OSLA-The Ontario Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists Insurance Program

1. What does Professional Liability insurance cover?

In general, Professional Liability covers you against allegations brought by a third party (i.e., a client) seeking damages resulting from a negligent or wrongful act, error, omission or arising from your profession and within your scope of practice.

2. Will the Professional Liability policy protect me if a complaint is filed against me with my Regulatory Body?

The chance of having someone file a formal complaint against you is greater than the chance of being sued. There are different regulatory bodies in each province; however, this policy will provide access to lawyers who specialize in defending professionals being investigated by a regulatory body or authority due to a complaint.

3. Will the Professional Liability policy protect me if I am charged with a criminal offence?

The policy will reimburse you for the legal defence costs incurred in a criminal action related to their services if the criminal charges are dropped or if you are found not guilty for the offence.

4. How will I know if someone is claiming against me?

You will know if you are served with a statement of claim. However, there are other circumstances where you should also contact PROLINK because it could constitute a claim under your Professional Liability policy.

The other circumstances include:

• A client or their lawyer issues a verbal or written demand for damages (i.e., a letter or email is sent to you);

• A client or their lawyer makes threatening comments verbally or in writing indicating that they are seeking damages and/or may sue you.

• You made a mistake in how you rendered your professional services and may have caused harm to a client.

5. The Professional Liability policy is a “claims-made” policy. What does "claims-made" mean?

"Claims-made" requires you to have a policy in effect when a claim is reported (made). Any claims are covered under the policy that is in force at the time and NOT the policy in force when the occurrence took place.

6. What is a retroactive date?

Retroactive Date: any claims that arise from incidents that occurred before this date are excluded from your policy.

7. Do I need any other type of insurance if I own or rent an office location?

Yes, you should purchase Commercial General Liability insurance. The Professional Practice Liability policy will not defend bodily injury or property damage claims brought against you related to your premises. You should also consider Property Insurance to protect your office contents.

8. What do I do if I receive a statement of claim?

Once you are aware of an actual or potential claim, report it to PROLINK immediately. Please refrain from making written or oral statements, and do not offer to compensate or admit liability. Taking such actions could interfere in the insurer’s ability to manage the claim.

1. Why is Commercial General Liability Important?

Unfortunately, you can be sued for any injuries or property damages that occur while working with clients—even if you’re not at fault. This situation is so common that most venues, government parties, and corporations require that you have this type of coverage in place before you engage in any contract.

Additionally, if you run your business from home, you could be at risk. For example, if a delivery man slips and falls delivering a work-related package, your typical home owner’s policy may not cover it. Commercial General Liability will.

2. What does Commercial General Liability cover?

Commercial General Liability covers you in the case of third party injuries and property damage that occurs through your professional activities. It also provides you with insurance for Tenant’s Legal Liability, Employer’s Liability, Voluntary Compensation and Non-Owned Automobile coverage and more.

3. What is a non-owned automobile?

This refers to vehicles that are not owned by your company, but are being used for business purposes. For example, it provides protection if an employee must drive their own personal vehicle for business use. It covers bodily injury and property damage that is caused by such vehicles, because otherwise the employer can be held liable for employee-perpetrated accidents.

1. Is my home office covered under my home insurance policy?

Not necessarily. You need to check your policy or request PROLINK‘s assistance to determine if adequate coverage is available.

2. My business doesn’t house a lot of furniture do I really need property insurance?

You may not think your business has anything of value. But when was the last time you properly assessed your office contents? You may be surprised at how quickly things add up.

And Property insurance offers protection for more than just traditional furniture. Computers, software, project files and resources, as well as any equipment you take on the road are also covered with this policy.

Plus, you can claim business interruption costs that result from the disruption of your physical space while you work to recover from an incident.

3. What are business interruption costs?

Funds to cover the actual loss you experience with property damage, not just the physical loss. This means any business income lost as a result of suspended operations while you repair your property.