Putting the Money Where Its Mouth Is: DOL Funds 19 States’ Independent Contractor Misclassification Crackdown

In Business Law, General by Coolidge Wall

On September 15, the U.S. Department of Labor announced its award of $10.2 million in grants to 19 states to aid in their worker misclassification detection and enforcement efforts in unemployment insurance programs. Ohio is not a grant recipient, but our next door neighbor, Indiana, is receiving a hefty sum of $500,000. The money is meant to help state unemployment agencies discover situations where employers are misclassifying employees as independent contractors, which typically means the employer is not reporting the individual’s compensation to the agency. The states chosen to receive the grants will use them to improve audit and education …

Identifying Inheritance Fraud

In Estate Planning, General by Coolidge Wall

Inheritance fraud involves using deceit or misrepresentation to obtain undeserved assets or property from a decedent. While it may sound like something that could never happen to you or anyone you know, inheritance fraud occurs more frequently that you might imagine. Consider the following examples of inheritance fraud: Forgery – Typically, forgery is the most widely recognized type of inheritance fraud. An heir, bitter over his or her inheritance (or lack thereof), could forge certain terms of a will or the signature of the testator, or even fabricate an entire will. Elder abuse – Elder abuse may be physical, sexual, …

Lawyers Recognized in Best Lawyers in America®

In General by Coolidge Wall

Coolidge Wall is privileged to announce that three of its attorneys have received special recognition in 2015 Best Lawyers in America® as “Lawyer of the Year” for a particular practice area. The “Lawyer of the Year” (LOTY) recognition is given to one attorney in each practice area in each locale. The attorneys receiving this special honor are: John C. Chambers, 2015 “Lawyer of the Year” in Real Estate Law in Dayton; Merle F. Wilberding, 2015 “Lawyer of the Year” in Corporate Law in Dayton; and Sam Warwar, 2015 “Lawyer of the Year” in Tax Law in Dayton. Additionally, the firm …

Another Billion Dollar Rebate!

In Business Law, Employment Law, General by Coolidge Wall

State fund employers in Ohio will be pleased to know that the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation is again preparing a $1 billion rebate of premiums to them. Based upon payments made in 2012, state fund employers will qualify for another rebate of premiums. It is important to note, though, that you must be up to date in premium payments in order to qualify for the rebate. The BWC Board of Directors is expected to approve this proposal during the week of September 22 with rebate checks being issued in October. If you have questions, please contact  David Korte at 937-223-8177 …

Announcing the addition of new personnel

In General by Coolidge Wall

Coolidge Wall proudly announces several recent additions to its legal staff. Attorney Lu Ann Stanley has joined the firm’s Estate Planning/Probate Department. Ms. Stanley has been practicing law for over 25 years and specializes in Estate Planning, Trusts, Probate, and Guardianships. Jennifer R. Roberts, a recent graduate of The University of Dayton School of Law, is the newest addition to the firm’s Litigation Department. Amy R. Webster, a paralegal, will be supporting our Litigation and Labor Departments. She has over 20 years of prior experience.

Failure to Provide COBRA Notice Results in Penalties Even When Employer Pays the Bills

In Employee Benefits, Employment Law, Healthcare Reform by Coolidge Wall

Regina Honey was pregnant with her second child and experiencing pre-term labor. Her doctor ordered bed rest for about two weeks. When Ms. Honey was ready to return to work at Dignity Health, she was told her employment was terminated. About two months later she was reinstated. However, the pre-term labor returned and her doctor ordered bed rest for the remainder of the pregnancy. Ms. Honey remained on bed rest until her son was born in July 2010. When the doctor approved her return to work in September 2010, she was never scheduled to return. After several attempts to reach …