Professional Liability

Revised: 04/10/2006

Professional
Liability
Insurance

What Is Professional Liability Insurance?

Professional liability insurance is also sometimes called errors and omissions insurance (E & O). According to Law.com, the term errors and omissions refers to insurance which you probably think of as malpractice insurance. This type of insurance covers you against claims of negligence by clients.

Do you need professional liability insurance?
Any disgruntled client or family member can file suit against you or make a complaint against your professional license. Anyone can claim that you made false or misleading statements or failed to provide acceptable standards of care. Most experts recommend that professionals obtain liability insurance.

You should familiarize yourself with your employer's policy and be certain about the situations you are and are not insured for.

Helpful Links

AlChE/ACS Professional Liability Although not specific to social workers, this page provides an excellent overview of professional liability insurance.

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Related Issues

There are things you can do to reduce your professional liability.

Risk Management For Social Workers

Disclaimer

Nothing on this site or this page is intended as legal advice. You should always consult an attorney about your professional liability insurance needs!

Helpful Definitions

The following sites have online legal dictionaries which you may find helpful.