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 ...

Worker's Compensation Information Available Online At the Massachusetts Department of Labor Website


Mark Paskell first posted this at his blog, 
http://www.thecontractorcoachingpartnership.com/Blog-Contractor-Coaching--Construction-Business-Coach-EPA-RRP-Lead-Rule/, but I think it is so important that I wanted to post here as well.  Make sure all of your subcontractors have worker's compensation policies if they have employees.  If not, you may be held accountable if someone gets injured on the job.  Bravo to the government of MA for making this information available to the public.

Here is a brief excerpt from the Massachusetts Department of Labor website;                                      State of Massachusetts

Patrick - Murray Administration Launches Free Web-Based Tool

Will help Public Verify if Businesses have Workers Compensation Insurance Policy

Boston, MA - The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD) today announced the launch of the Massachusetts Online Proof of Coverage Application (POC), a free web-based tool that will assist the public in verifying whether a particular business has a current workers’ compensation insurance policy.  
While the POC application is not designed to detect fraud, it may also assist EOLWD’s Department of Industrial Accidents’ investigations in determining whether fraud exists.  
Employers are required by law in Massachusetts to carry workers compensation insurance to assist workers in the event that they are injured on the job. While the vast majority of Massachusetts businesses carry a policy, those who are not in compliance shift the burden onto those business that do. As a result, over $53 million has been paid out of the Workers’ Compensation Trust Fund over the past 10 years to pay for injury claims of workers who were employed by businesses that were not in compliance. DIA works closely with businesses through payment plans and more aggressive enforcement measures to make sure they are compliant.

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