Two new Virginia laws taking effect Wednesday, July 1, attack the misclassification of employees as if they were independent contractors with a vengeance.  As a result, those who have been sliding by, misusing the “independent contractor” label to evade obligations for minimum wage laws, payroll taxes, or fringe benefits, must change their practices immediately, or

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As governments begin relaxing business closure mandates and the slow move towards a return to normalcy, more and more businesses are wondering if they could face lawsuits if they reopen too soon. As is often the case with media discussions, the worst fears of floods of lawsuits are not warranted. Such lawsuits would be handled

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Businesses suffering closures under state orders issued in response to the coronavirus pandemic have begun a wave of claims under business interruption insurance policies, but insurance companies are pushing back. Business interruption insurance is not included in every business’s coverage package.  When purchased, it typically covers losses not handled by hazard insurance.  For example, if

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You may have heard our current radio ad, focusing on our approach to handling personal injury cases.  The ad emphasizes how important it is to deal with lawyers you already know and trust. The natural tendency, when first meeting with any lawyer, is to assume that he wouldn’t have a license if he weren’t dependable. 

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Although Governor Northam’s recent Executive Orders do not explicitly address construction activity, reports indicate that many job sites are limiting access to 10 or fewer workers at a time.  Both general contractors and subcontractors could be prevented from manning their jobs the way they had planned, with the result that delay in completion will become

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As an unintended consequence of the emergency legislation passed by Congress last week, many businesses may conclude that they need to rush formal termination notices to their employees in the coming days. The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (“FFCRA”) creates an emergency sick leave benefit, and modifies the long-standing Family Medical Leave Act (“FMLA”) to

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As of this writing (March 16), exactly two cases of Coronavirus have been confirmed in the Richmond metropolitan area.  Both infected persons are self-quarantined and doing well.  The remaining one million-plus area residents remain unaffected. Under these circumstances, we at Marrs & Henry remain open for business as usual. As in all situations, we would

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“To err is human,” begins a familiar saying.  No one is infallible.  And because lawyers are human – no snickering, please! – a certain number of mistakes in the course of representing clients are inevitable. But what recourse does a client have, if a lawyer’s mistake proves costly? In theory, the client should be able

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‘Tis the season for celebrating with holiday parties, lunches and happy hours. Over the coming weeks, businesses will gather their teams to celebrate the holidays and the conclusion of what was hopefully a successful year. Company parties are a great opportunity to foster camaraderie, to show appreciation to staff or clients, and to celebrate your

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Most of us have signed one; nearly all of us have at least seen one.  The Little League asked for one before it would allow your child to play; the high school football coach sent one home with your son; your recreational softball league wants every member of every team to sign one. Yet waivers

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