HB 1730: What Virginia Employers Need to Know About Vicarious Liability

WEST POINT, Miss. – A 21-year-old Aberdeen man was killed Tuesday morning in a workplace accident at an industrial facility in West Point. Authorities identified the victim as Tyquavious McMillian. According to West Point police, the incident occurred at Plum Creek Environmental while McMillian was assisting with the operation of a forklift or front loader. During the task, the vehicle reportedly ran over him. Emergency responders pronounced McMillian dead at the scene. No further information is currently available. The site needs to be investigated for safety procedures in place When a fatal work accident happens, families are often left heartbroken and asking, “How could this happen?” Many feel they don’t have a clear picture of what went wrong. While waiting for answers, it is often revealed that safety failures play a major role in fatal incidents. A common factor in forklift accidents is the lack of proper training for workers on operating a…

CLAY, N.Y. – A Syracuse man was killed last Thursday in an industrial accident involving heavy construction equipment at a worksite in the Town of Clay. The Sheriff’s Office has identified the victim as 41-year-old Rendolph Larose. According to reports, Larose was struck and run over by a double-drum ride-on roller used for asphalt paving. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The construction crew had been working on paving operations at the site for more than a week before the incident. No further information is currently available. Fatal workplace accidents must be thoroughly investigated to provide surviving families with answers This is so tragic. No one expects their loved one to leave for work and not return because they suffered a fatal injury at work. In similar cases we have seen throughout the years, we know when incidents like this happen, the surviving family is left with many lingering questions, and rightfully so. How does a double-drum ride-on roller…

When facing the overwhelming prospect of divorce or family law issues, understanding how the legal system protects parental rights becomes crucial for Dallas-area families. A recent Texas appellate court decision in the case of Interest of S.H.V.V. provides valuable insights into how courts approach parental rights reinstatement and the procedural requirements that govern family law cases. As a Dallas divorce attorney with over 25 years of experience, I’ve witnessed firsthand how complex family law matters can become, especially when children’s welfare and parental rights intersect. This recent ruling offers important lessons for parents navigating divorce, custody disputes, and other family law challenges in Dallas, Irving, Garland, Richardson, and surrounding communities. What This Case Teaches Us About Parental Rights in Texas This Texas Court of Appeals case from June 2025 addresses the relatively new parental reinstatement provision in the Texas Family Code,…

Employers sometimes find it necessary to make the difficult decision to undergo a reduction-in-force (RIF), resulting in employee layoffs and/or terminations. Before moving forward with an RIF, employers should develop an implementation gameplan to help minimize legal risk and ensure the process goes as planned. Selection decisions should not run afoul of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and other laws relating to employee terminations. Some initial considerations include the following: Selection Criteria. Are there established criteria to assist in determining who will be laid off or terminated, e.g., performance reviews, job duties, position elimination, years of services/seniority? In other words, what are the non-discriminatory business reasons for the selection decisions? Is there contemporaneous documentation supporting the proposed selection decisions? In a unionized workforce, does the applicable collective bargaining agreement govern the criteria and process for…

Virginia employers face increasing scrutiny over how they pay their workers. The Virginia Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI), along with the federal Department of Labor (DOL), continues to crack down on wage theft and the misclassification of employees as independent contractors. For employers across the Commonwealth, these enforcement efforts carry real financial consequences—ranging from hefty fines to multimillion-dollar settlements. Understanding the scope of Virginia’s wage laws, what constitutes a violation, and how to stay compliant is critical. With enhanced legal tools available to workers and aggressive government oversight, businesses that fail to take wage compliance seriously could face serious liability. What Are Wage Theft and Employee Misclassification? Wage theft occurs when an employer fails to pay a worker what they are legally owed. Common examples include (1) not paying an employee overtime for hours worked beyond 40 in a workweek,…

When patients seek emergency medical care, they expect hospitals to focus on safety and recovery. That sense of trust matters even more for older adults, who may face higher risks of complications during surgery. Recent research raises concerns about how hospital ownership structures, particularly private equity investment, can affect the quality of care. In some cases, the outcomes have been fatal. What the Data Says A new study examined 298,000 surgeries performed on Medicare patients at 701 hospitals nationwide from 2011 to 2020. Researchers were surprised to find that patients who had emergency surgeries at hospitals owned by private-equity investment firms were 42 percent more likely to die within 30 days compared to those treated at hospitals not owned by private equity. Researchers evaluated four common emergency procedures: appendectomies, gallbladder removals, partial colon removals and hernia repairs. The 30-day death rate was 6.4 percent in hospitals not…

Here is my recent Daily Record column. My past Daily Record articles can be accessed here. ****   Are you committing malpractice if you don't use AI? It's safe to say that litigators who fail to understand how social media platforms work in 2025 are committing malpractice.  Had I stated this in 2010, when the book that I wrote about social media for lawyers was published, most lawyers would have disagreed. After all, social media was still an emerging technology, and unworthy of attention. The majority of lawyers thought it was irrelevant to the practice of law and posed more risks than benefits. It only took a few years for perspectives to change. Social media became pervasive, and online interactions became pivotal pieces of evidence in litigation. When this happened, lawyers began to change their tune.  2014  was the first year I was asked to present on mining social media for evidence.  Over the next five years, I…

A lawsuit originally filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana by photographer David E. Kelly has been transferred to the federal court in Arizona as of June 17, 2025. Kelly, who resides in Carmel, Indiana, brought the case against a wide range of individuals and entities, including private citizens, public officials, and corporations such as eBay and the United States Army Procurement Division. The suit alleges unauthorized reproduction, sale, and distribution of a copyrighted photograph he captured during the 2001 World Series. According to the complaint, Kelly registered the copyright for the photo in 2002 and operated a business called Big League Photos LLC. He claims that one of the main defendants, Raymond Cedric Young, illegally reproduced and sold counterfeit versions of the photo, while fraudulently claiming to own the business. Kelly says he issued over 70 cease-and-desist notices and reached a handful of out-of-court settlements, but was…

In this blog post, we will review a couple of topics to understand what happens during a PPC (pay-per-click) campaign. While some individuals are well-versed in the paid marketing universe, some rely on professionals to guide them through the process (like, literally, all our clients). Our goal is to give those individuals some insight on why PPC, while effective, is not always an instant gratification method of getting leads, website traffic, and overall attention. What Is Your Practice Area? (Because It Matters) Specifically speaking about the legal industry, there are so many different practice areas. Some are more highly searched for, like personal injury, and then some are searched for often, but maybe not as much, like estate planning. Depending on the practice area, the competition in the preferred area of targeting can vary. Big cities tend to garner a much higher search rate, which then causes the cost-per-click to increase. Companies (ahem, law firms) are competing on…

Common Types of Job TransitionsAll executives and professionals need to prepare in advance for an eventual job transition. A transition could occur in numerous ways, including the following:By a change of control, including a merger or acquisition.When a Board or leadership asks the executive to separate because they want to go in a different direction.When an executive is let go for cause.By a lay-off.When an executive seeks to resign or have a structured transition out, andAs a result of the executive’s disability or death.The Focus on Initial CompensationExecutives and professionals who are receiving an offer of employment typically pay close attention to the initial compensation package. The compensation package may include a base salary, short-term and long-term incentives, equity, and other benefits. The executive or professional may seek to negotiate this initial compensation.The Overlooked Exit StrategyMany executives and professionals, however, when reviewing an…

A tragic two-vehicle collision in Fresno County claimed one life on Saturday afternoon, highlighting the ongoing dangers on California roadways. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported that the fatal accident occurred near the intersection of Newmark and Jefferson Avenues around 2 p.m., an area that sees regular traffic throughout the weekend. Details of the Fresno County Fatal Accident According to preliminary reports from the California Highway Patrol, the collision involved two vehicles in the Newmark and Jefferson Avenues area. At least one person was pronounced dead at the scene, though investigators have not yet released information about additional injuries or the total number of people involved in the crash. The cause of the accident remains under investigation, and CHP officers have not disclosed details about what may have led to the collision. This type of thorough investigation is standard procedure for fatal accidents, as authorities work to determine factors…

Going through a divorce is one of life’s most emotionally and financially challenging experiences. When spousal support is involved, the complexity increases significantly, especially when circumstances change after the divorce is finalized. A recent Texas appellate court decision, Begala v. Begala (2025), provides crucial insights into spousal maintenance termination that every Dallas area resident should understand. At the Law Office of Michael P. Granata, our experienced Dallas divorce attorney team has been helping clients navigate complex family law matters for over 25 years. Whether you’re dealing with initial divorce proceedings, post-divorce modifications, or spousal support issues, understanding how Texas courts interpret cohabitation laws can significantly impact your financial future. Case Overview: When Spousal Support Ends Due to Cohabitation The Begala v. Begala case centers on a fundamental question in Texas family law: when does cohabitation with a…

Divorce is never easy, but when emotions run high and trust runs low, things can spiral fast. High-conflict divorces bring out the worst in communication, decision-making, and cooperation. Whether it’s about kids, money, or property, disagreements can feel endless and draining. People often find themselves overwhelmed, unsure where to begin or who to turn to for steady guidance. The back-and-forth can take a heavy toll. It’s not just about heated arguments. It’s about the constant pressure. Your life is changing, your future feels uncertain, and every decision suddenly feels too big to handle alone. That’s where having someone on your side who’s focused on protecting you, not picking sides, can bring a sense of control back to the table. How A Family Court Lawyer Can Help You Navigate Legal Complexities The legal side of a high-conflict divorce isn’t just a stack of paperwork. It includes ongoing issues that can quickly become…

Getting accused of domestic violence can flip your life upside down. Whether the accusation is true or not, the sudden emotional weight, fear of legal trouble, and confusion about what happens next can feel overwhelming. In many cases, relationships, jobs, and reputations take major hits before a defense is even made. That’s why fast and smart action is key. The steps you take right after the accusation could impact everything that follows. If you’re in Mansfield, Texas, and someone accuses you of domestic violence, it’s important to know what to do right away. This isn’t the moment to guess or take chances. Laws around domestic violence are strict, and one wrong step could hurt your case. Having experienced domestic violence lawyers ready to help can make a big difference. But even before reaching that point, there are things you should keep in mind to protect yourself and the people around you. Stay Calm and Avoid Confrontation When tensions…

Planning for the future isn’t just about savings accounts or retirement funds. It’s also about making sure the people you trust can step in and help if something happens. That’s where a durable power of attorney comes into play. It’s a legal document that gives someone else permission to make decisions for you if you can’t, which can happen due to illness, injury, or age. For families in Mansfield, having this kind of plan in place can take a lot of pressure off relatives during stressful times. Instead of scrambling to make sense of paperwork or going through court steps, your chosen person can step in smoothly and handle what needs handling. It’s a practical piece of estate planning that gives clarity, avoids delay, and offers peace of mind to loved ones. What Is A Durable Power Of Attorney? A durable power of attorney (DPOA) is a legal form that allows another person—usually a trusted family member or friend—to make…

Understanding and dealing with parental alienation can be quite challenging for families. This situation happens when one parent manipulates a child to distance them from the other parent. In custody battles, it’s a significant concern because it affects the child’s emotional well-being and their relationship with both parents. It can turn what should be a supportive parental bond into a tense and fractured connection. Recognizing and addressing these behaviors effectively is essential for the child’s overall happiness and for maintaining a balanced relationship with both parents. In Texas, the stakes are particularly high because proving parental alienation could influence custody decisions. Therefore, it’s important to have a clear understanding of the issue and the steps needed to address it legally. Knowing how to recognize signs of alienation and gather evidence can make a huge difference in court proceedings. This can safeguard the child’s…

Nursing homes serve as a crucial resource, providing care and assistance for our elderly loved ones. These facilities are vital for many families who rely on them to ensure the health and safety of their relatives. Yet, an ongoing concern has rippled through many nursing homes across the country, raising alarms about the quality of care being provided. Staffing shortages have increasingly become a problem, affecting the overall service these institutions can offer. The gap between the number of available staff and the needs of residents is growing wider, leading to potentially serious consequences. As these staffing issues persist, the role of a nursing home negligence attorney becomes increasingly important. They are the advocates who can help families navigate the complexities of ensuring proper care is given to their loved ones. Understanding the impact of staff shortages allows families to spot the warning signs of neglect and take the necessary steps to protect those…

A first-hand look at UFC 318 in New Orleans — and the real legal issues behind the scenes UFC 318 made its long-awaited return to New Orleans last night, marking the first time in a decade that the city hosted a major UFC event. I had the privilege of being […] The post What Happens in the Octagon Stays in the Law Books: UFC 318 and Legal Takeaways from New Orleans appeared first on Bloom Legal Network.