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 ...

Test for Lead, and Then You're Off the Hook?

I have run into so many contractors who think they can solve the dilemma of how to handle the RRP rule by having the house tested for lead.  There are now approved lead test kits out there.  All the contractor has to do is test, and if the house if negative, proceed with the work without doing the lead-safe practices.  That's it, right?

Not so fast.  Consider the following scenario:

Contractor tests for lead.  Negative result.  Four to twenty-one years later, the contractor is sued because a member of the household is suffering from lead poisoning.  Contractor contacts the lead test kit company (if it is still in existence).  How does the company respond?  Will they stand by their product?  Or, will they request documentation of all of the testing procedures including where the test was conducted, how it was conducted and verifiable results?  What if they say the testing was conducted improperly, or inadequately?

Why face an additional risk by doing your own testing?  If the homeowner wants to test the home, have them contract with a lead testing company directly who will stand by its results.  Better yet, if you contract with them, have them sign an indemnification clause where they will protect, defend (provide a lawyer) and pay you back if you are held accountable for poisoning after a negative result.  After all, why take on the additional liability?

I would love comments from the lead testing kit companies.

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