Legal

Recently there has been a change in the commercial general liability insurance marketplace that upends normal expectations. 

There is a battle in most states these days regarding how to define when an independent contractor is actually an employee. It is a battle that involves politics, legislatures and voters. And for companies misclassifying workers there are real risks of penalties, fines and even criminal charges.

Boilerplate terms can lead to uncertain commitment that, if left unaddressed, results in gaps where liability can arise, or contractual rights are limited. Addressing these gaps at the time of contracting is essential.   A recent court decision from the Court of Appeals for Indiana, A House…

Social media is a powerful recruiting tool. It is estimated that upwards of 80 percent of companies currently use social media platforms when recruiting prospective employees. While social media provides information and exposure for those looking to hire and those looking for jobs, the…

When using temporary labor from staffing companies or labor pools, clearly define the roles and responsibilities of the primary employer and the host employer. Not doing so could result in a joint-employer status and thus joint liabilities. Like many trades, glass and glazing companies find…

Software is king. Today’s business environment relies on global platforms that are available to all users on an instantaneous basis. This environment is most obvious in the modern growth of “Software as a Service,” or SaaS. The range of SaaS offerings includes things used every day, such as…

For many years glass and glazing were considered passive participants in a building’s performance. Innovation is changing that approach. Today, the use of glass in active and dynamic energy management systems is growing. Now, glazing integrates variable opacity and shading elements that are…

Regardless of where a company is involved within the transportation market, an important step in managing transportation risk is being prepared when an accident occurs. Accidents happen. Claims happen, too. Whether it’s a lawsuit, a worker’s compensation issue, or otherwise, transportation-…

In equipment purchases, attention to warranty terms can fall down the priority list. Often, the existence of the warranty is simply a checklist item: does a warranty exist? However, attention to warranty terms, including their scope and limitations, should not be relegated to a check-box review…

GlassBuild America is upon us. As always, the show presents an exciting opportunity to learn about new products and their capabilities. Marketing departments live for these moments. However, there is a fine line when a salesperson’s comment about performance turns from an opinion into a warranty…