As a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), you’ve devoted your life to helping others, so it could come as a shock to find yourself accused of malpractice or negligence. But malpractice claims against social workers do happen, and it’s important to protect yourself with LCSW malpractice insurance. In the event of a claim, your LCSW malpractice insurance (also known as LCSW liability insurance) can provide you with legal defense and financial protection to pay for damages and other costs.
The financial impact of defending or settling a malpractice claim can be substantial — not to mention the toll it can take on your career and well-being. LCSW malpractice insurance helps minimize the disruptions and out-of-pocket costs that come with such claims, while supporting you throughout the claims process. Having the right coverage can give you the confidence you need to stay focused on what matters: caring for the individuals you serve.
With Berxi’s LCSW malpractice insurance, you never have to wonder whether you’re protected from malpractice claims, licensing board complaints, and other risks. Key features and benefits of a Berxi LCSW liability insurance policy include:
LCSW malpractice policies vary in cost depending on a number of factors, but they can start around $100 per year for a supplemental policy and $240 per year for a primary policy. Because Berxi offers insurance directly to you, without a broker in the middle, we’ve eliminated many of the fees typically associated with LCSW liability insurance costs. That means you’re able to save an average of 20% vs. industry standards when you choose Berxi. In addition, our policies have no deductible.
The best way to get an idea of what your own LCSW liability insurance policy would cost is by getting a free quote. Our online quote process only takes a few minutes, and — if you choose to purchase — your policy can go into effect any day you’d like, including today.
Along with paying for your legal defense and the cost of damages in the event of a malpractice claim, Berxi’s LCSW liability insurance offers additional coverages and comprehensive protections for social workers. Here’s what we cover.
As an LCSW, medical malpractice coverage insures you against claims of negligence or of making a mistake that caused bodily injury or harm to an individual you serve. This includes providing you with a lawyer to defend yourself and the funds to pay judgments or settlements.
Amount Covered: Typical limits of liability range from $500,000 per claim/$1 million aggregate to $2 million per claim/$6 million aggregate.
If a claim is filed against you, we’ll retain a lawyer for you from our network of defense attorneys specializing in malpractice. We’ll also pay for related defense costs (e.g., lawyer fees, court fees, expert witness costs). And even if you’re not named in a malpractice lawsuit, your LCSW liability insurance policy can provide valuable legal assistance if you’re subpoenaed to serve as a witness.
Note that these defense costs are outside the limits of your insurance. This means that their services don’t cut into the settlement fees you may need to pay after a ruling or settlement.
Amount Covered: Provided in addition to your policy’s limits of insurance.
We work with your defense attorney to reach the best possible outcome for you, and every Berxi policy features consent to settle. That means we’ll never settle a claim without your approval.
Your policy applies on a worldwide basis, as long as a claim is brought against you in the U.S. (which includes any U.S. territories or possessions).
If you provide professional care to someone who is not your patient in a first aid or emergency situation, and that person files a claim against you, your policy will still apply.
If a claim alleges that you violated privacy rules in connection with private health information, we provide you with access to counsel and will reimburse you for costs related to HIPAA proceedings — including relevant HIPAA fines.
Amount Covered: $25,000 limit per policy period.
If a professional licensing authority is investigating matters related to your professional conduct, our policy provides you with legal defense.
Amount Covered: $25,000 limit per policy period.
If we ask you to attend litigation activities (e.g., a deposition), our policy will reimburse you for actual lost wages and any necessary expenses you incur (e.g., travel, meals).
Amount Covered: Up to $1,000 per day.
If you face a threat to your professional reputation, we can provide you with a crisis management/public relations consultant to help clear your name.
Amount Covered: $50,000 limit per claim.
If you’re audited by either Medicare or Medicaid, we offer reimbursement for related accountant or attorney costs that result from the investigation or defense of the audit proceedings.
Amount Covered: $30,000 for a covered audit and related expenses.
This optional endorsement protects you in your role as a medical director, adding coverage for your administrative services in addition to your professional services. It covers potential liabilities arising from your oversight and management duties, rather than direct patient care, such as errors in policies or protocols. This coverage is available only in positions where you have no voting or ownership interest.
Amount Covered: Equal to your policy’s limits of liability. Typical limits of liability range from $500,000 per claim/$1 million aggregate to $2 million per claim/$6 million aggregate.
This optional endorsement covers claims concerning errors and omissions in your billing practices.
Amount Covered: $25,000 per claim, subject to a maximum limit payable of $25,000 for all claims.
This add-on general liability coverage applies if someone files a claim against you alleging that your premises or operations caused them bodily injury or harm.
Amount Covered: $1 million occurrence/$1 million aggregate.
At Berxi, we’re committed to making LCSW malpractice insurance easier — easier to buy, easier to understand, and easier to afford. Here are a few things that set us apart from other insurance companies.
Berxi is part of Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company (BHSIC), one of the most established and trusted insurance companies out there. BHSIC is rated A++ for financial strength by AM Best — the highest possible rating – and every Berxi policy is backed by this industry-leading financial strength, so you never have to wonder whether we have the resources to pay a claim.
Berxi is a direct-to-customer insurer, so there are no broker fees, middlemen, or commissions. Buying your policy directly from us eliminates many fees that are typical in insurance transactions, and we pass the savings on to you. In fact, our customers save an average of 20%.
When you call our support line, you’ll reach a real-life human being from our in-house customer support team who will work hard to answer all your questions. And if a claim is ever filed against you, our claims team will support you every step of the way. That’s why Berxi is rated 4.87 out of 5 stars by more than 13,000 customers.
You can manage every aspect of your Berxi coverage through our easy-to-use online portal. Not only can you get an instant quote and buy your policy in just a few clicks, but once you’ve purchased a policy, you can download proof of insurance, update your account information, and manage your payment options online. And if you ever need to file a claim, you can do that online, too.
In a word: yes, LCSWs should have malpractice insurance. No matter how careful you are, there is always the risk you could be sued for malpractice — regardless of whether your work fell below the standard of care. And even if you’re ultimately found not liable, the lawsuit itself — including your legal defense — will cost you money and time.
That’s why LCSW malpractice insurance (also known as LCSW liability insurance) is essential for LCSWs, even when you feel confident that you’re following all legal and ethical requirements for your social work services. In the event of a malpractice lawsuit, your insurance can help cover legal fees and settlement costs, as well as other expenses. In addition, many states and employers require LCSWs to carry medical malpractice insurance.
Even if you’re covered by your employer’s insurance policy, you can still benefit from having your own insurance (also known as “supplemental” coverage). This supplemental policy can give you a larger pool of money to pay for legal representation and settlement costs, while also giving you more control over your own defense. Plus, there are a number of instances in which your employer’s policy might not cover you, such as HIPAA violations, licensing board complaints, and more.
Finally, even if you’re not named in a malpractice lawsuit, your LCSW liability insurance policy can help provide valuable protection in several other situations you could potentially face as an LCSW. For example, you could be subpoenaed as a witness to provide testimony in custody battles, criminal matters, or workers’ compensation cases. With the right social worker malpractice coverage, your insurance policy can help you secure legal assistance in situations like these.
Yes, LCSWs can be sued for malpractice. Examples of situations or allegations that may lead to malpractice claims against LCSWs include:
The frequency with which LCSWs are sued and faced adverse actions, such as licensing board complaints, has grown over the past few decades. Data from the National Practitioner Data Bank show an increase in the number of adverse action reports made against social workers since 1990. That year, only 2 reports were made; compare that to 2023, in which 743 were made.
Even the most diligent and trusted LCSW can face a malpractice lawsuit. Learn some common reasons LCSWs are sued, as well as ways to help avoid claims.
learn more
If you have questions about professional liability insurance — including what it is, who needs it, and what a typical policy might cost you — we have answers.
learn more
If you’re curious what the average licensed clinical social worker earns, as well as the contributing factors that affect an LCSW’s income, this article is for you.
learn more
