On February 3, 2021, the West Virginia Offices of the Insurance Commissioner issued a bulletin regarding the terminology commonly used to refer to medical evaluations in workers’ compensation claims. Essentially, the commissioner is discouraging the use of the phrase “independent medical evaluation” for medical evaluations in West Virginia workers’ compensation claims. Instead, he seeks for employers, insurance carriers, and other claim administrators to use alternate language. Looking to existing language in WV workers’ compensation law is a great starting point for understanding the reason behind this bulletin.

As a hospitality business owner (or prospective owner), you must carefully weigh the advantages and disadvantages of entering into a franchise agreement with an established company versus building your own brand. If you choose the franchise path, it is critical to understand the common elements of a franchise agreement and to review and discuss the specific details of any legal arrangement you consider with an experienced franchise lawyer.

Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more!

For the last several years in a row, there has been an effort to enact legislation creating an intermediate appellate court in West Virginia. Currently, West Virginia is one of only a handful of states in which cases go directly from the trial court or court of original jurisdiction to the state’s highest appellate court. Despite the many proposals that have been made, the West Virginia Legislature has thus far failed to enact any law creating a WV intermediate court of appeals.

Individuals with a high net worth have complex estate planning and tax needs. Without strategic planning, estate taxes could significantly reduce the value of your legacy. An experienced estate planning attorney who provides high net worth tax planning and high asset estate planning could help protect your assets from excessive estate taxes. With knowledgeable guidance on the potential tax liability and options to achieve tax savings, you can make the best decision for you and your family. 

Nonprofits are subject to limits on charitable spending, and understanding those limits is vital for charitable organizations. Misappropriating nonprofit funds—even if an innocent mistake—can expose a charitable organization to the risk of litigation by donors and investigation by the state’s attorney general. With guidance from an experienced attorney for charitable giving, charitable organizations can determine how to allocate gifts in the ways that best suit their philanthropic purpose and meet donor expectations.