Gender discrimination claims persist as a risk for employers despite widespread implementation of company policies on the issue and greater employer sophistication in this area.
According to the EEOC, gender discrimination charges accounted for 29.1% of all charges in fiscal 2010. Since 2000, they have registered in a relatively narrow range between 29.1% and the 31.5% reported in 2000.
The total number of charges filed with the EEOC has increased 25.1% since 2000, to 999,992 in 2010, which many attribute at least in part to the economy.
- Business Insurance 2011.
They key in these matters is to coordinate with your insurance carrier for defense and settlement.
Most carriers have an approved listing of counsel – but will often approve outside counsel depending on the case. Defense costs cannot be reimbursed if outside counsel is not approved.
Regardless, settlement amounts – when applicable - should never be agreed upon unless the carrier approves. Upon selection of counsel, An ‘Indication Coverage Letter’ details the ‘rate’, as it were, at which defense costs and applicable settlements are to be settled. Carriers will not pay beyond these rates unless there are extraordinary circumstances.
