Technology E&O (Professional Liability)

• Claims alleging a coding error, bug, or failed delivery caused a client financial loss
• Missed deadlines, scope disputes, and failure to meet specified functionality
• Legal defense costs even when the claim is groundless
• Claims-made form with retroactive date - protects work performed before the current policy period
• Common limits: $1M/$1M for freelancers and small shops; $2M+ for firms serving larger Louisiana clients

A checkout integration bug that causes a Louisiana e-commerce client to lose sales, or a failed data migration that costs a client hours of downtime, are classic Tech E&O claims. Standard General Liability does not cover this exposure.

Intellectual Property & Media Liability

• Claims alleging your code or design infringes someone else's copyright or patent
• Exposure from open-source components used under incompatible or misunderstood licenses
• Disputes over code, design, or content ownership at the end of a project or contract
• Often distinct from standard Tech E&O - confirm your policy specifically addresses IP claims

Open-source licensing is a critical exposure in custom software work. A component used under a copyleft license that conflicts with a client's proprietary product can generate a real IP claim.

Cyber Liability

• Data breach response if you hold or have access to client data or systems
• Ransomware response and business interruption
• Social engineering and funds transfer fraud where endorsed
• Regulatory obligations under Louisiana's Data Breach Notification Law
• Often combined with Tech E&O into a single policy for efficiency

If your development work gives you access to a client's production systems, a breach can generate liability tied to your access, not just a standalone Cyber claim against the client.

General Liability & BOP

• Bodily injury or property damage to third parties at your office or during client visits
• Property coverage for office equipment, computers, and furnishings
• Often bundled with Commercial Property in a discounted BOP for firms with a fixed office
• Additional Insured for commercial landlords or co-working space requirements

GL covers premises and physical liability - not the professional errors that are the actual core risk for developers (that's Tech E&O). Most Louisiana client contracts require both.

Workers' Compensation

• Required by Louisiana law for any firm with W-2 employees
• Covers ergonomic strain, slip-and-fall, and other workplace injuries
• Employers Liability (Coverage B) protects against employee negligence suits
• Louisiana's classification rules apply to contracted developers who may function like employees

Even a desk-based Louisiana dev shop carries WC exposure once it has employees. Review whether your specific arrangement requires WC under Louisiana's classification rules.

Commercial Umbrella

• Adds excess liability above your GL, Tech E&O, and Employers Liability
• Often required by larger Louisiana enterprise clients before signing a master services agreement
• Relatively low cost relative to the additional protection it provides

Larger corporate clients in Louisiana increasingly specify $2M-$5M total liability as a vendor requirement before granting systems access or signing a significant development contract.

Louisiana Data Breach Notification Law

Louisiana's data breach statute requires businesses maintaining computerized personal information to notify affected residents promptly after discovering a breach. This applies as soon as your development work involves access to or storage of client customer data.

Contract Clarity on IP Ownership and Licensing

Most disputes over code ownership trace back to contracts that never clearly specified ownership, licensing terms, and what happens to reusable components. Clear contract language is essential for protecting against IP liability claims.

Louisiana Independent Contractor Classification

Louisiana applies specific rules for worker classification. Development shops relying on contractors should confirm classification carefully to avoid potential liabilities.

Client Contract Insurance Requirements

Larger Louisiana corporate clients often specify minimum Tech E&O, Cyber, and Umbrella limits in their master services agreements before granting systems access or signing a development contract.