What Is Errors and Omissions Insurance?

Errors and Omissions insurance, sometimes called professional liability insurance, provides financial protection when clients or third parties claim that a professional’s actions (or failures to act) caused them harm. Unlike general liability insurance, which covers bodily injury or property damage, E&O policies focus on professional services and advice. In Illinois, E&O coverage is common among doctors, lawyers, accountants, architects, real estate agents, IT consultants, and other licensed or service-based professionals. Businesses also carry E&O policies to shield themselves from lawsuits related to professional mistakes or oversights.

The Types of Claims Covered by E&O Policies

E&O policies are designed to handle claims alleging:

  • Professional negligence: Mistakes that cause financial loss, such as accounting errors or architectural miscalculations.
  • Misrepresentation or bad advice: Inaccurate guidance that harms a client’s financial or legal standing.
  • Failure to deliver services: Missing deadlines or failing to meet contractual obligations.
  • Administrative mistakes: Errors in documentation, filings, or reporting that create costly consequences.
  • Violation of professional duties: Alleged breaches of ethical or regulatory standards.

The stakes in these claims can be enormous, with professionals facing both reputational damage and financial liability. That’s why E&O coverage is essential and why disputes with insurers must be taken seriously.

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Why E&O Claims Are Disputed

Although E&O policies are meant to protect policyholders, insurers often resist paying and act in bad faith. Some of the most common reasons for disputes in Illinois include:

  • Policy exclusions: Insurers claim the alleged mistake falls under a specific exclusion.
  • Intentional acts: Carriers argue that errors were actually intentional misconduct, which is not covered.
  • Late notice: Policies require claims to be reported promptly, and insurers often deny coverage if deadlines are missed.
  • Prior acts: Claims tied to services performed before the policy took effect are frequently denied.
  • Scope of services: Insurers argue that the claim does not fall within the professional services defined in the policy.

Our Illinois E&O attorneys are experienced in identifying when these denials are legitimate and when they are bad-faith attempts to avoid payment.

How Vargas Gonzalez Delombard Protects Policyholders

When professionals or businesses face an E&O claim, their careers and financial futures are on the line. Our firm steps in to provide aggressive legal support by:

  • Conducting a thorough review of the E&O policy to determine available coverage;
  • Analyzing the insurer’s denial or reservation of rights;
  • Coordinating with experts in the relevant profession to challenge allegations;
  • Negotiating directly with carriers to secure defense and indemnity coverage; and
  • Litigating in Illinois courts when insurers refuse to fulfill their obligations.

By managing both the insurance dispute and the defense of the underlying claim, we protect not just financial assets, but also professional reputations.

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Why Illinois Professionals Rely on Our Firm

Our Illinois clients trust us because we understand both the complexity of E&O policies and the high stakes professionals face when coverage is denied. We provide clear communication, practical strategies, and relentless advocacy against insurers that attempt to evade their responsibilities.

FAQ's

Does E&O insurance cover intentional wrongdoing?

What happens if my insurer denies coverage?

Are defense costs included in E&O coverage?

Does E&O insurance cover intentional wrongdoing?

No. Most policies exclude intentional or fraudulent acts. However, insurers sometimes misuse this exclusion to deny claims where wrongdoing has not been proven.

What happens if my insurer denies coverage?

A denial is not the final word. An Illinois E&O lawyer can review the policy, evaluate the denial, and pursue legal action if the insurer acted improperly.

Are defense costs included in E&O coverage?

Yes, most E&O policies cover defense costs in addition to settlements or judgments, though insurers often try to limit the scope of this coverage.

Contact Our Illinois E&O Lawyers Today

If you are facing an Errors and Omissions claim in Illinois and your insurer is refusing to provide the coverage you paid for, you do not have to face it alone. The Illinois E&O attorneys at Vargas Gonzalez Delombard are here to review your policy, challenge unfair denials, and defend your professional reputation. Contact us online today to schedule a consultation and protect your future.

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