What are the specific amounts of the legal benefits?

Your professional liability insurance policy* includes:

• COVERAGE A – Educators Professional Liability For claims arising out of a member’s duties as an educator, including civil rights issues  up to $1,000,000 per insured per occurrence and $3,000,000 per occurrence. Corporal punishment is covered if administered according to the laws of the jurisdiction in which the school is located. All coverage A includes the cost of defense, investigation and legal fees
• COVERAGE B – Reimbursement of Attorney Fees and Criminal or Sexual Misconduct Action or Proceeding: Up to $5,000 per claim, per insured, subject to a $10,000 annual aggregate per insured, all claims. Amount available regardless of outcome. Professional Rights or Credential Action or Proceeding: Up to $5,000 per claim, per insured. Up to $1,000 of this amount is available regardless of outcome. Civil Rights Violation Action or Proceeding: Up to $5,000 per claim, per insured. Amount available regardless of outcome.
• COVERAGE C – Bail Bonds: Up to $1,000 per bail bond, per insured
• COVERAGE – Private Instruction: Up to $10,000 per claim, per insured
• COVERAGE – Identity Theft: Up to $10,000 per insured, per policy period
• COVERAGE – Assault Related Personal Property Damage: Up to $2,500 per assault

Insurance Coverage that gives educators peace of mind

Because the details of OPTA's liability insurance policy are published on OregonEducators.org, you know exactly the level of coverage provided. OPTA's underlying employment rights defense insurance is guaranteed to cover eligible costs, whether you win or lose.

Confidential and secure career support

Attorneys are bound by attorney-client confidentiality. They represent the client’s best interest, even if your conflict involves another OPTA member.

If you have a legal problem involving another OPTA member (such as another teacher or supervisor), you can rest assured. If attorneys are needed, each eligible member may retain a separate attorney from a panel approved by the insurance company. Each attorney is ethically bound to provide counsel in the best interest of his or her client. Legal costs for covered claims are simply paid through the insurance policy.

How were these attorneys and law firms selected?

• Experience in education and employment law.
• Quality of services and responsiveness to clients’ and OPTA’s needs as demonstrated by user feedback.
• Efficiency, billing practices and compliance with claims procedures.
• Competitive rates.
• Availability and geographic location of practice.
• Ability to constructively interact with all components of the program.
• Cooperation with the claims administrator and insurance carrier.
• Philosophy and approach compatible with those of OPTA.
• Demonstrated sound judgment.
• Adequate professional liability insurance as determined by the company.

What to expect from a private-practice attorney

What will my private-practice attorney do for me?

Your attorney should:

• Represent your best interests zealously.
• Counsel you realistically regarding the representation.
• Keep you informed of new developments in your case.
• Submit a claim as required by the insurance company to obtain payment, if you and your attorney have agreed on that method of payment.
• Provide you with copies of billing statements.

Your attorney may:

• Ask you to sign an assignment form to authorize direct payment from the insurance company to the attorney.
• Contact other parties on your behalf.
• Bill for both the attorney’s time spent assisting you, as well as actual expenses (example: long distance calls, copying, mail, expert fees, etc.).

What if I have concerns about my legal representation?

As a party in a legal proceeding, it is beneficial for you to:

• Understand that patience is necessary as the legal process can be time-consuming.
• Discuss your concerns regarding the representation with your attorney.
• Contact OPTA if concerns persist.

Once your representation by a private-practice attorney has concluded, we’ll send you a quality-control survey. We want your feedback. We will review it and act upon it as appropriate.

More details about policy effective dates:

Our Educators Professional Liability Insurance Policy applies to occurrences during the policy period and activities of an insured that begin during the coverage period.

• The effective date of insurance begins EITHER:
  • On the member’s date of membership acceptance by an OPTA representative OR
  • After a 15-day waiting period for those members who join after Nov. 15 and were eligible to join in August and September.
• In no event is coverage provided for acts prior to membership.