Professionals- You’re not as safe as you think
Have you ever been summoned for jury duty? Well, let me tell you a little about it. You HAVE to go; no if, and, or buts about it.
You are sometimes allowed to reschedule, but you’ve still got to do your time. Missing work, school, birthdays, weddings, or whatever it may be is inconvenient to say the least. What if the case continues on for weeks or even months? Now can you imagine if you weren’t on the jury, but were the defendant?! It can happen easier than one might think, especially for all you professionals out there.
Thinking that you’re completely protected from lawsuits is a rather naïve assumption, especially nowadays. Recent trends in court decisions have been holding HR practitioners, supervisors, business owners, and other decision-makers personally liable for their actions under several employment laws.
Personnel Policy Service, Inc. has been schooling us in HR policy and compliance since 1972 and they offer six ways to make yourself a less appealing candidate for lawsuits. Get more info by visiting the link above.
Also understand the reasons why employees may sue you personally. Realize that if you’re a public employer, you’ve got to watch your back, and also know that the risk of suit may be worse than actual liability.
The bottom line is that court is expensive and lawsuits are messy. Even if you are not found personally liable, which is highly likely, you still had to spend all that time, energy, and money to defend yourself. If you are found not guilty your court costs will often be compensated, but you’ll initially have to front the bill, and you’re sure not going to get any of that precious time back. Not to mention getting sued is, well, kind of embarrassing.
Even if you come out on top, you still lose in one way or another. Know your rights, know the law, know your risks, and protect yourself. Let XINSURANCE be your guide.
Authored by Rick J. Lindsey, President, Chairman, and CEO of XINSURANCE
Rick J. Lindsey hails from Salt Lake City, Utah. He began working in the mailroom of his father’s Salt Lake City insurance firm, getting his introduction to the business that became his lifelong career. Rick J. Lindsey quickly rose through the ranks while working in nearly every imaginable insurance industry job. As an entrepreneur, specialty lines underwriter, claims specialist, risk manager, and a licensed surplus lines broker, Rick J. Lindsey is highly skilled in all levels of leadership and execution. As he progressed on his career path, Rick J. Lindsey discovered an urgent need for insurers willing to write policies for high-risk individuals and businesses. He was frequently frustrated that he could not provide the liability protection these entities desperately needed to safeguard their assets. He also formed the belief that insurance companies acted too quickly to settle frivolous claims. Rick J. Lindsey decided to try a different approach. He started an insurance company and became the newly formed entity’s CEO. This opportunity has enabled Rick J. Lindsey to fill a void in the market and provide a valuable service to businesses, individuals, and insurance agents who write high-risk business. XINSURANCE also specializes in helping individuals and businesses who live a lifestyle or participate in activities that make them difficult for traditional carriers to insure. If you’ve been denied, non-renewed, or canceled coverage, don’t give up quite yet. Chances are XINSURANCE can help.
