There are risks for all businesses. However, Massachusetts business owners should be aware of the following. One example is the possibility of lawsuits against businesses based on errors made by employees or attorneys. Even though most businesses can't eliminate these risks entirely, Massachusetts businesses can use business insurance policies to help them protect against financial loss. Find out how to protect your company and the common risks Massachusetts businesses face.
Workers' compensation insurance
Massachusetts is the best place to get workers' compensation insurance. In order to obtain workers' compensation insurance, state law requires that employers have a minimum salary of $52,100. For corporate officers, the minimum monthly payroll is $11,960. There are several factors to consider in order to ensure your business has the proper coverage for your employees. Here are some tips to help choose the best policy that suits your business.
General commercial liability policy
When it comes to the cost of a Massachusetts commercial general liability policy, the most common factors are the type of business and its product. The general rule is to have coverage of $500k-1 million. Your business may be considered high-risk, or your home-based business may require more coverage. Even home-based businesses can purchase commercial general liability insurance. Here are some guidelines to help you select the right policy.
Commercial property insurance
Massachusetts commercial property insurance covers a variety of exposures and risks. Even if the business doesn't own any land or buildings, it will pay for the replacement costs of commercial buildings and their equipment. Although the policy doesn't have its own liability limit a business might want to consider a package policy that covers both general liability and commercial property. This package policy typically offers more coverage options.
Employees' personal property
Massachusetts business insurance offers several options for protecting employees' personal assets. If any of your computer, communications, or energy-generating items are stolen, the policy will pay the costs to repair or replace them. It can also cover expenses related to lawsuits or fires that may occur in the business' warehouse. Massachusetts business insurance also protects the business from lawsuits related to the employment of employees.
Business insurance costs
Massachusetts business insurance is an essential requirement for all small businesses. There are many policies to choose from, including general liability or property damage insurance. It is essential to understand the details of each type and what they cover. You can find the right policy to fit your needs, whether you need liability insurance for your business assets or your personal property. The first step to protecting your company is purchasing general liability insurance. You may need to purchase additional insurance policies for your business. However, this will increase your coverage.
FAQ
Which type of lawyer are you most in demand?
The best way to describe this question is to say that there are two types of lawyers. They are transactional attorneys and litigation lawyers. Transactional attorneys deal with business law as well as contracts. Litigation lawyers deal with lawsuits. Generalists are lawyers who can specialize in both of these areas. One of the most prominent examples of a generalist lawyer is the "Big Law" one, who practices in large firms that handle many different types of cases. Generalists may be transactional or litigation lawyers.
Transactional lawyers can handle many legal matters including divorces. These lawyers often work on a contingency fee basis. That means they get paid only if their client wins the case. The lawyer will not be paid if their client loses. This is why these lawyers are usually referred to as "trial lawyers" because they have to go through trials to win their cases.
Litigation lawyers handle lawsuits. They represent clients in courtrooms as well as administrative hearings. Some litigators also deal with transactional matters. Some litigators may even draft documents for clients. A company can employ litigation lawyers to defend against a lawsuit brought against it by another firm. They can also be hired by the plaintiff to sue the defendant. Some law firms are solely focused on personal injury cases. Others are more focused on commercial disputes. Others practice family law.
Lawyers in litigation must be able to present evidence and argue before juries and judges. They must be familiar with civil procedure rules and other aspects of litigation law. They must be capable of researching and analyzing facts and issues. They must also be skilled negotiators.
How much should I pay for a lawyer's services?
If you want to hire a lawyer, ask yourself what you will need from him or her. The hourly rate should be between $1,000 to $2,500. Most people don't realize that this includes time spent researching your options, preparing the paperwork necessary to start the process, meeting with the lawyer, negotiating the contract details, drafting the agreement, filing fees, travel expenses, etc. Even though you believe you are paying for his or her expertise, you actually spend more.
You should also consider whether you want to retain the lawyer full-time or part-time. Hourly rates are usually charged by full-time lawyers. Part-time lawyers generally bill by the project. It is a good idea to hire a part-time attorney if you only need their assistance once or twice each year. You should however seek out a full time lawyer if you require ongoing assistance.
It is also worth considering whether you would prefer to work with a solo practitioner, or a company. Solo practitioners usually charge lower hourly rates than firms, but they often lack the resources to provide effective representation. Firms offer greater experience and expertise as well as better access to resources.
The cost of malpractice insurance should be considered. Some states require professional liability insurance for all lawyers. Others don't. To find out which insurance companies are available in your region, check with your state bar association.
Which type of lawyer is best?
A legal professional does not fear asking for what they require. They will do whatever it takes to make sure clients receive the best possible representation.
Because they know they will lose these cases, they are prepared to accept cases from other lawyers.
A lawyer knows how to negotiate, and uses their skills to get the best deal possible for their client.
An individual who is dedicated and committed to providing outstanding service and quality results. Someone who has the ability to think outside the box and come up with solutions that others wouldn't consider.
Someone who is honest and ethical. Person who observes all rules and regulations that are set by government agencies and courts.
A legal professional with integrity and a strong work ethic.
What is the difference in a transactional lawyer versus a litigator lawyer?
An attorney who specializes in transactional law is likely to encounter different legal issues than one who focuses on litigation. Transactional lawyers specialize in contracts, real property transactions, business formation, and intellectual property issues. The litigation attorneys are specialized in disputes involving corporations, partnerships and trusts. They also handle insurance claims and personal injuries cases.
The two types of attorneys have different sets of skills and knowledge required for each type of case. If you are looking to hire a transactional lawyer, for example, he will need to be able to prepare agreements, negotiate terms, and handle conflicts. A litigation attorney must be familiar with the rules of evidence, statutes of limitations, rules of discovery, etc.
Additionally, the differences could be based on the client's location. An attorney in New York City might not know as much about California laws as one who is practicing in California. And a Florida attorney would be less familiar with Texas laws than someone practicing in Texas.
Statistics
- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for lawyers in 2020 was $126,930. (stfrancislaw.com)
- Though the BLS predicts that growth in employment for lawyers will continue at six percent through 2024, that growth may not be enough to provide jobs for all graduating law school students. (rasmussen.edu)
- The states that saw the biggest increase in average salary over the last 5 years are Rhode Island (+26.6%), Wisconsin (+24.1), Massachusetts (23.2%), Wyoming (18.3%), and North Dakota (18.1%). (legal.io)
- Just 59.2 percent of 2015 law school grads held full-time, long-term jobs as lawyers 10 months after graduation, according to data from the American Bar Association (ABA). (rasmussen.edu)
- A Johns Hopkins study of more than 100 professions found lawyers the most likely to have severe depression—four times more likely than the average person. (rasmussen.edu)
External Links
How To
Where can I get legal aid for free?
It is difficult to find a good pro bono lawyer because there are so many out there who would like your business. There are many options for finding a pro-bono attorney. There are many options. You can ask your local bar associations for help, search the internet to find pro bono lawyers, or contact your state's bars association. Local law schools can help you find a probono attorney. Many law schools offer the opportunity for students to work with clients who are low-income to ensure that they have access to justice. If none of these options seem like a good fit for you, then you should consider contacting a nonprofit organization such as Legal Services Corporation (LSC). LSC provides free civil legal aid to those living below the poverty level by funding organizations all across the country. LSC funds programs that help low-income people with housing, child support enforcement, family legal matters, consumer protection and bankruptcy, as well as public benefits. LSC not only provides financial assistance but also offers guidance and support to its grantees regarding how to best serve their clients. Some examples of services include:
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Financial counseling
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Assistance with filing for bankruptcy
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Helping families deal with domestic violence
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Representation before administrative authorities
These are some points to remember if you're trying to find a pro-bono attorney but don't know where to begin.
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You shouldn't waste your time looking for a specialist in your case. Many pro bono lawyers represent many different types of clients. This means that they won't have much experience with your particular case.
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A lawyer with experience in representing clients of low income should be considered. This means that they are familiar with the communication needs of this client group.
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Ask if there is any specific training for your area. Consider, for example, whether the lawyer is familiar with handling landlord-tenant cases.
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Find out if the lawyer accepts new clients. Some lawyers only take on certain types of cases, so you won't be able to find one who works exclusively with pro bono clients.
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Avoid lawyers who claim they are experts in one particular area of law. Many lawyers say they practice in areas outside of their degree but don't know much about the subject matter.
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A strong reputation is essential. Ask your family members and friends to recommend a lawyer. Find reviews online from clients.