Archive for the ‘Civil Law’ Category

Kennedy vs. Hospital Policy – Nurses Hurt

Monday, December 10th, 2012

Workplace ServicesIt was just a little less than a year ago that Douglas Kennedy, son of Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, tried to take his newborn son off the maternity ward and outside for some fresh air.

This presented a problem as the baby had not been discharged from the hospital. At two-days old he was still a patient in the maternity ward. Like most hospital maternity wards, (more…)

Wisconsin Supreme Court & Workplace Conflict

Wednesday, March 28th, 2012

Prosser vs. BradleyLast year we wrote about the workplace conflict that is experienced among the justices in the Wisconsin Supreme Court.

Resolving the conflict continues to be an issue, as the Supreme Court of Wisconsin, as a workplace, lacks a means to address the issue proactively. Specifically, the court resolution process is based, (more…)

Murdoch Family Business – In Need of Mediation?

Tuesday, September 6th, 2011

It would be hard not to have heard of the eavesdropping and wiretapping scandal enveloping the Murdoch family. The Murdoch family recently closed down their banner news publication News of the World in the UK as a result of the wiretapping scandal.

A parallel issue is occurring in the Murdoch family, one many family businesses have to deal with regardless of the size: that of succession. (more…)

Mediation In Personal Injury & Medical Malpractice

Thursday, June 30th, 2011

Personal InjuryIt is not uncommon for us to get calls or inquires from those who have been injured or suffered as a result of medical malpractice. They are looking for a means to resolve the issue without going the traditional route of getting an attorney. Their reasons for calling a mediator vary, but all appear to be looking for resolution to an ongoing issue where they have been wronged, hurt, or otherwise injured. (more…)

Bishop Eddie Long & Accusers Reach Resolution

Monday, June 6th, 2011

Georgia megachurch leader Bishop Eddie Long and the four young men that filed suit against him for sexual misconduct have successfully reached a settlement through mediation.

The parties agreed to mediate in December of 2010. The initial mediation session was held in February and full resolution was reached within a few months. (more…)

ADA Compliance – Therapeutic Kangaroo Irwin

Wednesday, May 4th, 2011

Irwin and ChristieIt seems that the Broken Arrow City Council has figured out a way to meet the needs of its resident while not changing the laws related to exotic pets.

The Broken Arrow City Council unanimously voted Tuesday night to create an exotic animal ordinance exemption that would allow Christie Carr to keep Irwin the red kangaroo within city limits under certain conditions.

Carr is unable to work because of her health and has found comfort in the companionship of Irwin, whom she met while volunteering at a local animal sanctuary on the advice of her therapist.

(more…)

Workplace Behavior – Accessing Electronic Records

Tuesday, April 26th, 2011

Workplace BehaviorThe Chicago Sun-Times reports that Chicago police officers have accessed and printed electronic records inappropriately. Up to 1000 officers may face official discipline for the transgression.

The specific record accessed details an allegation of sexual assault against two on-duty Chicago police officers by a local woman.  The records were accessed within three weeks of the incident.  It is not clear as to the officers motivation for looking at the report. (more…)

Postnuptial Agreements – Addressing Changes In Circumstances

Sunday, April 3rd, 2011

Postnuptial AgreementsMost adults have heard of a prenuptial agreement. Regardless of a person’s personal interest in a signing a prenuptial agreement, most recognize that the idea of clarifying issues before a couple weds makes sense. We tend to see a marriage as a clear marker of separate versus joint – and in most circumstances this is a positive change in perception as it helps cement relationships and lessen the chance of divorce. (more…)

Argument For Mediation: Active Conflict Resolution

Friday, April 1st, 2011

Leaving To ChanceEveryone, at some point, ends up in a conflict with someone else. And, despite what it may seem like at the time, no one likes being personally involved in a heated dispute with another person or entity: if the outcome did not matter the conflict could not really exist as it would no longer be “fed” by the disputants.

Conflicts come in all shapes and sizes – from those that cannot really be addressed to those that must be addressed. Although it may not seem that there is always an option, choosing how to respond to the dispute can have a significant affect on the outcome. (more…)

ADA Mediation Chicago Condo Owner Vs. Condo

Saturday, March 26th, 2011

Mediating ADAAn interesting lawsuit in Chicago serves as an example of the negative side of litigation: cost, time, emotional toll, and lack of control. It seems more likely that all sides would win through mediation.

According to the Chicago Tribune, Chicago condominium owner, Mary Jo Stevens, who has a long history of debilitating panic attacks, has found great relief through the use and constant companionship of a 10-pound therapeutic dog named Boo. She reports that in the 14 months she has owned Boo her panic attacks have decreased from multiple times a week to about once a week. (more…)