
In Oregon, professional liability insurance is a must-have for many professionals, including healthcare providers, lawyers, and architects. This type of insurance protects professionals from financial losses due to lawsuits and claims.
The Oregon Insurance Division requires professionals to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance to practice in the state. For example, Oregon law requires healthcare providers to carry at least $250,000 in liability insurance per occurrence.
Professional liability insurance coverage varies depending on the profession and industry. Some policies may cover defense costs, while others may only cover damages awarded to the plaintiff. For instance, a medical malpractice policy may cover the cost of hiring an attorney to defend against a lawsuit.
Understanding the specific requirements and coverage options for professional liability insurance in Oregon can be complex, but it's essential for professionals to navigate these details to ensure they have adequate protection.
What is Professional Liability Insurance?
Professional liability insurance covers your legal defense costs if you’re sued over a mistake in your professional work. This can be a costly and time-consuming process, but the policy will cover the costs of your attorney’s hourly rate, administrative expenses like copying and filing, and even expert witnesses.
In Oregon, professional liability insurance can be very affordable for small, low-risk businesses. You can contact an insurance agent for help choosing the right coverage limits and options.
A professional liability policy can cover the costs of a court-ordered legal judgment or a settlement to avoid trial. The policy limits you choose should take into account how expensive it can be to fight a professional liability lawsuit.
If someone sues you over unsatisfactory work, your professional liability coverage will kick in to cover your defense costs. This is different from general liability insurance, which would cover a customer's personal injury at your workplace.
Who Needs Coverage?
Any business that provides a professional service or expert advice in Oregon should carry professional liability coverage, as a client could sue if your service or advice causes accidental harm.
Even a frivolous lawsuit can be expensive, accounting for attorney's fees, court costs, or a settlement.
Businesses in industries often at risk for professional liability claims, such as accounting, should consider carrying this type of insurance.
These lawsuits can be costly, and it's essential to have coverage in place to protect your business from financial losses.
From Portland to Bend, any business that provides professional services should carry professional liability coverage to avoid potential lawsuits.
Cost and Requirements
The cost of professional liability insurance in Oregon is relatively affordable, with an average cost of $58 per month, which is $3 less than the national average of $61 per month.
The cost of coverage depends on several factors, including your type of business and industry, coverage limits, and deductible.
In Oregon, the cost of professional liability insurance varies based on your business size and location, as well as your day-to-day operations and claims history.
What Is Covered?
Professional liability insurance in Oregon is designed to protect businesses from costly lawsuits related to the quality of their work. It covers the cost of legal fees and settlements.

Accusations of negligence, such as an architect creating an unsafe building design, are covered under this type of insurance.
Medical malpractice, including misinterpreting test results, is also covered. This can result in additional medical bills for the client.
Work mistakes and oversights, like an accountant making a mathematical error, are also covered. These errors can lead to financial losses for the client.
Missed deadlines and undelivered services, such as a web designer failing to build a website before a client's busy season, are covered under this policy.
Inaccurate advice, like an attorney misinterpreting a legal statute, is also covered. This can result in costly mistakes for the client.
Here are some examples of claims that are covered under professional liability insurance:
- Accusations of negligence
- Medical malpractice
- Work mistakes and oversights
- Missed deadlines and undelivered services
- Inaccurate advice
Are You Required to Carry?
In Oregon, professional liability insurance isn't required by law, but you might need it to sign a contract or get a license in your field. Many small business owners find this coverage essential to protect their assets and reputation.

Oregon doesn't require physicians to carry medical malpractice insurance, but you might face requirements to obtain coverage in certain situations, such as working with health care facilities that mandate malpractice insurance.
Some health insurance plans require doctors to have medical malpractice insurance to participate in their coverage, so it's essential to check your plan's requirements. This can be a crucial step in protecting your professional reputation and assets.
Oregon's lack of minimum carrying requirements for medical malpractice insurance means that doctors have flexibility in choosing their coverage, but it's still vital to consider the potential risks and consequences of not having adequate protection.
Take a look at this: Oregon Health Insurance Companies
How Much Is Needed?
The cost of malpractice insurance can vary greatly depending on your specialty and location in Oregon. Surgeons tend to require more coverage than physicians who do not perform operations, as surgery presents a greater risk to patients.
The amount of malpractice insurance you should obtain depends on your location and specialty. If you do not perform surgeries, you may want to consider the minimum coverage requirements of most health care facilities in Oregon.

If you want visiting privileges at a facility, you may need to carry their minimum amount of coverage. This can inform how much you choose to purchase. For example, if you purchase $200,000/$600,000 coverage, the first amount is how much your insurance company will pay per claim and the second value is your annual limit.
The cost of medical malpractice insurance in Oregon varies depending on your county and specialty, along with your history of malpractice claims. The more coverage you obtain, the higher your rate will be.
Here's a rough idea of the range of possible state filed medical malpractice premium rates in Oregon by specialty:
Keep in mind that these are just rough estimates and your actual rate will depend on many factors, including your claim history and location.
Exclusions and Limitations
Exclusions in professional liability insurance are crucial to understand. Most insurance companies exclude intentional harm, illegal activities, and services provided under another entity's name.
A professional liability policy won't cover defamation, such as libel and slander, or discrimination. These exclusions are important to note, as they can affect your coverage.
Liability limits vary by state, and Oregon has its own set of rules. For example, in Oregon, punitive damages cannot be awarded against individual health care practitioners, excluding facilities, as defined by law.
Here are some key liability limits in Oregon:
- Modified comparative negligence: If a claimant's fault is greater than all defendants and settled parties combined, their action is barred.
- Vicarious liability: Oregon allows a facility to be held liable for the negligence of an independent contractor under the theory of apparent agency.
- Limited joint and several liability: A defendant is considered liable in proportion to the percentage of fault for awarded damages.
- Damage cap: There is no damage cap in Oregon.
Exclusions
Exclusions can be a major concern for professionals looking to protect themselves with insurance.
Professional liability insurance typically excludes coverage for intentional harm caused to others.
Intentional harm can include illegal activities, such as violating laws, regulations, or statutes.
Some examples of excluded services include providing services under the name of another entity, not listed on your policy.
Defamation, including libel and slander, is also excluded from coverage.
Discrimination is another area where professional liability insurance will not provide protection.
Here are some examples of exclusions in professional liability insurance:
- The illegal violation of any law, regulation, or statute
- Any services you provide under the name of another entity, such as a subsidiary business or organization not listed on your policy
- Defamation, such as libel and slander
- Discrimination
Limits
Liability limits can be confusing, especially when it comes to different types of cases. In Oregon, liability limits vary from one type of case to another.
Oregon has a modified comparative negligence rule, which means that if a claimant's fault is greater than that of all defendants and settled parties combined, their action is barred. This is a key consideration in determining liability.
Vicarious liability is also a factor in Oregon, allowing a facility to be held liable for the negligence of an independent contractor under the theory of apparent agency. This means that if a contractor is working on behalf of a facility, the facility can be held responsible for their actions.
Limited joint and several liability is another rule in Oregon, where a defendant is considered liable in proportion to the percentage of fault for awarded damages. This can make it easier to determine liability, but it's still an important consideration.
There is no damage cap in Oregon, but punitive damages cannot be awarded against individual health care practitioners, excluding facilities, as defined by law. This means that while there's no limit on damages, there are still some restrictions on what can be awarded.
Here are some key liability limits in Oregon:
- Modified comparative negligence: claimant's action is barred if their fault is greater than defendants and settled parties combined
- Vicarious liability: facility liable for independent contractor's negligence under apparent agency theory
- Limited joint and several liability: defendant liable in proportion to percentage of fault for awarded damages
- No damage cap, but punitive damages restricted against individual health care practitioners
Professions and Industries
Oregon's professional liability insurance options cater to various industries, each with its unique needs and requirements. Accountants, for instance, can benefit from stacking deductible waivers that can add up to a full deductible waiver in most cases.
Engineers, on the other hand, can opt for coverage limits up to $10 million, which provides a high level of protection against industry-specific losses. This is particularly important for professionals who work on large-scale projects.
Real estate professionals, although not required to have E&O insurance, may be asked to show proof of coverage by their franchise, bank partners, or clients. This type of insurance covers situations such as not disclosing a problem with a property or listing incorrect information in an MLS sheet.
Here's a brief overview of the industries and their corresponding insurance options:
Orthodontists, too, can benefit from malpractice insurance, which ensures they can continue to provide quality care without added stress. This type of insurance provides a stable, affordable source of professional liability insurance for members of the AAO.
General Liability Coverage
General Liability Coverage is not the same as Professional Liability coverage. It's like having two different types of insurance to protect you from different risks.
Oregon doesn't require real estate agents to have E&O insurance, but others may ask for it. This includes your real estate franchise, bank partners, or even clients.
Real estate professionals need E&O insurance to cover situations like not disclosing a problem with a property. This can lead to costly lawsuits.
General Liability insurance typically covers bodily injuries or property damage that happen during a showing. It's essential to understand what's covered and what's not.
In some professions, like real estate, it's crucial to have the right insurance coverage. E&O insurance can help protect your business from errors and omissions claims.
Check this out: General Liability and Umbrella Insurance
Attorneys
In Oregon, lawyers are required to maintain malpractice coverage with the Professional Liability Fund (PLF).
The PLF provides coverage of $300,000 aggregate plus an additional $50,000 claims expense allowance.
Commercial property insurance is often required to sign leases, and it covers your physical business property and equipment.
Lawyers need to be aware of these requirements to ensure they're properly insured and compliant with Oregon regulations.
Expand your knowledge: Professional Liability Insurance for Lawyers
Professions and Industries
Accountants and engineers are two professions that require specialized insurance coverage to protect against professional liability risks.
Accountants in Oregon can benefit from up to $2 million in coverage limits, which can help cover expenses such as disciplinary proceedings, subpoena assistance, and reputation protection.
Engineers in Oregon, on the other hand, can have coverage limits up to $10 million, providing broader protection for their unique professional risks.
Some common features of professional liability insurance for accountants and engineers include coverage for lost wage reimbursement, supplementary payouts to offset claims expenses, and legal counsel and defense of all claims.
Here are some key differences between the two professions' insurance options:
Orthodontists
Orthodontists play a crucial role in providing essential dental care. They can face malpractice claims, even with the most skilled professionals.
In Oregon, malpractice insurance is a must-have for orthodontists to continue providing quality care without added stress. AAOIC offers a stable and affordable source of professional liability insurance for members of the AAO who practice in the United States.
AAOIC's exclusive product is provided through AmTrust North America, giving members limited access to this exclusive product. This program has been in place since 2016, showcasing its longevity and commitment to the industry.
The policy form is designed specifically for risks in the repair/aftermarket industry, providing a tailored solution for orthodontists.
Medical Professionals
Medical professionals in Oregon may not be required to carry medical malpractice insurance, but most hospitals and medical facilities have their own requirements for doctors with admitting privileges.
Typically, Oregon physicians carry limits of $1 million per occurrence and $3 million annual aggregate.
For another approach, see: Professional Medical Liability Insurance
Medical malpractice insurance rates in Oregon vary by specialty, with higher-risk specialties like surgeons and OB/GYNs paying more.
Qualifying healthcare practitioners in rural Oregon can be awarded a subsidy for the cost of their medical malpractice insurance premium.
Here are some common medical malpractice insurance carriers in Oregon:
- The Doctors Company
- Physicians Insurance
- Continental Casualty Company
- Medical Protective Company
- Admiral Insurance Company
- National Fire & Marine Insurance Co
- UMIA Insurance, Inc.
- American Casualty Company of Reading, PA
- NCMIC Insurance Company
- Health Care Industry Liab Recip Ins RRG
- ProSelect Insurance Company
- Columbia Casualty Company
- Coverys Specialty Insurance Company
- NORCAL Mutual Insurance Company
- American Excess Insurance Exch RRG
- Princeton Excess & Surplus Lines Ins Co
- TDC Specialty Insurance Company
- ProAssurance Indemnity Company, Inc.
- MAG Mutual Insurance Company
- Preferred Professional Insurance Company
- ProAssurance Specialty Ins Co, Inc.
- Kinsale Insurance Company
- Professional Solutions Ins Co
- NORCAL Specialty Insurance Company
- Lone Star Alliance, Inc., RRG
- Chubb Custom Insurance Company
- NCMIC Risk Retention Group, Inc.
- ISMIE Indemnity Company
- Professional Security Insurance Company
- Allied World Surplus Lines Insurance Co
- Beazley Insurance Company, Inc.
- American Alternative Insurance Corp
- Hudson Insurance Company
Real Estate Errors and Omissions
As a real estate agent, you're likely aware that Oregon doesn't require E&O insurance, but your clients and business partners may still ask for proof of coverage. This type of insurance is designed to protect you in case of errors or omissions in your work.
E&O insurance can cover a range of situations, including not disclosing a problem with a property, listing incorrect information in an MLS sheet, and bodily injuries or property damage that happen during a showing. These are just a few examples of the types of mistakes that E&O insurance can help you recover from.
In Oregon, E&O insurance is often referred to as professional liability insurance, and it's commonly used by professionals in various fields. Some common coverage options include agent-owned residential property transaction coverage, subpoena assistance, and mold coverage.
Additional reading: Business Property and Liability Insurance
Here are some specific coverage options to consider:
- Agent-owned residential property transaction coverage option
- Subpoena assistance (no-cost legal assistance)
- Mold coverage with limits beginning at $250,000
- Public relations advisory services
- Fair housing discrimination claims
- Environmental “Failure to Advise” coverage
These coverage options can help you protect your business and reputation in the event of an error or omission. By investing in E&O insurance, you can have peace of mind knowing that you're prepared for any situation that may arise.
Employment Practices
Employment-related disputes can arise even with the best intentions, so it's crucial to have the right protection in place. Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI) provides a safeguard against malpractice suits and physical damages to your office.
Wrongful termination protection is a key aspect of EPLI, shielding your business against claims of wrongful termination, including allegations of discrimination, retaliation, or violation of employment contracts. This can be a major concern for businesses, as it can lead to costly lawsuits and damage to your reputation.
EPLI also offers harassment and discrimination coverage, which protects against claims related to harassment or discrimination based on factors such as age, gender, race, religion, or disability. This coverage is vital in creating a fair and inclusive work environment.
The following types of claims are typically covered under EPLI:
- Wrongful termination protection
- Harassment and discrimination coverage
- Wage and hour dispute protection
These types of claims can be costly and time-consuming to resolve, so having EPLI in place can provide peace of mind and financial protection for your business.
Lawyers
If you're a lawyer in Oregon, you'll want to know about the lawyers professional liability insurance options available to you. Limits of up to $10 million are offered for qualified insureds.
You can also purchase additional amounts through quota and excess policies. This means you can customize your coverage to fit your specific needs.
One thing to note is that this insurance provider will never settle a claim without your consent, giving you complete control over your case. No hammer clause means you're always in the driver's seat.
In the event of death, disability, or retirement, you'll receive a free extended reporting period. This can provide peace of mind and help you transition to your next chapter.
Employment Practices
Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI) is a must-have for any business. It provides protection against malpractice suits and physical damages to your office and its contents.
Wrongful termination is a serious issue that can arise in any workplace. Wrongful termination protection shields your business against claims of wrongful termination, including allegations of discrimination, retaliation, or violation of employment contracts.
Harassment and discrimination are also major concerns. Harassment and discrimination coverage includes claims related to harassment or discrimination based on factors such as age, gender, race, religion, or disability.
Wage and hour disputes can also cause problems. Wage and hour dispute protection includes claims related to alleged violations of wage and hour laws, including allegations of unpaid wages, overtime, or improper classification of employees.
Here are some key areas covered by EPLI:
- Wrongful termination protection
- Harassment and discrimination coverage
- Wage and hour dispute protection
Partnering with an Insurance Provider
Partnering with an insurance provider can be a game-changer for your professional liability insurance needs in Oregon. By doing so, you'll gain access to Oregon's largest provider of medical malpractice liability insurance, Gallagher.
You'll have a real expert in Oregon medical malpractice insurance on your side, who can help you secure the coverage you need. This is a big advantage over dealing with a computer, as you'll get personalized attention and guidance throughout the process.
Gallagher actively interacts with each of the state's major insurance companies, allowing them to find the best possible terms for you. This means you'll get the most competitive rates and coverage options available in Oregon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need professional liability insurance if I work for a company?
Typically, you don't need professional liability insurance if you're an employee, but check your contract and state laws to confirm. If you're unsure, it's always best to consult with your employer or a licensed insurance professional
Is professional liability worth it?
Protecting your business from costly negligence-related lawsuits is a crucial investment, and professional liability insurance can provide peace of mind and financial security. Consider it a vital safeguard against unexpected legal expenses and reputational damage.
What triggers professional liability coverage?
Professional liability coverage is triggered by allegations of errors or omissions in professional services that harm a third party. This typically involves a claim of negligence or malpractice
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