Common Lawsuits Business Owners Should Know About

While businesses are hit with suits of all kinds every day, certain core business lawsuits rank as the most common. Most of these are covered by business insurance. As a business owner, you should be familiar with the possible business lawsuits you need protection for. Businesses purchase liability and worker’s compensation insurance to cover these kinds of expenses.

1. Workplace Injury

Work-related injury and illness are common; 3 million non-fatal workplace incidents were reported in 2014 by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This number is down from the 3.2 million workplace injuries and illnesses reported in 2009. Suits may result if an employer questions a compensation claim made by a worker. When an employer’s negligence or action is the cause of an injury or illness, a suit will likely be filed.

2. Employment Discrimination

State and federal laws protect employees from discrimination based on race, gender, religion, disability, age and other differentiators. Discrimination, one of the most common workplace lawsuits, is investigated by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission when a worker files a lawsuit against his or her employer.

3. Harassment

An employer can be sued in a harassment claim if a worker experiences perceived harassment by a manager, co-worker, client or customer. Sexual harassment involves touching and inappropriate comments. Workplace bullying is another type of harassment. The victim might sue if the employer was made aware of the harassment but failed to remedy the situation.

4. Wrongful Termination

When a worker feels he or she was fired in violation of the law a suit may result. This is often based on allegations that termination occurred because of discrimination due to the employee’s age, race, disability, gender or religion.

5. Non-Employment Suits

A customer, vendor, supplier or other person not employed by a business may file sue a business for:

• Discrimination
• Intentional or unintentional violation of an individual’s civil rights
• Negligence resulting in bodily injury or property damage
• Breach of contract

It is wise to consult with an attorney to help you avoid lawsuits against your business. You’ll find information and a quote tool for workers compensation, liability and other types of business insurance here.