D R Dinnerman Insurance Services

Well, not always.  While you should encourage your staff to work well and respect each other, getting along in a work setting  is not the same as being “friends outside of work.”  This type of behavior can sometimes be viewed as inappropriate  and  grounds for a lawsuit. Neither employers nor their employees may discriminate, make sexist remarks, wrongfully terminate, or be part of a  host of other behaviors which may be considered offensive or against the law.

• While no business is exempt, restaurants seem to be particularly vulnerable to these types of lawsuits.  In order to minimize your exposure you should at least:
• Provide an employment practices handbook to all employees and new hires.  It should clearly list  all types of behavior considered unacceptable, and that you maintain a zero tolerance policy for this type of behavior.
• Procedures should also be included stating how and to whom a problem with another employee should be reported.
• A document stating that the document has been read and understood should be signed prior to hire.
• Even with safeguards, anyone can be sued. That is why Employment Practices Liability Insurance or EPL policies are available. This type of insurance provide coverage for the claims arising from these types of lawsuit, along with attorney’s fees associated with these lawsuits  We offer the best prices for these policies and would be happy to provide a quote for a policy tailored to your specific needs.