Wrongful termination is a concept that does get used very frequently, but not many people have a complete understanding of what exactly it means, legally.  The legal definition of “wrongful termination” is the only thing that matters, as Ohio is an at-will state and you can be terminated for any reason or no reason at all. Just like other legal matters related to employment and labor, wrongful termination can be a confusing topic, especially when you are dealing with it for the very first time. Before we dig into some common questions related to wrongful termination, let’s briefly lay out ..read more

A severance package is a contract that extends certain benefits to an employee upon separation of employment. A severance package may be offered following termination (either due to layoffs or due to a merger or acquisition). It may even be included as a provision in an employment contract when you start in a new position. And while severance packages are not required by law, many employers do offer them. They typically outline important details like the amount of severance pay being offered, what kind of continuing benefits you may receive, and employment placement assistance. Severance packa ..read more

Between new legislation, proposed rules, and ballot initiatives, workers in the state of Ohio may be wondering how their own employment situations stack up against these evolutions in employment regulations. Read on to find 5 ways your employment may be affected in 2024 under these new developments: Misclassification of Independent Contractor vs. Employee Receiving a 1099 from your employer does not automatically make you an Independent Contractor under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Your job duties dictate whether you are an independent contractor or an employee. Employers, under the FL ..read more

Ohio, like many other states, operates employment as “at-will.” This means that in most cases, an employer or an employee can end employment at any time for any reason, so long as the reason is not illegal or unlawful. Some employees may not have any kind of employment agreement in place, including a severance agreement. However, when considering that employment is at-will and either party can decide to terminate employment, it is important for employee’s based in Ohio to have a deeper understanding more about the details of Ohio severance agreement requirements and benefits. Employers are not ..read more

Severance agreements are often offered to employees as part of an employment contract at the start of a new role or when an employee is being terminated. And while severance agreements are not required by law, many employers do offer them to help an employee transition out of a role – especially if they are being let go involuntarily. Severance agreements typically include provisions such as severance pay, continued benefits like health insurance, and outplacement services. Most importantly, severance agreements typically involve a waiver of legal claims in exchange for accepting severance, me ..read more

As a railroad employee, you most likely are aware of what the Federal Employer’s Liability Act (FELA) is. This act provides railroad employees with a legal means to seek damages and compensation in the aftermath of any injuries sustained on the job, due to negligence from their railroad employer. Following an injury on the job, many questions may arise regarding legal claims, such as what kind of damages under FELA will be available to you. Below, we take a closer look at the types of damages that you might expect to recover from a FELA claim. What Damages Can be Recovered? Damages under FELA ..read more

When it comes to private businesses, also known as closely held businesses, it’s common for roles to intermix, with many employees also being shareholders. A distinguishing factor of closely held businesses is that their shares aren’t publicly traded. For executive employees who double as shareholders in these businesses, understanding your rights in both capacities, especially concerning termination, can be complex. Generally, the employee-employer relationship is “at-will,” meaning either side can legally end the relationship for any legitimate reason. However, executive employment often inv ..read more

When it comes to Ohio personal injury claims, there are often a number of questions that pop up for someone who is looking to file one. These can range from whether or not there is a statute of limitations (there is!) all the way to how negligence plays a part in a personal injury claim. For anyone in Ohio, whether you have been injured in a car accident or while at work, understanding some more of the details around a personal injury claim can be helpful as you seek to file one. Below, we take a look at some questions related to personal injury claims, including if you can file a personal inj ..read more

If you are laid off from work, your employer might offer you severance pay. Typically, severance pay is part of a termination package or even included in your initial employment contract. Navigating severance pay can be challenging, especially when considering how it interacts with unemployment benefits. As of July 2023, Ohio boasts a relatively low unemployment rate as of July 2023 at 3.4%. However, concerns about severance pay and unemployment benefits persist, regardless of whether you anticipate a job loss in the near future. Below, we address common questions about severance and unemploym ..read more

Suffering a personal injury can be an especially stressful time for anyone. But when it is a minor child who has suffered a personal injury, there is an extra layer of stress and concern. The severity of the injury and the potential long-lasting impact the injury may have on a minor may leave you with a wide range of questions, including how you are going to cover unexpected medical costs and how you will go about holding the liable party responsible. And while you may be familiar with how a personal injury claim is handled for an adult, there are some key differences to be aware of for minor ..read more