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As states continue to modify and end stay-at-home orders, Minnesota and Wisconsin employers should give substantial consideration to the many employment issues as furloughed and laid off employees return to the workplace. The COVID-19 pandemic created many new challenges and issues for employers and individuals. Additional issues will arise as employers and employees continue to navigate these uncharted areas. Lommen Abdo’s employment and business lawyers are here to assist you in addressing these issues, and others, as you contemplate a move to a “new” normal. We think these are some of the most important issues to consider.
READ MOREThe Department of Health and Human Services, (HHS) passed a Declaration under the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness (PREP) Act effective as of February 4, 2020 through October 1, 2024. Manufacturers are protected from legal liability for additional 12 months from the above expiration date. Under the PREP Declaration, negligence cases involving future COVID-19 vaccines, treatments and certain medical devices will be barred from state and federal courts with narrow exceptions. As such, the only remedy for injured parties will be the Countermeasures Injury Compensation Program, (CICP).
READ MOREAs an increasing number of small businesses face payroll and other working capital related challenges, many owners struggle to understand the various forms of federal and state aid designed to support them. Through the CARES Act and various state programs, small businesses can apply for relief in the form of limited purpose assistance loans that are different from other SBA loans. The loans have very beneficial terms and are being made available on a first come, first served basis. The two major CARES Act funded loan assistance programs include: The Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program (EIDL) and the Payroll Protection Program (PPP).
READ MOREHow we “Keep Calm and Carry On” has become part of the work of the day during this viral crisis. Technology has allowed us to work remotely for years when we were not in our offices. But now we are putting that technology to daily use and on a much broader scale. At Lommen Abdo, all but a few key essential staff members are able to work remotely at this time and we are working to cut down the time they spend in the office. These options allow us to stay in touch with each other as a firm, you as our clients, other counsel, other trusted advisors and the courts. We are taking advantage of technology to be a virtual law firm that continues to be able to meet all of your needs.
READ MOREOver the past several weeks I have had many people contact me regarding their estate planning. Some are existing clients anxious to wrap up the process. Some are new clients asking how they can prepare their estate plan. The stress and anxiety caused by the coronavirus, increased time alone and the news cycle have cause people to view their planning differently. Estate planning is always important. An estate plan is the process of planning for your death or disability. A good plan takes care of you and your loved ones.
READ MOREI am sure you have heard the joke at this point that all of this social distancing at home with your family and loved ones will lead to both a baby boom in nine months, as well as a boom in divorces. As a family law attorney, I am not quite so cynical. I believe that the increased amount of time at home and time together with loved ones will give everyone more time to reflect on what is truly important and to evaluate areas of their lives that could use improvement. Whether that is wanting to seek additional parenting time with your kids, deciding that you need to marry the person you have been sheltered-in-place with and need a prenuptial agreement, or yes, even if you need a divorce, the family law attorneys at Lommen Abdo are here to help.
READ MOREIn the current COVID-19 pandemic, our society is preparing not only for the boredom that accompanies Stay at Home, Shelter in Place, and other pseudo-quarantines of indeterminate length, but also for the business ramifications which follow. Certainly 2020 will be a year filled with cancelled events and closed “non-essential” businesses. While many contracting parties have thus far shown remarkable flexibility to the change in circumstance, inevitably disagreements will occur. Before they do, parties should dust off their contracts and evaluate their rights, especially as they relate to the legal concepts of force majeure, impracticability/impossibility of performance, and frustration of purpose.
READ MOREIf recent volatility in the stock market has you taking a closer look at your real estate portfolio, you’re not alone. Uncertainty in global equities, elections, oil and hand sanitizer are having a sweeping impact and, if you’re like us, you want to grow what’s working and do less of what’s not. With so many concerns sweeping the market, it’s possible you could overlook the impact that property taxes, and—more specifically—property tax assessment, threatens to have on your wealth.
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