March 2020

Are Businesses Due Compensation for Damages Caused by Stay-at-Home Orders Resulting from COVID-19?

 As the threat of COVID-19 virus spreads, local governments throughout North Texas ordered many businesses—such as retail, restaurants, bars, gyms, and hair salons—to close. With these protective measures comes unemployment, unpaid bills, and possibly bankruptcy. This expansion of government power leads to the question of whether the government is correspondingly responsible for their orders’ economic …

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Analyzing Whether Your Business is “Essential” Under Local Shelter-in-Place Orders

Many local governments are issuing shelter-in-place-style orders in response to Covid-19.  Typically, these orders have a blanket prohibition that significantly limits personal and business activities.  Then the orders typically make exceptions for certain activities, people, or businesses that are defined as “essential.”  In many orders, the definition of “essential” is loosely defined, making it difficult to …

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Families First Coronavirus Response Act: Employer Paid Leave Requirements

On March 18, 2020, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) was signed into law as one of the first major federal legislative initiatives in response to COVID-19.  In addition to addressing insurance coverage of COVID-19 testing, nutrition assistance for students, and unemployment benefits, the FFCRA also requires certain employers to provide their employees with …

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Texas Medical Board Passes Emergency Rules to Enforce Prohibition of Elective Procedures

Late yesterday, the Texas Medical Board (“TMB”) adopted rules to enforce the Texas Governor’s Executive Order and its prohibition against performing surgeries and medical procedures that are not immediately medically necessary, through April 21, 2020. TMB President Sherif Z. Saafran, M.D. explained, “[t]he Texas Medical Board has echoed the strong recommendations for providers and health care …

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Andrew Scott Joins Cantey Hanger LLP Litigation Group

FORT WORTH, TX – Attorney Andrew Scott has joined Cantey Hanger LLP as an associate in the firm’s Litigation Practice Group. His practice focus is advocating for general contractors, subcontractors, suppliers and owners on a variety of construction-related issues, including litigation, contract negotiations and alternative dispute resolution. He also represents companies and individuals licensed by …

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Pardon My French, The Application of Force Majeure for General Contractors Dealing with COVID-19

The coronavirus (“COVID-19”) pandemic has impacted almost every corner of the world, requiring businesses of all sizes to re-assess their ability to maintain operations and fulfill contractual obligations. The federal and local governments have imposed restrictions on travel and gatherings, and in many instances, have forced businesses to temporarily shut their doors. One industry that …

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SEC Offers Relief for Companies Impacted by COVID-19

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) is following suit to other agencies and providing regulatory relief for certain publicly traded companies. Below are the SEC’s announcements regarding (1) annual meetings and proxy rules, (2) filing deadlines, and (3) transfer agent relief. Annual Meetings and Proxy Rules The SEC released this staff guidance regarding …

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SBA Disaster Assistance Loans for Small Businesses Impacted by COVID-19

On Thursday, March 12, 2020, the U.S. Small Business Administration (the “SBA”) announced that it would work directly with state governors to provide disaster recovery loans to small businesses that have been impacted by COVID-19. Historically, the SBA has required that any state or territory impacted by a disaster certify that at least five small …

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