Bugbee & Conkle, LLP Legal Blog

The United States is currently experiencing a labor shortage unlike ever seen before.  Simultaneously, the “Great Resignation” continues.  According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 4 million Americans quit their jobs in July 2021 while a record-breaking 10.9 million jobs remained open.  These current phenomena lead to employers creating creative strategies to retain workers.  However, those creative strategies must…

Bugbee & Conkle, LLP has a full time opening for an associate attorney. The ideal candidate will have 3+ years’ experience and must be licensed to practice in Ohio.  The position will involve representation of employers in employment matters in both court and...

On August 24, 2021, House Bill 401 was introduced which creates a cause of action for injuries and occupational diseases arising from COVID-19 vaccines mandated by employers.  The bill amends R.C. 4113, which contains miscellaneous labor law provisions, to define employers and employees, and specifically permit employees to sue employers in common pleas court for damages caused by COVID-19 vaccines. …

Two cases are likely to land in the lap of the Ohio Supreme Court, which will be tasked with clarifying its holding in Ward v. Kroger, 106 Ohio St.3d 35, 2005-Ohio-3560 and the application of R.C. 4123.52, which imparts continuing jurisdiction on the Industrial Commission of Ohio.  In Ward, the issue before the court was whether a claimant could litigate…

On July 6, 2021, the Industrial Commission of Ohio resumed in-person hearings.  Or did it?  The Commission’s website contains a link to information about in-person workers’ compensation hearings, but this posting neither constitutes a policy regarding in-person hearings nor does it provide clear guidance to practitioners. Although many parties and representatives have returned to the hearing room, there is little…

Congratulations to all the elite golfers competing in this special competition and welcome to all the fans, sponsors, and contributors visiting Toledo this week!

Last Updated: 4.24.2020 @ 11:15 am DISCLAIMER: The following information is a guide, not intended to be used as legal advice, and no attorney client relationship is established by any communication through this website.  Because every situation and every workplace is different we ask that you contact us with specific questions.     ADA Q: May an ADA-covered employer send…

On June 14, 2021, the Industrial Commission announced it will resume conducting in-person workers’ compensation hearings on July 6, 2021.  However, parties and their representatives have the option to appear and participate by Webex.  It is unclear from the Commission’s website whether in-person attendance at hearings will become mandatory and how the Commission will address hearings requiring interpreters.  Once the…

By: Mark Barnes [email protected] In the last 30 days, the CDC changed its mask guidance and pronounced that fully vaccinated individuals no longer need to wear masks.  On June 2, 2021, the Ohio Department of Health’s COVID-19 order will expire, which means individuals and business will no longer be required to have social distancing and mask protocols.  Numerous businesses already…