Published: July 21, 2010
Tags: asbestos, blame, brakes, FMC Corp., general contractor, H&H Industries, lawsuit, liability, negligent, subcontractor, Supreme Court
Comments: 1
By Denise Lockwood Special to The Daily Reporter A state Supreme Court ruling that absolved a Milwaukee brake maker of liability in the death of an independent contractor could muddy the legal waters industry wide, legal professionals warn. The court ruled this week that FMC Corp. was not negligent in the death of Walter Tatera, [...]
By Paul Snyder A bill that would change the way construction contracts are written inserts fairness into the industry’s pass-the-buck pecking order, according to those who argue companies should be responsible only for their own mistakes. “At what point do we talk about what’s right?” said Jeffrey Beiriger, executive director of the American Subcontractors Association [...]
By Paul Snyder Associations for subcontractors and general contractors are at odds over a new bill that would ban risk transfer in construction contracts. State Sen. Lena Taylor, D-Milwaukee, is gathering co-sponsors for the bill, which would invalidate construction contracts requiring a company protect or insure another company. The impetus, said Taylor’s spokesman, Eric Peterson, [...]
Paul Snyder paul.snyder@dailyreporter.com State Assembly members are preparing for a round of amendments to remove controversial state budget items such as prevailing wage requirements and the joint and shared liability motion. Assistant Assembly Minority Leader Mark Gottlieb, R-Port Washington, did not predict the specific targets but said there will be amendments to remove nonfiscal policy [...]
Paul Snyder paul.snyder@dailyreporter.com Gov. Jim Doyle and legislative leaders Thursday night announced the first steps toward reducing the state’s multibillion-dollar deficit by more than $1.6 billion. Doyle also remained committed to some controversial budget proposals. The state will cut shared revenue to cities and counties by 2.5 percent, and state agencies will experience cuts reaching [...]
Paul Snyder paul.snyder@dailyreporter.com A state budget measure that would redefine liability policies in legal cases is sending a shudder down the spines of business owners and contractors. “We saw a lot of our members write in to their legislators about this,” said Jim Boullion, government affairs director for the Associated General Contractors of Wisconsin Inc. [...]