Litigation-I Win, You Lose vs. Mediation-Win/Win

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  Litigation is a zero-sum game.  It destroys relationships and fosters enmity between the parties.  Parties rarely walk away happy.  Even if they win, the expense of litigation is enormous, and collecting on judgments is difficult. Disputes ultimately resolve, but the focus on winning at any cost can lead to prolonged legal battles.  Living with a lawsuit causes ongoing stress, which can distract you from your business and even have an effect on your health. In a courtroom, the final decision lies with a judge or jury who may not fully grasp the complexities of the case. Parties relinquish control over the outcome, potentially leaving them dissatisfied with the final judgment. Mediation has the opposite effect.   Rather than polarizing people, it enables the parties to attack the issues and not each other.     The process promotes open communication, collaboration and problem-solving, which enables parties to actively participate in crafting ...

Becoming a Certified Renovator Under the Lead Paint Law

What is involved in becoming a certified renovator? The certified renovator is responsible for seeing that the containment procedures are followed. He or she has to be on site at three stages of the project: when signs are posted, when the work-area containment is being established and when the post-renovation cleaning verification (dust wipe test) is performed. The certified renovator must be reachable by cell phone at all other times. In addition, anyone who works at the site who will be disturbing lead paint must receive on the job training (OJT) for their particular duty that is compliant with the requirements of the rule. The certified firm will need to be prepared to demonstrate the type of training that the workers have received for their particular task.

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