Hidden Risks Lurk in Some Form Contracts
May 15, 2008
(Originally published in The Business Journal)
As a matter of convenience, cost savings or industry practice, many parties confirm their agreement through pre-printed form contracts.
Properly prepared form agreements are intended to be used in limited and generally routine transactions....
Consider These Moves To Maintain a Lid On Workers’ Comp Costs
May 01, 2008
(Originally published in The Business Journal)
In today’s business environment, employers face ever-rising expenses, including the cost of Ohio workers’ compensation premiums.
Here are six practical steps Ohio employers can take to keep their premiums down.
1. Prevent injuries before they...
Disabilities Act Adds New Liability Exposure
April 15, 2008
(Originally published in The Business Journal)
Premises liability exposure arises in a variety of ways. It can materialize from a slippery restaurant floor caused by food falling off tables, or from a wet floor at a bank entrance from rain or snow being tracked in by customers or from the...
Mechanic’s Liens Lend Hammer For Payment
March 15, 2008
(Originally published in The Business Journal)
Mechanic’s lien law is a valuable legal tool that every construction contractor, subcontractor and property owner should consider.
If you are a construction contractor or subcontractor, the time to consider mechanic’s liens is long before you begin to...
Before You Delete, Ask Yourself: Could This Be Evidence?
March 01, 2008
(Originally published in The Business Journal)
Every day, you and your employees probably delete dozens, maybe even hundreds, of email messages. But, when you do, could you be destroying evidence?
It’s possible, because emails are documents, and they may be relevant in court later on.
Don’t Count On Joint Ownership In Estate Planning
January 08, 2008
(Originally published in The Business Journal)
Probate is the procedure for transferring property at death through the probate court, and many people to try avoid probate.
A common strategy to do so is to put property in two names – an individual’s own name and that of the person they want to...
Follow These Steps To Minimize Stress In Evicting Tenant
December 15, 2007
(Originally published in The Business Journal)
Evicting a commercial tenant can be a tremendous headache. But by following the right steps, a property owner can minimize the pain and restore that space back to productivity.
Here are eight steps that landlords and their attorneys should keep in mind...
Precise Agreements, Careful Definitions Protect Trade Secrets
December 01, 2007
(Originally published in The Business Journal)
In Ohio, as in most other states, employers are able to prevent a competitor or an ex-employee from taking information which fits within the definition of a trade secret.
A trade secret is defined broadly under Ohio law and includes not...
Planning Preserves Relationships, Wealth For Family Businesses
November 15, 2007
(Originally published in The Business Journal)
Family business founders invest their hopes and energy into an organization that can be a source of pride and income for the next generation.
However, the failure of a family business owner to plan for his succession can result in chaos within the...
Drug-Free Workplace Can Yield Benefits For Company, Staff
November 01, 2007
(Originally published in The Business Journal)
The Bureau of Labor Statistics recently estimated that, on average, 15 to 17 percent of a United States company’s workforce abuses alcohol or other drugs.
In your business, abuse can manifest itself as inconsistent work quality, mistakes...
