General contractors should be aware that simply paying workers’ compensation insurance premiums for a subcontractor will not provide them with the exclusive remedy protection under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act. The Illinois Supreme Court confirmed that the exclusive remedy provisions of the Workers’ Compensation Act (820 ILCS 305/5(a), 11) do not extend to a general […]
Employment Law
Title VII and Pro-Life v. Pro-Choice Views in the Workplace
Undoubtedly, this week and for many weeks, months or years to come, a hot topic of discussion among Americans will be the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization overturning Roe v. Wade. This is perhaps one of the most polarizing issues in this country and one of the most significant […]
UNDERSTANDING INSURANCE POLICIES FOR SMALL AND MIDSIZE BUSINESSES
Small to midsize businesses often do not have legal teams to advise them on the types of insurance coverage they need to protect their businesses. They rely upon the broker to assess their needs without fully understanding what an insurance policy is. Below are some insurance coverage basics for both the novice and a refresher […]
Workers Are Quitting Their Jobs To Put Themselves First, But At What Cost?
The pandemic has undoubtedly caused many people stress and is forcing them to quit their jobs to prioritize their mental health, child care, elder care or other issues. Most people that quit do not have to deal with unexpected consequences, but for some leaving their jobs without proper notice to the employer may be in […]
Employment Practices Liability Insurance (“EPLI”) Is A Must For New, Small And Midsized Businesses
All employers should have employment practices liability insurance, otherwise known as an EPLI insurance policy. This is different from a workers compensation policy or a commercial general liability policy, or even a property or auto policy. The EPLI policy provides coverage for wrongful acts arising from the employment process. While most large companies have employment […]
OSHA – Emergency Temporary Standard Vaccination Requirements and More
On November 4, 2021, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued an emergency temporary standard (ETS) for the purpose of minimizing the risk of COVID-19 transmission in the workplace.
Where are the workers?
The help wanted signs are everywhere. What happened to all the workers? There is not a single industry that is not affected by the lack of willing and capable earners. This issue is not just isolated to the restaurant or retail shops. It is also an issue with teachers, medical professionals, attorneys and the like.
Sexual Harassment Is A Pervasive Problem: Employers Need Policies, Training to Prevent and a Good Employer’s Liability Insurance Policy
By now most of Illinois, if not beyond, is aware that yet another major celebrity (this time a famous Chicago radio host), has been accused of sexual harassment in court pleadings. It has been years since the Me Too movement began, and stories still arise about sexual harassment in the workplace. Still!
Illinois Businesses Should Look At The Model ABA Rules For Guidance On Virtual Practice
More than a year has passed since businesses moved to a virtual format in the wake of the Covid-19 global pandemic. Covid-19 is still circulating and new strains, including some more virulent strains, are still a concern for much of the world. We can no longer assume that the remote work place is merely a […]
Illinois Right to Fire for Political Speech and Conduct
The world watched as thousands marched in protest and others stormed the US Capital Building this past week. The identities of few but the faces of many have been displayed on mainstream media and social media channels. Some with more frequency than others. Some of those faces may belong to your employees.