General Liability

Our General Liability program provides coverage in defense of claims or lawsuits that arise due to bodily injury or property damage for which you are legally liable. This coverage applies when someone other than an employee is injured on your property, or off your property if the injury is allegedly caused by you. Typical types of General Liability claims include someone slipping and falling on your premises or a tree on your property falling onto a neighbor’s residence.

The liability program provides protection to respond to claims and lawsuits against those insured.

The protection has no deductible and, in addition to covering the cost of a settlement or judgment, includes coverage for the expenses associated with investigating and defending the claims or litigation. These expenses may include legal fees and expert consulting and testimony.

The basic liability program includes additional protections such as:

• Auto
• Directors and Officers coverage
• Sexual Misconduct Liability coverage
• School Board Legal Liability
• Employment Practices Liability (subject to conditions as set forth)

General Liability provides coverage for personal injury and property damage where the Diocese, parishes, institutions, cemeteries, and agencies covered by the program may be legally liable. Please note this does not include an injury to employees, which is covered by Workers’ Compensation.

Premises and Operations including food service, Special Events sponsored by the Diocese, the parishes, or institutions, such as meetings, parties, bazaars, picnics or outings. Festival/Carnival rides operators need to sign a special contract and provide insurance. See special conditions section.

Large and/or unusual events may require separate insurance. Please contact your Diocesan Risk Manager for more information.

Coverage protects employees (but not their personal property) while acting within the scope of their employment/assigned activity.

Directors and Officers Liability is provided for Diocesan Boards.

Errors and Omission including Employment Practices Liability provides coverage for Diocesan officials, Parish administration, school leaders (principals and teachers), nursing home nurses, counselors, etc. Coverage excludes other medical practitioners. Employment Practices Liability coverage will be available to all Diocesan parishes, agencies and institutions. This coverage is available subject to certain pre-conditions.

First, the Diocese must be advised and provided notice as to any developing or potential employment grievance and/or claim which may result in the filing of a formal complaint and/or petition by an employee. Second, once notice has been provided to the Diocesan Human Resources Department and/or to the Diocesan Attorney, the parish, agency or institution must consult with both the Human Resources Department and the Diocesan Attorney in order to develop a strategy for the proper handling of the developing or potential employment grievance and/or claim. Third, the parish, agency or institution must follow the specific advice and instructions provided by the Human Resources and the Diocesan Attorney as to the proper handling of the developing or potential employment grievance and/or claim.

The failure to provide notice, the failure to consult with the Diocesan Human Resources Department and with the Diocesan Attorney or the failure to follow the specific advice and instructions provided by the Human Resources Department and by the Diocesan Attorney may result in the denial of coverage. Parishes, agencies and institutions which fail to follow these procedures will be subject to a $250,000 deductible.

Parishes, agencies and institutions which follow these procedures will be subject to a $25,000 deductible.