5 Types of Insurance That a Law Practice Should Consider

Being a lawyer is a rewarding career but also an equally risky profession. Just like a doctor, a legal professional is subject to malpractice lawsuits. Law firms are also subject to risks such as losing critical confidential information to hackers and temporary closure due to a serious ailment. Failure to mitigate these risks can result in a financial strain or, worse, collapse of the practice. Here are the five types of insurance a small law firm requires.

1- Malpractice Insurance

Malpractice lawsuits aren’t limited to doctors; lawyers can also be sued. No one is perfect; just like any human, you can make a costly mistake in your law practice. Even if you have perfected the art, you may still be sued by clients who are unhappy with your services. However, having legal professional liability coverage could protect you from liability resulting from actual or perceived negligence. The malpractice insurance covers settlement costs, the cost of arbitration, court and attorney fees, and any financial damage your law firm may incur.

2- Business Insurance

Most, if not all, businesses require property and general liability coverage. The insurance protects against financial loss incurred as a result of defending lawsuits, medical expenses, settlement judgments or bonds, and bodily injury. Any attorney practicing outside their office may also need commercial property insurance to protect their facilities and equipment against events such as vandalism, civil disobedience, unfavorable weather, or fire. Attorneys running their firm out of their homes should consider adding a rider to their homeowner’s policy for additional protection from third-party injuries.

3- Cyber Insurance

A recent survey has revealed that almost every business with an online presence is at risk of hacks. Law firms are increasingly becoming targets of ransomware, phishing, and other cyberattacks. Their sensitive information, including their confidential communications and financial data, is a potential goldmine for cybercriminals. Lawyers should not worry just about intentional attacks; their firm’s data could also be put at risk by network crashes, lost equipment, or an attack on the devices used by employees taking work home. In such a case, cyber liability insurance could come in handy. It protects law firms against various expenses related to a breach, including investigative costs, lawsuits from vendors or clients, lost income, and network and equipment damage.

4- Worker’s Compensation Insurance

While employees at a law firm rarely encounter physical hazards or dangers that could harm them, an accident can occur anywhere. For instance, a worker can sustain an injury while performing their obligation or slip and break a leg or arm on a slippery floor within the office premises. In such a scenario, worker’s compensation insurance can protect the law firm against financial liabilities arising from loss of income or medical costs.

5- Employment Practices Liability Insurance

Any law firm that has more than one employee should consider having employment practices liability insurance. The policy protects law firms against any lawsuits or claims an employee may make regarding the violation of their rights. It can protect against claims about wrongful termination, harassment, and discrimination due to factors such as age, race, sex, gender, or disability.