June 13, 2017

WHY YOUR START-UP COMPANY NEEDS A LAWYER


            If you are starting a new company in Maryland, particularly a small business, you may wonder, "why do I need a lawyer?"  With the abundance of information readily available on the Internet, couldn’t you save money on lawyer fees by not retaining a business lawyer from the outset and just hope legal issues either don’t arise or are simple enough for you to navigate on your own?  After all, you can find a lot of legal information readily available in Maryland, for example, on the State Department of Assessments and Taxation (http://dat.maryland.gov) and Department of Commerce (http://commerce.maryland.gov/start/resources) websites, such as the types of legal entities recognized, the forms to set up the type of entity you select, and some basic business information.

            However, retaining a knowledgeable Maryland business lawyer from the start has many advantages, including: advice on planning and starting your business, evaluating the right type of business entity for your needs, selecting a location, complying with zoning laws, tax planning and business deductions, employee issues, copyright/trademark, complying with regulations and business filing requirements, safeguarding your work product, understanding covenants not to compete, licensing and permit requirements, technology, financing, loans, and many other issues just to get our business off the ground and started on solid footing. Often starting a business is much more complicated and involved than most people realize.

            Consequently, advanced planning with the business knowledge of a reputable Maryland business attorney can save you headaches, money, and avoid potential costly legal battles that may have been avoided. An  attorney who understands your business model, goals, customers, competition, and cash flow can offer a wealth of wealth of strategic advice and help you steer clear of  rouble areas or effectively resolve them.

            So, while you can try to “wing it,” trying to piece together information from the Internet (perhaps not knowing whether certain cites are up to date or credible), it is advisable to have a trained lawyer skilled in understanding, explaining, and keeping up to date on statutes, regulations, and case law governing start-ups in Maryland.

            Katherine Taylor is an experienced Maryland business attorney and a former CPA who understands the ins and outs of starting a business. Go to www.taylorlegal.com to see more about TaylorLegal.






June 6, 2017

EMPLOYERS BEWARE! YOU MAY BE LIABLE FOR AGENTS' AND EMPLOYEES' ACTS


                In Maryland an employer can be liable for the negligence of an "agent, servant, or employee." The legal term for this is "respondeat superior." In Latin this literally means "let the master answer." First, while we often hear the word "negligence," what does it mean in this context? In general, negligence is a breach of a duty owed that "proximately" (or directly) causes the alleged harm. This is a threefold test and all three elements above are required to establish negligence. Therefore, questions arise in evaluating an employer's responsibility for an employee's  negligence include: Is the person someone to whom a duty was owed? What is the applicable "standard of care" (this varies depending on the context)? Was there any intervening act or omission that caused or contributed (called "contributory negligence") to the alleged negligence? If so, does this break the "chain of causation?" Applying this to the employer context, an employer can be held "vicariously liable" for negligent acts of an agent, servant or employee.

                Who is an "agent, servant or employee?" The definition of an employee was discussed at length in a previous blog written by Maryland business attorney Katherine Taylor (Employee or Contractor?). An agent is someone doing something on behalf of an employer, who Figuratively stands in the shoes of an employer and acts on his or her behalf. The arcane term Servant" comes from early Maryland common law and does not mean "servant" in the way we think of it today. Instead, it is basically another term for employee.

                Under what theory does someone sue an employer for negligence of an employee? The Theory is that an employer is responsible for the acts of an employee. Are there any prerequisites? An employee must be "acting within the scope of employment" before employer liability can attach. How does this work in the real world? Say an employee is driving a delivery truck for an employer and causes an accident. The first question to ask is whether the employee was acting on behalf of the employer. For example, when and where did the accident happen? Was the employee using the truck during regular work hours? Was the employee on a "mission" for the employer or was the employee doing personal business unrelated to the employer? Did the employee have a valid license? Did the employee have training or ability to drive the type of truck? Did the employee have a good driving record? If not, did the employer know this or should the employer have know about this?  Was the employer aware of any issue that should have prevented this employee from driving this truck for this mission?

                As you can see, there are many issues that can arise in the employer/employee context. What can an employer do to reduce the chances of being held liable for an employee's negligence?

The following tips can help:

                1. Carefully screen and interview potential employees to make sure they are a good fit for you and your business.

                2. Do a background check, including driving record and criminal history.

                3. Check references.

                4.  Communicate clearly what is expected and what is prohibited during employment hours.

                If an issue arises, you should think about contacting a Maryland business attorney who can help you wade through the many layered issues in an employer liability case.  A business lawyer experienced in this area can help you evaluate the facts, understand the law, advise you, and assert any available defenses on your behalf.

Katherine Taylor is a Maryland business attorney who has extensive experience dealing with employer/employee issues. Go to www.taylorlegal.com for more information.