WNC Alliance’s & French Broad Riverkeeper’s 2014 French Broad Paddle-A-Thon

The Western NC Alliance and French Broad Riverkeeper will be hosting two separate trips down different sections of the French Broad River this year to raise awareness of the issues and considerations affecting our rivers and ecosystems, as well as funds for education and conservation.  The first trip is coming...

LLCs versus S Corporations

Overview Business entities are used and important for a number of reasons, primarily for tax opportunities or benefits and limiting personal liability. Currently, the two most popular business entities for small, privately owned businesses are Limited Liability Companies (LLC) and S Corporations, wherein a closely held corporation makes a valid...

Understanding Damages (or Is it worth filing a lawsuit?)

Overview Civil & Commercial Litigation, & ADR – Understanding Damages (or Is it worth filing a lawsuit?) Damages are monetary re-compensation sought, and potentially recovered, through a civil or commercial claim and resulting litigation for injuries or wrongs incurred, which have a financial value or set statutory means of recovery....

The Use of Access Licenses to Protect Landowners, and Their Insurance Policie

Overview Real Estate and Property Law (Premises Liability) – The Use of Access Licenses to Protect Landowners, and Their Insurance Policies With the tail end of winter upon us, one question I’ve been getting regularly, including the recent North Carolina State Bar Call4All Justice Program, is: are landowners who allow...

California’s Stringent Strict Product Liability Laws And Theories Of Recovery May Affect An NC Designer, Manufacturer, Or Distributor

Overview Product Liability Law – California’s Stringent Strict Product Liability Laws And Theories Of Recovery May Affect An North Carolina Designer, Manufacturer, Or Distributor So your business manufacturers a product, good, or gear in North Carolina, maybe its bike components, furniture, or something else you plan to sell nationwide. Or,...

The Growing Independent Contractor Employee Trend

Overview There is a growing trend of employers hiring employees as independent contractors for tax and benefit savings to the business. However, proper classification of workers as employees or independent contractors is essential because of potential federal and state tax, benefits, and overtime liabilities. First, an employer needs to evaluate...

Negligence Liability Defense

It is vital for any outdoor recreation company or outfitter, and gear manufacturer and/or seller, to be aware of simple steps it should take to decrease liability and, more importantly, potential injuries to customers and clients. In addition to recommended assumption of risk and liability waivers, the first steps should...