Attorney Blog
What to Do with Stimulus Checks Received by Estates
You may have been seeing, reading, or hearing on your favorite source of media that stimulus checks are being delivered to some of our deceased relatives. Personal Representatives of estates have been asking what to do if they receive a direct deposit or a check in the mail with this stimulus payment. Can the estate …
OSHA Issues New Guidance on Reporting COVID cases
May 21, 2020 We had previously reported on OSHA’s April 10, 2020 guidance on making a determination as to whether a COVID diagnosis was reportable. A new memorandum was issued on May 19, which provides an update to that interim guidance with respect to the recording of COVID-19 cases. This updated guidance takes effect as …
Another Round of COVID-Related Employment Law Updates – Caregivers
April 22, 2020 Employment leaves for caregivers and persons affected by extreme public health emergency There is a Maine law which may apply to employees who need leave related to COVID, particularly where the new paid leave provisions may not apply. This section requires an employer to grant “reasonable and necessary leave” from work, with …
Another Round of COVID-Related Employment Law Updates – Minors
April 22, 2020 In addition to all of the employment-related COVID issues that receive a lot of press, there are also some lesser known issues that have to be considered. A few are described here and we will continue to bring similar issues to your attention. Employment of Minors The Maine DOL has reminded us …
OSHA Issues New Recordkeeping Requirements for COVID Situations
April 13, 2020 Under OSHA’s general recordkeeping requirements, COVID-19 is a recordable illness and employers are responsible for recording cases of COVID-19, if the case: • Is confirmed as a COVID-19 illness; • Is work-related as defined by the regulations; and • Involves one or more of the general recording criteria in the regulations, such …
Coronavirus-Related Resources Available to Small Businesses
Since the coronavirus has become a pandemic, small businesses have been hit with mandatory closures and hefty safety measures to help “flatten the curve.” While this is an unprecedented time, this is certainly not a time to panic. Thanks to the stimulus package passed by the United States Congress, and the work completed by the …
Your Contractual Obligations in the Wake of COVID-19.
April 6, 2020 About a month ago, I would head to work in the morning where I’d be meeting clients at my office, introducing myself and shaking their hand. I might meet up with colleagues over lunch at a local eatery and spend an afternoon sitting side-by-side with my client in the courtroom. On my …
Interpretation of the DOL’s FFRCA and IRS Regulations: What Documentation is Required?
April 3, 2020 The DOL issued more regulations on April 1 providing additional interpretation of the FFRCA. One of the issues addressed was the notification employers can require for an employee requesting leave under either the additional paid sick leave or the expanded FMLA provisions. For both forms of leave, an employer may require employees …
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Summary
April 2, 2020 With many businesses struggling during the COVID19 pandemic, we wanted to highlight one of the major components of the CARES Act that was recently passed by the federal government; namely, the Paycheck Protection Program. This program is found in Title I – Keeping American Workers Paid and Employed Act, and it is …