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Posts by Mette Law Firm
Compensation for Slip and Fall Cases
Slipping and falling due to a property owner’s negligence can be extremely painful. Obtaining the compensation you deserve is crucial to your recovery. Too many people chalk up their accidents to clumsiness when, often, this is not the case. You’re entitled to safe passage when you’re out and about in...
Read moreExpert Witnesses in Medical Malpractice Claims
If you’ve been injured by a medical professional or a facility’s failure to uphold the standards set by the medical profession, the physical, financial, and emotional losses you experience can be immense. Medical malpractice claims can be complex, but an experienced personal injury attorney in York, PA, can help you...
Read moreSteps to Take Immediately after a Car Accident
Car accidents are hazardous, and if you’ve been injured due to another driver’s negligence, your claim will be unique to the specific circumstances involved. The steps you take following the accident, however, can significantly impact how your claim is resolved, and one of the most crucial steps is consulting with...
Read moreHow Much Is My Injury Case Worth in Lebanon, PA?
Suppose someone else’s negligence caused you to be injured. In that case, you can seek compensation for the covered losses you experience through a personal injury claim, which is designed to address the physical, financial, and emotional damages you suffered. While obtaining just compensation that reflects the total worth of...
Read moreHow Is Vehicular Homicide Different from Homicide?
The charge of homicide in Pennsylvania applies to the unlawful killing of another, and it breaks down into murder charges that are classified by degree. Vehicular homicide, on the other hand, is a distinct charge, and understanding the differences between these charges can afford you a clearer view of your...
Read moreHow Long Can Workers' Compensation Benefits Last?
If you are injured on the job in Pennsylvania, you are almost certainly covered by workers’ compensation, which will afford you specific benefits. If your underlying injury or illness is serious, however, the matter of how long your benefits will last is of critical concern – consult with our experienced...
Read moreSteps to Take Immediately After a Car Accident
If you’ve been injured by another driver’s negligence, you can suffer serious losses, and while your case will be unique to the situation at hand, there are specific steps that every car accident victim is encouraged to take. First and foremost, you should seek the immediate medical attention that you...
Read moreUnderinsured or Uninsured Accident Claims in PA
Every driver in Pennsylvania is required to carry specific car insurance coverage minimums, and drivers who fail to do so make our roadways that much riskier for everyone on them. If you were injured by the negligence of an uninsured or underinsured motorist, it puts you in a difficult position,...
Read moreHow Much Is My Case Worth?
If you’ve been injured by someone else’s negligence, you can file a claim – generally with the at-fault party’s insurance provider – for compensation that addresses your covered losses. Every claim, however, is specific to the unique circumstances involved, which means that your claim’s worth will be based on how...
Read moreWhat to Do After an Auto Accident Involving a Pedestrian
Lacking the protection of an enclosed vehicle, pedestrian fatalities in auto accidents are steadily climbing with each passing year. In 2022, pedestrian traffic deaths reached an all-time high of 7,522. Even if you do everything possible to keep yourself safe, this is no match against a careless motorist. If you...
Read moreMost Common Causes of Back and Neck Injuries from Truck Accidents
In 2023, commercial trucking accidents were responsible for over 86,800 injuries and 4,800 fatalities. With an increasing demand for imported goods, our nation’s roads are home to more commercial trucks now than ever. Given the sheer size of a commercial truck, back and neck injuries happen frequently, often necessitating ongoing...
Read moreWhat Should You Do in a Fender Bender if You Don’t Call the Police?
The Pennsylvania Vehicle Code requires that you contact law enforcement following a car accident if there are any injuries or fatalities or if property damage exceeds $1,000. Although you can call the police for a fender bender, with the rapid rate of minor crashes, there is no guarantee that an...
Read moreAuto Insurance Coverage Requirements
If you have fallen victim to a car accident, you probably wonder how much money you can receive from insurance. With every state varying slightly on requiring coverage limits, it is enough to make your head spin. Our Harrisburg personal injury attorneys understand auto insurance coverage in the Keystone State...
Read moreWhat are Your Rights as a Passenger Injured in a Car Accident?
We often hear drivers collecting compensation for their injuries following a crash, but not about passengers’ rights. As a passenger in a car accident, you have the right to be assessed by emergency personnel and to hear back from insurance in a certain time frame after filing a claim. Additionally,...
Read moreHow Do You Determine Fault?
Determining who caused your accident or injuries can be complex, requiring convincing evidence. Suppose you have ever suffered a slip and fall, injuries in an auto accident, or suffered at the hands of a physician. In that case, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your expenses. Our Harrisburg...
Read moreDos and Don’ts After a Hit-and-Run Accident
A hit-and-run accident occurs anytime a driver hits another vehicle, pedestrian, or stationary object and flees the scene without helping or exchanging information with others. In Pennsylvania, a driver can be criminally charged for a hit-and-run accident. If found guilty, the driver may face fines and jail time. At Mette...
Read moreWhen should you report your accident to your insurance company?
If you have ever been in a crash, you may have submitted a claim to your insurance company. Since insurance companies collected over $173 million worth of liability premiums in 2023, most individuals who suffer injuries or vehicle damage expect their insurer to cover their losses. You must understand the terms...
Read moreCharges Against Real Estate Agents Dismissed
Victory Announcement: Attorneys James Beebe and James Goldsmith Secure Dismissal of Charges Against Licensed Real Estate Agents We are pleased to announce a significant legal victory achieved by Attorneys James Beebe and James Goldsmith of Mette Law. Representing two licensed real estate agents, our team defended against allegations brought by...
Read moreHow Much Will My Insurance Go Up After an Accident?
Car accident victims have much more than medical bills and vehicle repairs to worry about following a collision. If you are in a car accident, besides having to pay for accident-related losses, your insurance premiums may increase. This will depend on your circumstances, including the crash’s severity, driving history, and...
Read moreWhat’s an Example of Negligence in a Car Accident?
Whether caused by distraction, fatigue, or a drunk driver, car accidents have one element in common: negligence. Defined as failing to use ordinary care in performing a task, negligence costs the lives of over 42,000 motorists annually. When you exhibit negligent behavior behind the wheel, someone is bound to pay...
Read moreIf My Injuries Were Caused by Someone Else, Will They Be Held Liable?
Recovering from an accident often involves surgeries, invasive treatments, and follow-up visits with specialists. If you have experienced injuries caused by another person’s negligence, you may feel your future was stolen. Nobody should be placed in financial ruin due to injuries caused by another person. At Mette Attorneys at Law,...
Read moreShould I Take Pictures at the Accident Scene Using My Cell Phone?
Although cell phones have been linked with many distracted driving accidents, a mobile phone can be an asset following a crash. Any personal injury attorney will advise you to take as many pictures as possible at the scene of an accident. Photographs can serve as concrete evidence, documenting your accident-related...
Read moreCan I Sue the Auto Shop for Negligence?
While driver negligence is often the cause of car accidents, it isn’t the only cause. Suppose you can draw a direct line from the work an auto shop did on your vehicle to the damage you suffered in a traffic accident. In that case, you can file a car accident...
Read moreHow Do I Avoid Probate?
Probate is the process by which a person’s will is validated by the court, and a decedent’s property is distributed amongst heirs. This formal process can take several months to several years. Both expensive and time-consuming, there are ways that you can avoid probate, such as allowing your assets to...
Read moreAuto Insurance Coverage in Pennsylvania
In 2022, the Keystone State reported 115,938 crashes, resulting in 67,012 people injured. Have you been injured in an automobile collision in Pennsylvania? Did your vehicle also sustain damage? If so, you deserve to be compensated for your damages, including those losses that affect your emotional well-being. If you recently...
Read moreDo I Need a Police Report to File an Insurance Claim?
A police report is unnecessary when filing an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit, such as if you were injured in a traffic accident caused by another motorist’s negligence. Having a police report can, however, help. If you find yourself in the difficult position of being injured by someone...
Read moreDifferences Between Independent Contractors and Employees
As of 2023, roughly 16.5 million people, about 10.1% of the workforce, are self-employed. Independent contractors enjoy flexibility, allowing them to set their own hours and be their own boss. While people may marvel at the freedom that comes with being self-employed, being an independent contractor comes with some major...
Read moreDo I Have a Claim if I Get Hurt as a Rideshare Passenger?
Uber and other rideshare companies have made getting where we want and need to be more convenient than ever before. Still, if an Uber driver’s negligence injures you, it changes things considerably. The fact is that – as an Uber passenger who is injured in the course of a pedestrian...
Read moreAre Unpaid Internships Legal?
With roughly 47% of U.S. interns being unpaid each year, the Department of Labor has relaxed its rules on when an unpaid internship is allowed. In general, an unpaid internship is legal when the intern is a student or receiving academic credit. If the employer is getting the most benefit...
Read moreWhat is the FMLA?
If you are the primary caregiver for a loved one, you may be wondering if you are eligible to take time off work. Signed into law in 1993 by President Bill Clinton, FMLA allows workers to take maternity leave to care for a newborn, to take leave to care for...
Read moreWhat Does It Mean to Be an At-Will Employee?
The State of Pennsylvania is what’s known as an at-will state when it comes to employment, and this causes a lot of confusion for a lot of people. Very generally, this means that employers can fire employees at any time and for any reason – or for no reason at...
Read moreDamages Available in Personal Injury Cases
If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, the losses you experience can be immense, and the road to recovery can be exceptionally long. By filing a personal injury claim against the at-fault party, you can seek compensation for a range of covered losses that address...
Read moreSteps to Take If I Believe My Employer Is Not Paying Me for the Hours I Am Working?
If you believe that you have unpaid wages, you may feel defeated. Most importantly, you need to know that you are not alone in this predicament. In fiscal year 2023, $274 million in back wages were collected by the U.S. Department of Labor, with 163,000 workers collecting compensation for their...
Read moreHow Do I Know If I Am Entitled to Overtime?
If you are an employee who is paid by the hour, you are generally eligible for overtime pay anytime you work more than 40 hours in any given week. Because overtime pay comes in at 1.5 times more than your regular pay, it’s important to know when you’re entitled to...
Read moreHow Long After an Accident Can You Claim Injury?
If you have been injured by someone else’s negligence, filing a personal injury claim allows you to pursue the compensation you need to effectively address your related physical, financial, and emotional losses. However, it’s important to know that the State of Pennsylvania – like every other state – imposes a...
Read moreDoes Medicare Cover the Cost of Long-Term Care?
Many people have concerns about how they will afford long-term care if they need it and about whether or not Medicare is an option. Neither Medicare nor Medicare Supplement Insurance covers long-term care, and the same is true of the vast majority of health insurance providers out there. For long-term...
Read moreThe New Year Brings Increases in Salary Thresholds
The Labor/Employment Team at Mette wants to remind businesses that the threshold for administrative, executive, and professional exemptions under the FLSA rises on January 1, 2025 to $1,128 weekly/$58,656 annually. This change also apply to exemptions under the Pennsylvania Minimum Wage Act. The federal exemption for Highly Compensated Employees has...
Read moreWhat Is a Special Needs Trust?
A special needs trust is a trust document – or a right of property that is held by one party for the benefit of another – that is designed to provide a person with disabilities who is under the age of 65 with additional resources when they need them. Often,...
Read moreWhat is a Medicaid Lien?
When an individual receives benefits through Medicaid, a Medicaid lien may be placed on their home at some point if they still own a primary residence. While the home is exempt when it comes to their ability to qualify, it can be subject to a lien upon their death. Medicaid...
Read moreHow Do I Know if I Have a Claim?
If you’ve been injured in an accident that you believe was caused by someone else’s negligence, it can leave you feeling very unsure about what comes next. While personal injury claims are legally challenging, the good news is that you may have a valid claim allowing you to pursue compensation...
Read moreDifferences between SSI and SSDI
Both Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) can help those with disabilities support themselves and their families, cover the cost of living and the necessities of life, and pay medical expenses, but they are distinct government programs. Understanding how SSI and SSDI differ from one another...
Read moreDom Giovanniello appointed to the Township Board
Derry Township Appoints New Supervisor Download PDF HERSHEY, PA – Derry Township Supervisor E. Christopher Abruzzo stepped down from his post on the Board of Supervisors officially on September 24, 2024. In anticipation of his departure, the Board of Supervisors solicited applications from interested residents to fill the 14-month unexpired...
Read moreWhat Should I Expect At My §341 Creditors’ Meeting?
Section 341 of the Bankruptcy Code requires all debtors to appear at a Creditors’ Meeting as one of the first steps in their case. The purpose of the meeting is to give creditors and the Trustee the opportunity to question the debtor about the information included in their statements and...
Read moreDifferences Between Medicare and Medicaid
Whereas both government-funded programs cover medical costs, eligibility for both depends on different criteria. While Medicare is typically reliant on age, Medicaid eligibility is dependent on income. If you currently have coverage through either or are seeking coverage, you may be confused regarding what items each program covers. In this...
Read moreWhat Do Elder Law Lawyers Do?
With 57.8 million adults 65 years of age and older, elder law is an evolving field of practice. In broad terms, elder law encompasses offering legal guidance to senior adults and planning for special needs persons. Described in further detail, the field involves providing long-term care planning, estate planning, fiduciary...
Read moreWhat is a Power of Attorney?
When discussing estate planning, most people think of drafting a will or trust. However, part of estate planning involves planning while you are still alive. For an estate plan to be complete, you should execute a power of attorney. A power of attorney (POA) designates a person who will make...
Read moreCan you lose your professional license from a complaint in Pennsylvania?
YES! When your professional license is at risk in Pennsylvania—whether due to a misunderstanding, a false allegation, or a lapse in judgment—it’s essential to understand the gravity of the situation. A single complaint could potentially undo everything you’ve worked for. Pennsylvania’s licensing boards have considerable authority to impose disciplinary actions...
Read moreWhat Should I Do After My Bicycle Accident?
You are enjoying a pleasant bicycle ride when all of a sudden, a motorist strikes you. You stand up, notice that your thighs are bruised, your knees are scraped, and that you have a large cut on your cheek. Otherwise, you appear to be fine. With your adrenaline pumping, you...
Read moreWhat Information Do You Exchange After a Crash?
A car crash can happen in the blink of an eye. One moment, you may be waiting at a stop light, with seemingly the next moment having paramedics standing over you checking for injuries. In the chaos following a collision, after you have been examined, you may forget to exchange...
Read moreWho is Liable for a Pile Up Accident on a Freeway?
Even if you take every precaution behind the wheel, you may still be injured in a pileup accident at some point. While a pileup accident is a major inconvenience for others on the road, it may result in severe injuries for those involved. While you may think that the motorist...
Read moreAttorney Aaron Martin Secures Defense Verdict in Chester County, PA Business Dispute
Attorney Aaron D. Martin of the Harrisburg, PA law firm of Mette, Evans & Woodside recently obtained a defense verdict in a case involved disputed ownership of a business. Mr. Martin’s client had been sued for almost $400,000. Trial was held on March 18, 2024 with the Honorable Bret M....
Read moreYour business just got sued…now what?
Your business, the one you and your team have tirelessly built and maintained, has been sued. Now what? You’re not alone Over 99% of businesses in PA are classified as“small businesses”. Unfortunately, statistics also tell us that nearly 50% of these businesses are engaged in an active lawsuit in any...
Read moreWhat Should I Do If Someone Hits Me Who is Underinsured?
There are over 9.1 million licensed drivers in Pennsylvania, with an estimated 7.6 percent of those motorists driving uninsured. Although a troubling figure, thousands more drive underinsured. Underinsured drivers are a cause for concern, resulting in injured motorists not having access to the compensation they deserve. If you were hit...
Read moreHow May an Employer Monitor Employees in the Workplace?
A recent study revealed that 80 percent of major companies monitor employees’ internet, phone, and email usage. Although companies want to gauge employee productivity, it does come with certain limitations. The standards for workplace surveillance are set by both federal and state laws, safeguarding employees’ rights. In this article, our...
Read moreWhat to do when your license is at risk because of a professional complaint?
Responding to Allegations of Professional Misconduct in Pennsylvania When facing allegations of error, misconduct, or negligence, licensed professionals in Pennsylvania must take the accusations seriously, as their licenses and reputations could be at stake. It’s crucial to understand the administrative process involved in professional license defense and hire competent representatives...
Read moreWhat is End-of-Life Care?
For those who have a terminal illness, spiritual and emotional support is just as important as physical support. Many individuals push off planning for end-of-life care. Sickness and death are a natural part of life. Although a difficult subject, it is important to begin discussing these challenging topics so that...
Read moreDriving a Lemon? Understanding PA’s Lemon Laws.
Buying a car involves trust. You’re not only relying on the car manufacturer but also on the dealer to sell you a vehicle that is in good, safe-to-drive condition. If this trust is broken, the consequences can be life-threatening. According to federal statistics, there were over 42,000 automobile deaths in...
Read moreHow Do I Protect My Assets?
As of 2023, the United States is home to more than 33.1 million small businesses, employing 61.7 million Americans. As a business owner, you want to do everything you can to protect your hard-earned money. Individually, you want to make sure that real property, stocks, and other investments are protected....
Read moreHow Do I Avoid Estate Taxes?
We all hope to be able to provide our children with a nest egg when we die. While building wealth is at the forefront of many people’s minds, it does come at a cost. While the Commonwealth does not have a separate estate tax for residents, estates of decedents with...
Read moreWhat is Elder Law?
Approximately 62 million people in the United States are over the age of 65-years-old, with this number projected to rise to 84 million by 2054. With such a large number of senior adults, elder law is increasing in demand with each passing year. Elder law encompasses the legal aspects of...
Read moreTwo Iconic Harrisburg-Based Law Firms Merge
Mette, Evans & Woodside, SkarlatosZonarich LLC Merge to Become Mette HARRISBURG, Pa. (April 29, 2024) – Mette, Evans & Woodside and SkarlatosZonarich LLC, two iconic and dynamic Harrisburg law firms, today announced they are formally merging, effective immediately. The firm will retain the formal name Mette, Evans & Woodside, but...
Read moreSouthern Trust and Arbour National Announce Partnership and Significant Investment to Support Continued Growth
Shared from Business Wire. Mette Evans & Woodside Serves as Counsel to Southern Trust In its Partnership with Arbour National. June 27, 2023 MACON, Ga.–(BUSINESS WIRE)-Southern Trust Insurance, a provider of reliable coverage across the Southeast for over 50 years, today announced the signing of a definitive agreement for a...
Read moreWhat Determines Child Support Payments: A Comprehensive Guide
Calculating how much child support a parent owes is complicated with many moving parts. Understanding who is responsible for collecting support payments and what happens if the parent responsible for paying child support does not fulfill their responsibility are also common questions from both parents. Fortunately, this guide can help...
Read moreHow to Get a Protective Order in PA: A Step-by-Step Guide
You should never have to fear for your safety and face physical, sexual, or emotional abuse from a spouse, partner, or family member alone. If you have been the victim of violence, or abuse, or if you’ve been threatened, you may be able to file for a Protection from Abuse...
Read moreThe Benefits of Divorce Mediation Vs. Litigation
Divorce is a difficult decision, no matter the circumstances. Every divorce is as unique as the individuals involved. Deciding to work with a divorce mediator or take legal action is a personal decision. Let’s cover some of the differences. Keep reading below to learn more about divorce mediation vs. litigation....
Read moreNavigating Child Custody Issues: Tips and Best Practices
If you are in the process of divorce, attempting to negotiate a child custody agreement that is fair for both you and your child can be incredibly stressful, even if you are on good terms with your former spouse. Here’s some advice from the child custody attorney team at Mette,...
Read moreMette, Evans & Woodside Team Observe Wear Blue Day
The team at Mette, Evans & Woodside wore blue today in observance of National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. #WearBlueDay
Read moreA New Year’s Resolution: Estate Planning
Estate planning, despite the growing number of available resources designed to educate and assist the general public with this important process, can still be a very difficult topic to tackle. Whether the resistance is due to the fear of loss of control, the uncertainty of tax consequences, the reluctance to...
Read moreOctober 17, 2022 – October 23, 2022 is National Estate Planning Awareness Week
HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA – More than half of Americans, an estimated 56%, do not have an estate plan in place, making estate planning a critically overlooked component of financial wellness. This creates hardship, financial or otherwise, that can be diminished by advanced planning. National Estate Planning Awareness Week (H. Res. 1499)...
Read moreR.E.D. Friday – Supporting our Troops
The staff and some of the attorneys are dressed in red to celebrate R.E.D. Friday, which means “Remember Everyone Deployed.” R.E.D. Friday was created to remind people of our heroes overseas and show that we are thinking of them. People across the country wear red every Friday to serve as...
Read moreLove Letters Liability
In a competitive seller’s market, potential buyers can be tempted to use anything to make their offer stand out. One way buyers attempt to set themselves apart is through what the real estate industry calls, love letters. What are buyer love letters? Buyer love letters are letters from potential buyers...
Read moreHave You Properly Planned for Your Digital Assets?
The social distancing, telework, and like effects of the Covid-19 pandemic have only increased our use and reliance on electronic communications and assets. In fact, I think you would be hard-pressed to find an individual who does not own, or at least has not utilized, an iPhone, computer or on-line...
Read moreIn Memoriam Howell C. Mette
Mr. Mette celebrating his 90th birthday Founder Howell Mette It is with great sadness that Mette, Evans & Woodside announces that Howell Mette passed away on Saturday, January 11, 2020 at the age of 91. Howell was one of the founders of our firm 50 years ago, an outstanding practitioner,...
Read moreThe Basics of Title Insurance
For many farmers, the winter is a time of reflection on the prior year’s yield and preparation for the growing season ahead. This reflection and preparation phase might involve thoughts of expansion for the upcoming year, whether through the purchase of assets from an older generation as part of the...
Read moreMette, Evans & Woodside Hosts Breakfast Brief on Cybersecurity
The law firm of Mette, Evans & Woodside is hosting a Breakfast Brief presentation titled, “Incident Response: Managing and Mitigating Risk,” on September 17th at 7:30 am. The presentation, by Attorney Melanie L. Vanderau, will make business owners aware of procedures they ought to have in place to successfully manage...
Read moreHerbruck’s Celebrates Groundbreaking!
Herbruck’s Poultry Ranch broke ground on a $100 million cage-free egg-laying facility in Franklin County. The Herbruck’s facility in Montgomery Township will feature 8 barns. Herbruck’s will use an innovative manure handling technology that processes hen litter into organic fertilizer on site, which will reduce odor, eliminate flies and provide...
Read moreWorking Outside of the Box
Brokers Need to be Aware of Potential Risk When Real Estate Salespeople Have Second Jobs Real estate salespersons often have second jobs. Should a broker care? All in unison: “it depends.” Issues relating to profitability and productivity of a salesperson aside, a broker has reason to be concerned when a...
Read moreWorking Inside the Box – Establishing the Box
Real Estate Sales People Need to Understand Their Broker Agreement What is your agreement with your broker? A recurring question to the Hotline is “what is my broker’s obligation to pay me when I have pending transactions at the time I affiliate with a new broker?” There are many similar...
Read moreMediation Regarding Residential Agreements of Sale – Is it Binding?
The standard residential agreements of sale mandate that buyers and sellers “will submit all disputes” arising from those agreements to mediation. Equally clear is the requirement that mediation “be concluded before any party to the dispute may initiate legal proceedings in any courtroom, with the exception of filing a summons...
Read moreHow Can an Organization Manage the Risk of a Cyberattack?
The threat of a cyberattack is the sort of thing that keeps business owners up at night. Having an appropriate plan in place is critical to managing an organization’s response to a cyberattack. An organization will want to both manage risk before a security incident occurs, and mitigate risk afterward....
Read moreDeposits – Too Little, Too Late
Real Estate Purchase Deposits To state that the typical deposit is too low an amount and that it is paid later than should be is not an overstatement. The purchase deposit, which is referred to as “initial deposit” in the Agreement of Sale, is paid within five days of execution....
Read moreAre Emotional Support Animals Permitted in a “No Pets Allowed” Property?
It can be a familiar prohibition in condominium complexes and rental properties: NO PETS ALLOWED. Does that include an emotional support animal? The federal Fair Housing Act enlarges the definition of assistance animal to include “emotional support animals,” which it considers to be a reasonable accommodation. An emotional support animal...
Read moreFor Sale By Owner and the Statement of Estimated Costs
What happens when a For Sale By Owner (FSBO) freaks out at settlement when she learns for the first time that she is paying seller assist and that the proceeds are less than she anticipated? She goes hunting, that’s what. Who is the likely target? By definition, a FSBO is...
Read moreFessing Up
Recommendations On How Agents Should Handle Missed Agreement Deadlines by James L. Goldsmith, Esquire Of the common mistakes in residential sales, none occurs more frequently than the failure to abide by timelines, specifically those found in the inspection contingencies. If there is a time limit, someone will miss it. In...
Read moreDoes An Employer Have To Pay Hourly Employees For Commuting To Work In A Company Vehicle?
By Kathryn Lease Simpson, Esq. A: Not necessarily. Two provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), that otherwise appear simple, create confusion. The first, employers do not have to pay their hourly employees for an ordinary commute to and from work. This is true even if an employee reports...
Read moreA Tip from the West?
by James L. Goldsmith, Esq. Timely tender of deposit checks is a growing problem that did not exist when offers and deposit checks were hand delivered. Now, deposit checks follow an offer’s acceptance by a handful of days. Further, a typical agreement includes a checkmark in Paragraph 26(G) limiting the...
Read moreMette, Evans & Woodside Teams Up With RSVP for Children’s Book Drive
Firm’s Third Annual Book Drive Is Expected To Collect Thousands Of Books Harrisburg, PA – Mette, Evans & Woodside is partnering with RSVP of the Capital Region for their annual children’s book collection drive. Collection of new and gently used books for children ages 4 to 12 will begin on...
Read moreSimpson to Serve on ‘PA Coalition Against Rape’ Board of Directors
Organization Advocates to Eliminate Sexual Violence Mette, Evans & Woodside attorney Kathryn L. Simpson was recently appointed to the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape Board of Directors. Founded in 1975, the mission of the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape (PCAR) is to work to end sexual violence and advocate for the rights...
Read moreMette, Evans & Woodside Hosts Inns of Court Conference
Mette, Evans & Woodside hosted a conference for local Inns of Court leaders in June 2018 at its office. The “Summit” was conducted by Ernest J. Barrens, Director of Chapter Relations for the American Inns of Court. Mr. Barrens led discussions about recruiting members for the local Inns and program...
Read moreCan the Department of Revenue Collect Realty Transfer Taxes More than Once on the Same Sale?
A: Yes. The Department of Revenue takes the position that an assignment of an executed agreement of sale for real property may result in double realty transfer tax because it considers the assignment a separate transaction involving the conveyance of real estate. When a buyer buys a commercial property, but...
Read moreMette, Evans & Woodside Teams Up With RSVP for Children’s Book Drive
Firm’s Second Annual Book Drive With An Increased Goal Of 1,800 Books Mette, Evans & Woodside is partnering with RSVP of the Capital Region for a children’s book collection drive. Collection of new and gently used books for children ages 4 to 12 will begin on September 11th and continue...
Read moreAgricultural Production Contracts
By: Melanie L. Vanderau, Esquire The use of formal contracts in agricultural production, including crop growing and livestock production arrangements, has been on the rise in recent years. If you find yourself wondering whether it’s worth it to have a formal agreement in place in a production relationship, remember that...
Read moreKathryn L. Simpson Elected President of the Lipsitt Inn of Court
Kathryn L. Simpson, a Shareholder with Mette, Evans & Woodside, was elected President of the Honorable William W. Lipsitt American Inn of Court. The mission of the American Inns of Court is to promote excellence, civility, professionalism, and ethics in both the legal profession and advocacy. Ms. Simpson’s legal practice...
Read moreMichael A. Farrell Joins Mette, Evans & Woodside as Shareholder
The law firm of Mette, Evans & Woodside is pleased to announce that Attorney Michael A. Farrell has joined the practice. Mr. Farrell has been practicing in the field of insurance defense litigation, for thirty-two years. He has focused his practice in defending employers and insurers in workers’ compensation matters....
Read moreVictoria P. Edwards Joins Mette, Evans & Woodside as Associate
Mette, Evans & Woodside is pleased to announce that Attorney Victoria P. Edwards has joined the law firm. Ms. Edwards’ practice focuses on workers’ compensation and social security disability matters. Prior to joining Mette, Evans & Woodside, she practiced with several law firms in Central Pennsylvania. She is certified as...
Read moreJames L. Goldsmith Joins Mette, Evans & Woodside as Shareholder
The law firm of Mette, Evans & Woodside is pleased to announce that Attorney James L. Goldsmith has joined the practice. Mr. Goldsmith has been practicing law continuously since 1978 and focuses his law practice in two major areas. He now primarily represents professionals charged with negligence or seeking to...
Read moreShould I Have My Own Attorney for Residential Real Estate Transactions?
Buying a home will probably be the largest and most significant purchase you will make in your life. Having an experienced real estate attorney who will protect your interests can help you avoid problems with a home purchase or sale. Residential real estate transactions involve the law of real property,...
Read moreAccess to Landlocked Property
For a property owner whose property does not adjoin a public road and does not have access either through an express access easement or by legal implication, Pennsylvania’s Private Road Act (the “Act”) offered the landlocked property owner a remedy. What Does Landlocked Mean? So, what does landlocked mean? Since...
Read moreMette, Evans & Woodside Selected as 2017 Best Law Firm
Firm Recognized for Seventh Consecutive Year ! For the seventh consecutive year, Mette, Evans & Woodside has been named as a Best Law Firm by U.S. News & World Report. The 2017 first-tier ranking for the Harrisburg, PA metropolitan area is for the firm’s work in the Trust and Estates...
Read moreJacob H. Kiessling Joins Mette, Evans & Woodside
The law firm of Mette, Evans & Woodside is pleased to announce that Attorney Jacob H. Kiessling has joined the practice. Mr. Kiessling focuses his legal practice in the areas of business planning, real estate, and estate planning. Mr. Kiessling joined Mette, Evans & Woodside after graduating from the University...
Read moreUse Of Smartphone Voice Memo App Can Be a Wiretap Violation
Permission To Record Must Be Granted First The Pennsylvania Superior Court ruled that the use of the voice memo app on a smartphone to record a conversation, without the permission of the participants in the conversation, is a violation of the Pennsylvania Wiretap Act. Section 5703 of the Wiretap Act...
Read moreYear-End Tax Planning Considerations
As we begin wrapping up the year, it is time to think about year-end financial considerations. For many of us, charitable giving is one of them. When thinking about how much your contribution should be for this year, there are number of issues that sometimes come into play. In general...
Read moreAdvantages of Converting a Limited Partnership to an LLC
Two recent changes in Pennsylvania law made it advantageous to convert a limited partnership which owns real estate (and/or other income-producing assets) to a limited liability company. A preferred form of ownership for real estate and other income-producing investments prior to January 1, 2016 was the limited partnership which owns...
Read moreStormwater Management – The New Burden on Property Owners
It used to be the rule that rainwater runoff was not the responsibility of the landowner. The law recognized that water runs downhill. No longer. As EPA and the Pennsylvania DEP increase their emphasis on reducing pollutant discharges to the Chesapeake Bay, landowners are facing two challenges with regard to...
Read morePlanning for the Future of Your Enterprise
You have a business idea. It may be that you have discovered a unique product or idea (invented or just came upon an opportunity to market some else’s product or idea). Perhaps it is filling a discerned need in your community, say an Italian restaurant or book store, fitness club...
Read moreEmployer Service Provider Security Breach
What should you do in the event of notification by your employer that a service provider to your company has notified its clients that the service provider’s client files were accessed by unauthorized persons? There have been a number of recent media articles on this subject and some recommendations on...
Read moreThe Effect of the DOMA Decision on Estate Planning in Pennsylvania
Recently, the United States Supreme Court declared that the federal government must honor a state’s decision giving same-sex couples the right to marry and that not recognizing such marriages was a violation of basic due process and equal protection principles of the married same-sex couples. In the case of United...
Read moreLegal Wellness Checkup – Form I-9
by Kathryn Simpson Are you an employer? Have you hired any new employees lately? Do you have a completed a Form I-9 for every new hire? Finding and hiring qualified employees for your business can be a long and involved process. Once you do hire a new employee, be sure...
Read moreFlood Insurance Reform Act
Homeowners in flood prone areas will face increases in flood insurance premiums under provisions in the Biggert–Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 (the “Act”), certain provisions of which went into effect October 1, 2013. For homeowners in designated areas, the National Flood Insurance Program provided federal subsidies for flood...
Read moreDo You Have a Legal Wellness Program?
by Kathryn Simpson Health wellness programs are becoming increasingly popular. Today, most people, if not directly participating in one, are at least familiar with the concept. Companies sponsor wellness programs for a number of reasons including lowering operating costs, helping employees avoid major issues and improving overall workforce performance. Recently,...
Read morePA Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act
OVERVIEW OF THE PENNSYLVANIA HOME IMPROVEMENT CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT, 73 P.S. §§ 517.1-517.19 Who is a Contractor? Any person who owns and operates a home improvement business or who undertakes, offers to undertake or agrees to perform any home improvement. The term includes a subcontractor or independent contractor who has...
Read moreOil and Gas Act – Municipal Zoning Limitations
On February 14, 2012, the Unconventional Gas Well Impact Fee Act (Act 13 of 2012) which amends Title 58 (Oil and Gas) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes was signed into law by Governor Corbett. This Act among other matters required municipalities to amend their land use ordinances to allow unconventional...
Read moreContractor Guidelines
The Pennsylvania Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act is designed to protect homeowners from unscrupulous contractors and to establish penalties against contractors who violate the Act. A year later, some legitimate contractors still do not know the requirements of the Act or whether they are violating the Act in the way...
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