Workers' Compensation Coverage Designed for Law Firms
Don't let on-the-job injuries or illnesses impact more than productivity.
Required in most states, Workers' Compensation Insurance provides you financial protection from work-related employee injuries and illnesses. Instead of having to defend yourself in court, you can use workers’ compensation insurance to pay for the costs resulting from an employee's job-related illness or injury. It does not provide coverage for non-work related injuries for deliberate or illegal acts.
Do Law Firms Need Workers' Compensation Insurance?
As businesses, most law firms need to carry Workers' Compensation Insurance. Most states have requirements, and not carrying this insurance can lead to fines and penalties. And significant ones at that.
To check your state's requirements, search on the internet for "workers' compensation requirements in my state." You can also use this resource provided by Findlaw.
If you have employees, your workers' compensation insurance can help:
Cover medical care and medical treatment for job-related injuries & illnesses
Replace most of an employee's lost wages for any time taken off from work to recover
Provide disability benefits
Give death benefits, like funeral cost assistance for loss of life due to a work accident or from a job-related illness
Check out the most popular insurance products for attorneys
Legal Malpractice Insurance
Our flagship product, ALPS is the nation's leader in insurance for solo and small law firms. Gain peace of mind with simple, smart protection for your firm. 100% online. 100% easy.
Cyber Liability Insurance
Now more than ever, you need coverage that includes your firm's digital footprint. ALPS has been at the forefront of providing cyber liability insurance designed specifically for law firms.
Business Owner's Policy (BOP)
Combining various insurance coverages into one convenient policy, a BOP is a great solution when you want something tailored to you.
Workers' Compensation Insurance
Mandatory in some states, WC protects employees from work-related injuries and illnesses. Instead of having to defend yourself in court, it pays for the costs of a claim.
General Liability Insurance
Unlike professional liability, general liability insurance protects against claims of bodily injury or property damage during normal law firm operations.
Employment Practices Liability
Protect your firm from the litigious nature of today's workplace. People today tend to sue first and sort out the details later. Get covered for more than the risk of a malpractice claim.
Crime Insurance
Protect your firm from any losses due to theft, fraud, and burglary committed by your employees and outside entities. Client data and funds can be attractive to theft and crime.
Surety Bonds for Attorneys
Similar to insurance, a bond is an agreement between three parties to pay a benefit to one of them. Common attorney bonds are Notary, Court, Fidelity, and Title agent/Real Estate closing bonds.
Commercial Auto Insurance
Commercial auto insurance provides liability and physical damage coverage for vehicles used in a law firm's business. Commercial vehicles pose more risk than personal vehicles.
Directors & Officers Liability
Directors & Officers (D & O) Insurance protects lawyers from personal losses if they are sued for serving as a director or officer of an organization.
Employed Lawyers Liability
Offered as a Miscellaneous E & O policy, get coverage for your professional legal services when offered as an in-house attorney.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Workers' Compensation Insurance for Law Firms
Workers' compensation insurance can help pay eligible expenses when an employee is injured or becomes ill because of the job. Depending on the claim and state law, it may help cover medical expenses, a portion of lost wages, disability benefits, and death benefits in certain situations. Coverage, benefits, and eligibility depend on the policy, state law, and the details of the injury or illness.
In most states, law firms with employees are required to carry workers' compensation insurance. If you are a solo attorney with no employees, the rules are often different. Requirements may change when you hire employees, use certain independent contractors, or operate under a state-specific employer rule. Because requirements vary, confirm the current rules in each state where your firm has workers.
If a law firm is required to carry workers' compensation insurance but does not have coverage, it may face penalties under state law. The firm may also be responsible for costs related to an employee's work-related injury or illness. The exact consequences vary by state and by the facts of the claim.
Generally, no. Workers' compensation is designed to cover injuries or illnesses that arise out of an employee's work. It typically does not cover injuries or illnesses that occur outside of work. Coverage depends on state law, policy terms, exclusions, and the specific facts of the claim.
Requirements vary by state, but most states require businesses with employees, including law firms, to carry workers' compensation insurance. Washington, Wyoming, Ohio, and North Dakota use state-run workers' compensation systems. In those states, coverage generally must be purchased through the state fund rather than a private insurance company. A firm with employees in more than one state may need additional coverage, so each state's requirements should be confirmed.
In many states, law firm owners are not required to purchase workers' compensation coverage for themselves. State laws may treat sole proprietors, partners, and LLC members differently from employees. Depending on the state, an owner may be excluded, included, or allowed to choose whether to be covered. Coverage is generally required for employees, while owner coverage is often optional.
Choosing the right partner to protect your firm shouldn't have to be difficult. With ALPS, you can get some time back in your day to focus on why you got into this business in the first place - helping people.
