In today’s business climate of corporate transparency and accountability, an organization’s officers and directors face a myriad of employment-related exposures.

Sarbanes-Oxley regulatory mandates and shareholder activism mean directors are more frequently at risk, translating to rising claims and escalating settlement costs. In the wake of unprecedented corporate scandals in recent years, clearly the trend of corporate accountability applies to large corporations. But privately held companies, including nonprofits, are not exempt from litigation arising out of the management decisions of their boards. They, too, are at risk.

To assist with the financial burden of a claim, many business owners are electing to purchase commercial umbrella insurance on top of their standard commercial general liability (CGL) Insurance policies. An aggregate limit is established on most CGL policies that, once exhausted, will not cover any other excess claims. Umbrella coverage is designed to protect […]