[vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_column_text] Apples are wonderful, but it only takes one bad apple to spoil the bunch. The same can be said of employees. Most are wonderful, well-intentioned contributors to a culture of success. However, one employee acting irresponsibly can cause a great deal of harm to any organization. For example, take the recent case of Pennsylvania State University and their former assistant football coach, Jerry Sandusky. For the few people in the country unfamiliar with this tragedy, Jerry Sandusky was convicted in June of sexually abusing several boys. Most were abused inside of campus buildings, which is not only horribly tragic, but put the university itself under legal fire. According to Chad Hemenway of Property Casualty 360, Penn State finds itself now sorting through multiple settlements for Sandusky’s victims.
02 October, 2012
[vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_column_text] I tightened my helmet, secured my kneepads, and snapped my buckles into place. I was nine and it was rollerblade time. I always had a great time cruising the mean sidewalks of suburbia in my neon rollerblades, but this day was exceptionally great. I even landed a jump. Then it happened. A furry little monster blindsided me from behind, and I went down. Long story short, my rollerblades were viciously and brutally attacked by the neighbor’s three-pound Pomeranian, Mr. Fluffy.
28 September, 2012
As a landlord, I was stunned to hear the news last week of an opinion issued by the Kentucky Supreme Court, which stated that landlords could be held liable if their tenants’ dog bites someone. Now, instead of simply weighing the usual wear-and-tear costs associated with allowing dogs in rental units, landlords will need to determine whether renting to dog owners could put their very livelihood at stake. Jeffrey Greenberger, attorney for the Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky Apartment Association, responded to the opinion by calling it “scary.” He added he “knows of no other case where the landlord is treated as though he owns the tenant's pet.”
31 July, 2012
[vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_column_text] My grandfather was an Air Force helicopter pilot in the Vietnam War, flying the Sikorsky MH-53 Pave Low—more commonly known as the “Super Jolly Green Giant.”  He would pick up wounded soldiers and transport them to medical bases, which routinely put him in dangerous situations. My brothers and I used to sit around his chair and listen to him tell stories about flying, and loved hearing him talk about the logistics of flying helicopters.
25 July, 2012
[vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_column_text] If you think about it, animals share a common trait with cars, boats, and houses—when tragedy strikes a lack of liability insurance in these areas can be life-altering. And not in the "I won $27.3 million in the lottery" way.  Rather, the "I need lawsuit protection so I don't lose everything I own" type of way.
18 July, 2012
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  Even a small dog bite can be an ouch!  Dog bites account for approximately 360,000 emergency room visits per year. Victims more often than not file lawsuits seeking for payment of medical bills, loss of income, and compensation for pain and suffering. Dog bites are the biggest cause of homeowner’s insurance claims and some are limiting or eliminating the coverage altogether.  If you are the loving owner of a dog that is not covered by your homeowner’s insurance, you might want to invest in a policy that will protect you and your beloved pet from liability situations. Even a nip could leave you vulnerable to a lawsuit. XINSURANCE will provide coverage no matter what the dog breed.  In many cases there are state, local and county ordinances that require pet owners, homeowners, renters, and even landlords to have animal liability insurance coverage in place. Owning a pet can be an extremely rewarding experience but it also brings a certain amount of responsibility and risk no matter the breed or the temperament of your dog. Becoming informed on your homeowner’s policy and what additional coverage you may need is a good way to ensure peace of mind and stay out of the doghouse for good.
11 July, 2012
Directors of HOA organizations have the unenviable task of completing large “to do” lists while assuming the risk of offending neighbors if they don’t like your decisions.  While maintaining the common areas in their neighborhood, directors must:
  • Act in good faith and candor
  • Act in the interests of another and avoid transactions that result in personal gain
  • Not exert undo pressure or act without the knowledge and consent of those he represents
20 June, 2012
Running a business is a matter of managing the ups and downs.  Hopefully more ups than downs.  Whether part of the board or one of the top executives in a corporation, you realize you’ve got to handle the pitch and roll in order to keep the business afloat.  Particularly in these difficult economic times. During financially difficult times people are more prone to seek out and take legal action against any perceived corporate misstep.  Top-level decisions can be challenged by investors, regulators, and even criminal prosecutors.   And, so it is more important than ever that directors understand their obligations and potential liabilities.
13 June, 2012