated to all the costs incurred if an accident happens at your business and your employee or employees decide to take legal action. Your insurance provider will cover your legal fees, medical fees, and any other fee related to the legal proceedings.

What the claims bring about will depend upon whose negligence caused the accident in the first place. If the employee was at fault, the extent of his fault will determine as to whether your costs are cut down or they completely vanish.

Note again that employers liability insurance is a legal obligation. If you did not get it, you can be punished under the law and may have to pay a fine for each day that your employee(s) were not covered. In fact, a health and safety agency may even shut down your business.

In addition, your liability insurance certificate has to be displayed and accessible in your place of business. Your employees have to able to see it and access it. Some other highly visible places to display a copy of your certificate is the information board of your building, or have an electronic scan of the certificate on your website.

Employers liability insurance will only cover your employees. For people outside of the organization, you will need a Public liability insurance policy. This is meant to cover the case of a visitor suffering an accident inside your organization's premises.

Employers liability insurance doesn't cover claims such as wrongful termination of an employee or sexual harassment or sex discrimination etc.

It is important that your EL insurance is issued and serviced by an authorized insurer. If it is not or you are unsure, you may be at legal risk. The premium costs also vary so it is in your best interest to find a reputable insurer that provides great service and coverage at a reasonable cost.

Employers liability insurance will save you money in case your employee(s) suffer an accident. On the other hand, it gives employees a sense of security and protection. Employers Liability Insurance is by all means a win-win situation for both business owners and workers.

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