Other Legal Insights
Creating a Company Culture of Safety
It’s no secret that construction work is dangerous. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 1 in every 5 fatalities in private industry is in the construction sector. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, construction site fatalities have been consistently on the rise. In 2015 alone, there
New Law Provides Payment Protection for Kansas Subcontractors and Suppliers
In April, important payment protections were put in place for subcontractors and suppliers for public work projects that were financed by public-private partnerships. This new law provides that a contractor with a prime contract for over $100,000 on a public-private project must provide both payment and performance bonds. This law
Tips to Avoid Struck-By Accidents on the Construction Site
We all recognize that construction is a dangerous business. There are countless ways that someone can get hurt. One significant danger is struck-by accidents. A struck-by accident is caused when a worker is struck by an object. These types of accidents are one of the leading causes of construction injuries
AIA Contract Revised for 2017
AIA has been an industry leader in providing form contracts to the construction industry for over 100 years. Every ten years their documents are revised to keep up with changes in the law. In 2017, a significant amount of their documents were updated. One frequently used AIA contract form that underwent
Ten Water Safety Tips for the Hot Kansas City Summer
It is getting hot out there! July is always an almost unbearably hot month here in Kansas City – we hope you’re staying cool and staying safe at the same time. One of the most popular ways to cool off in the summer is by taking a dip in the
Scaffolding Safety Tips
High rise or multi-level construction is common these days and presents many potential dangers, one of which is scaffolding accidents. It is estimated that 2.3 million workers (over 65% of all construction workers) spend at least part of their time on scaffolding. Constructing and using scaffolding for a project presents
Prepare for Compliance – OSHA Silica Regulations Explained
Back in March of 2016, OSHA published a regulation that requires construction employers to limit worker exposure to respirable crystalline silica. Silica can be dangerous when inhaled by construction workers, causing lung disease and even cancer. Silica dust is frequently found where things like cutting, grinding, sawing, drilling or crushing
MSB Attorneys Named to Super Lawyers List of Top Attorneys
Morefield Speicher Bachman’s founding members Rick Morefield, Andrew Speicher, and Stan Bachman were named to Super Lawyers’ Annual List of Top Attorneys in Kansas and Missouri for 2016. Rick earned Super Lawyer distinction in the area of personal injury. Andrew and Stan were honored as Rising Stars in the areas
Giving Back Through Volunteer Attorney Programs
Improving access to legal services for low income individuals and families is a critical component of breaking the cycle of poverty for individuals and families in Kansas and Missouri. All too often, families faced with a legal situation find themselves falling farther behind as they try to spread an already
Make a Choice to End Drunk Driving Accidents
Drunk driving accidents are 100% preventable. Even so, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 10,265 people in the United States died from alcohol-related crashes in 2015. That’s one every 51 minutes[1]. Think about that. Every 51 minutes somebody else’s loved one will never come home again because someone
Revocup South – Turning Spare Change into Meaningful Change
If you like the Morefield Speicher Bachman, LC law firm on Facebook, then you have probably seen us sharing events for our Overland Park, Kansas neighbor Revocup South. From musical performances to motivational speakers, there is always something going on next door at 11822 W. 135th St. But what we think
A Paralegal Perspective: Is a Career as a Personal Injury Paralegal Right for You?
Thinking about working as a personal injury paralegal but wondering if it is a good fit for you? Here’s my perspective on what it takes to work in this area of law. I have worked for personal injury and wrongful death attorneys Rick Morefield and Andrew Speicher for the past
Missouri Mechanic’s Lien – Subcontractors Protect Your Lien Rights
In Missouri, subcontractors, skilled laborers, and materials suppliers who are not paid for their work, have a right to file a Mechanic’s Lien against commercial real property for work performed or materials delivered to the project, when the work and/or materials was for purposes of improving upon the property. Sounds simple enough
When Should You Call a Car Accident Attorney?
After suffering injuries in a car accident caused by somebody else’s negligence, most people are focused on getting the medical treatment they need to recover. This is especially true in instances of catastrophic injuries such as broken bones, traumatic brain injury, and spinal cord injuries. Your first thought probably isn’t
Missouri Lien Law 201
From the Court of Appeals of Missouri, Eastern District, came a case of “first impression,” on 2 different issues concerning mechanic’s liens in Missouri. The case is Midwest Floor Co. v. Micelli Development Co., 304 S.W.3d 243 (Mo. Ct. App. E.D. 2009), for those who care to find and read