[E039a]

ERPL—employment-related practices liability (also known as EPL or EPLI)
Impetus for this coverage started with public interest in the confirmation hearings of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas and his alleged relationship with a woman coworker, other changes in federal and state laws, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Civil Rights Act of 1991, and new consumer awareness of the practice of sexual harassment and discrimination in business. Coverage previously has been available for legal costs to defend claims against sexual harassment, wrongful termination and discrimination, but only recently has any policy covered actual legal liability for such acts. The coverage is known by various titles through a few insurers. Employment-related practices liability, management risk protection, employers E&O and Americans with Disabilities Act insurance are basically one and the same coverage. Most policies provide varying limits ranging from as low as $25,000 per claim up to $1 million. Policies may cover employees as additional insureds.