Discrimination and Wrongful Termination

After allowing employees to work remote, his employer asked “Bob” to return to the office. Bob provided a doctor's letter requesting ADA accommodations to work from home permanently due to having irritable bowel syndrome. His employer offered Bob an alternative where he would come into the office and be given a desk next to the bathroom.
Bob filed an EEOC charge alleging he was not provided with a reasonable accommodation. Bob’s company terminated him due to apparent unsatisfactory performance and his refusal to return to the office. Bob’s complaint alleged discrimination and wrongful termination. The claim was defended and resolved for six figures. Fortunately, Bob’s employer had EPLI coverage.

Discrimination Due To Age, Race, Color and Appearance

“Jill” said her employer promoted other employees but failed to promote her due to her age. Jill also said she was compensated less than younger white female employees for substantially the same job – plus younger white female employees were promoted over females of color and females over the age of forty. Four other female employees supported Jill’s allegations. Jill’s claim stated that the discrimination adversely affected her self-esteem and triggered debilitating bouts of depression and anxiety. The cost to litigate the claim was covered by the employer’s EPLI coverage.

One Wage & Hours Claim Developed Into a Class Action Lawsuit

John had been hired as a server. He refused to sign the employee handbook that contained a class action waiver and a mandatory arbitration agreement. John only worked a week and was terminated after continued refusal to sign the employee handbook. John brought a class action on behalf of all 218 employees alleging failure to pay overtime and keep accurate employee records. Damages were calculated by each pay period within a 3 year class period. Prior to trial, the action resolved at mediation for seven figures. Fortunately, the employer had EPLI coverage.

Sexual Harassment

Lisa’s claim alleged she was terminated in retaliation for making a human resources sexual harassment complaint against her co-worker. Although her employer had support to terminate the Lisa for poor performance, the optics were unfavorable given the timing of the termination in relation to the timing of the sexual harassment complaint. This made the claim challenging to defend and it was ultimately settled at mediation, and covered by the employer’s EPLI.

Why EPLI?

Win or lose, discrimination lawsuits can be expensive – and can damage the reputation of your business. That is why Rockwood Insurance pioneered the coverage you need to protect yourself – Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI). Contact Rockwood today to find out how our EPLI coverage can give you access to an attorney without exorbitant legal fees and financial protection for claims against you.