One of the many questions we have received regarding the COVID-19 pandemic relates to employer liability for COVID-19 related lawsuits. The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports that 70% of entrepreneurs in Ohio are concerned about potential liability related to the pandemic. Such concerns are not unfounded; a number of lawsuits have cropped up across the country [...]
Businesses of all sizes have struggled to make ends meet during the COVID-19 pandemic and the ensuing financial downturn. This has caused some employers to modify their pay structures and employees’ hours of work to stay solvent. However, a recent lawsuit against a popular local restaurant reinforces the importance of ensuring these changes adhere to [...]
Governor DeWine announced last month that the State of Ohio would submit an application to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for additional funds made available by executive order. Earlier this month, the FEMA accepted the State of Ohio’s application for funding for the additional unemployment benefits. These benefits replace the $600 in CARES Act [...]
The DOL recently made two subtle but important changes to its regulations implementing the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. The changes come in response to a federal court ruling holding that some provisions of the regulations are invalid. The changes are to the definition of “heath care provider” and the timing of an employee’s submission [...]
As with most major spectator sports, national elections tend to draw commentary from everyone. With social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and even Instagram, Americans have more options than ever to comment on the campaigns and show support for their chosen candidate. With both major parties' conventions wrapping up toward the end of last month [...]
Congratulations to FDAR attorneys Benjamin S. Albrecht, Daniel T. Downey, and Marc A. Fishel who were named in the 2021 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America! This year’s esteemed distinction, based on peer reviews and recommendations from leading lawyers in each field, recognizes approximately 5 percent of practicing lawyers in the United States. And, [...]
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) recently announced that it will resume issuing charge closure documents also known as Notices of Right to Sue or Right to Sue Letters. The EEOC is the first stop for claims of discrimination with respect to age, disability status, genetic information, national origin, pregnancy status, race, religion, and sex. [...]
The Ohio General Assembly has made critical amendments to R.C. 124.393, the statute which authorizes an appointing authority to implement mandatory cost savings programs in the event of a fiscal emergency. The amendments were included in Senate Bill 310, which was a bill mainly authorizing the distribution of $350 million in federal funds under the [...]
On August 8, 2020, President Trump issued an executive order and three executive memoranda providing additional COVID-19 relief to individuals and businesses. Included in the orders were renter and homeowner eviction protection, unemployment compensation assistance, deferral of payroll tax obligations, and student loan payment relief. Of particular importance to employers, one of the orders issued [...]
The day after its passage, on March 19th of this year, we published our first blog on the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). The law created several new entitlements for American workers which required employers to quickly adjust. With the 24-hour news cycle, March 19th seems like a lifetime ago. And since then, Congress [...]
