FMG’s BlogLine features an array of articles written by our attorneys who cover recent legal trends and developments both locally and nationally. Explore our blogs on a multitude of legal and industry topics.
Supreme Court Decides Fate of Healthcare Act
4/1/12
By Ben Mathis With oral argument concluded, the United States Supreme Court will now decide the constitutionality of the new Federal Healthcare Act. I have had the privilege of serving on Attorney General Sam Olens’ team of pro bono lawyers representing the State of Georgia, which along with 25 other States, is challenging the constitutionality…
Practitioner Data Bank – Summary of Basics
4/1/12
By Mike Flint Almost without exception, at some point during the first fifteen minutes of the initial meeting with a doctor who has been sued for malpractice, we get a question about the dreaded National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB). Our experience has taught us that this common fear among physicians derives more from what they don’t…
Different Severance Pay May Be Unlawful Discrimination
4/1/12
By Mary Anne Ackourey and Anthony Del Rio Individuals offered less favorable severance packages than others in similar positions can sue for discrimination under Title VII, according to Karla Gerner v. County of Chesterfield, Va., a new decision by the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.
Hospital Lien and Apportionment Issues Decided by Georgia Courts
3/26/12
By Matt Stone The Georgia appellate courts handed down two important decisions last week. On March 20, 2012, the Court of Appeals issued an opinion holding that an insurer can create a “safe harbor” where a plaintiff who sends a time-limited settlement demand trying to set-up a bad faith claim unreasonably refuses to assure satisfaction of…
Court Invalidates Portions of NLRB Notice Posting Rule
3/19/12
By Ben Mathis and La’Vonda McLean After several postponements, the National Labor Relations Board (“NLRB”) was moving forward with its posting requirements (“Notification of Employee Rights Under the National Labor Relations Act”), regarding employee union rights with a compliance date of April 30, 2012.
3/15/12
By Robert Baker Commission Approves 3.2% Increase in Georgia Power Base Rates At its March 20, 2012, Administrative Session the Georgia Public Service Commission approved Georgia Power Company’s base rate increase for all customers. The average tariff increase is 3.2% and will be included in the April billing. The base rate increase was due to the…
Six Steps to Stop FLSA Cases that are Plaguing Employers
2/1/12
By Ben Mathis The dramatic growth of cases alleging employees did not receive all payments due under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) continues to show no signs of slowing. The number of FLSA cases has more than tripled in the last 5 years. In Georgia, the increase is even more dramatic with over a…
Opportunities and Risks for Contractors in a Rebounding Economy
2/1/12
By Kamy Molavi Despite periodic reports of Europe’s progress in dealing with the Greek sovereign debt debacle, neither Greece nor other (and larger) European economies are out of the woods, and the continent may be on the verge of another recession. And there is alarming, but potentially contradictory, news regarding a slow-down in the Chinese economy…
Is $25 Billion Enough to Cure the Mortgage Crisis?
2/1/12
By Stephanie Stewart On January 23, 2012, state attorneys general from across the country received the draft of a proposed $25 billion settlement agreement with the nation’s largest banks that would substantially restructure foreclosure and mortgage services practices. The five biggestU.S.mortgage lenders – Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and Ally Financial –…