Should Legal Codes be Copyrighted? Let’s Sue to Find Out!

Lydia DePillis – August 7, 2013 Whenever you build a building, most states require you to obey thick books full of standards for all the specs that make it safe and sturdy. Those standards are developed by professional societies and trade associations, like ASTM International, whose members are contractors and equipment manufacturers and other technical… Continue reading Should Legal Codes be Copyrighted? Let’s Sue to Find Out!

Mechanic’s Lien Waivers: Understand What You Are Waiving

Eric Radz and Paul Sugar – September 18,2013 In Maryland and elsewhere, a mechanic’s lien safeguards a contractor’s entitlement to payment on a private project. It is a statutory device that, if properly pursued, provides a contractor a security interest in the real property improved by the contractor. While a project is under construction, an… Continue reading Mechanic’s Lien Waivers: Understand What You Are Waiving

A Cautionary Insurance Tale for Project Owners

Stan Martin – September 4, 2013 The contractor’s excavator digging the foundation for a new building undermines the abutting building, which collapses, and a worker is injured.  In the subsequent lawsuits, one by the abutter and one by the injured worker, the project owner tenders the defense to its GL carrier.  The carrier eventually gets… Continue reading A Cautionary Insurance Tale for Project Owners

OSHA to Limit Workplace Exposure to Silica Dust

Prakash Sharma – August 24, 2013 It has been said that exposure to silica dust can cause crippling lung disease and cancer. While keeping this factor in mind, it has been found that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration have announced that workplace exposure to silica dust should be limited. It is being said that when… Continue reading OSHA to Limit Workplace Exposure to Silica Dust

California Allows Contractors Formed As LLCs To Access Surplus Lines Carriers

Dennis Rolstad – August 21, 2013 On August 16, 2013, California Governor Jerry Brown signed AB1236, a bill that allows contractors organized as limited liability companies to obtain liability insurance from non-admitted surplus lines carriers.  California Business & Professions Code § 7071.19 requires that limited liability companies carry liability insurance.  AB1236, sponsored by the Association… Continue reading California Allows Contractors Formed As LLCs To Access Surplus Lines Carriers