Frivolous, adjective: not having any serious purpose or value. My decades-long legal career has been filled with interesting cases, challenging litigation, and high-stakes trials. But in all my years as a member of the bar, there is one thing I have never done: file a frivolous lawsuit. That makes me an anomaly in the eyes […]
As a criminal defense attorney, I watched with great interest the trial of the former Minneapolis police officer convicted of murdering George Floyd. Here are my thoughts on the case that has mesmerized the nation and the world since May 25, 2020. The visual evidence secured the conviction. Creating reasonable doubt in the mind of at least […]
Recently one of our Facebook followers messaged us this important and interesting question: “Can an employer ask workers if they have been vaccinated for COVID-19 and are they allowed to ‘out’ those who have and have not?” Like most employment issues related to the pandemic, the answer to that straightforward question is complicated, multi-faceted, and […]
News about the approval of COVID-19 vaccines has raised two things: hope that the pandemic will end in the not too distant future and lots of questions including the one I’ve been asked most: Can a worker be fired if their employer requires them to be vaccinated and they refuse? The answer is, with limited […]
Just in case you haven’t looked outside yet, our “Three Ps” of safe winter driving tips will be extremely relevant and useful over the next couple of days. Please be careful on the roads, and remember, if someone who isn’t driving safely runs into you or a member of your family, contact Betras, Kopp & […]
This week the U.S. Supreme Court handed down decisions in two closely watched controversial cases: June Medical Services LLC. et al. V. Russo and Seila Law v. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Along with being among the most highly anticipated rulings of the term, the opinions in the cases provided valuable insight into both the intricacies […]
Ohio’s Open Meetings Act enacted in 1954 and Public Records Act passed in 1963 known collectively as the state’s “Sunshine Laws,” are based on the belief that government belongs to the people. I couldn’t agree more, and, as a member of the Mahoning County Board of Elections a public body subject to those laws, I […]
As an essential business, Betras, Kopp & Harshman has been open and serving clients during the COVID-19 crisis. We will continue to be here for you throughout the emergency. On Monday, May 4 we are instituting the following procedures for office visits: Anyone visiting the office must schedule an appointment in advance by calling 330-746-8484 […]
We are pleased to announce that three members of our firm: BKH Managing Partner David Betras, Chris Knopik, Managing Attorney of BKH Florida, and Doug Titus, a member of our Complex Litigation Team, are among the five percent of attorneys in Ohio and Florida named to the “Super Lawyer” list for 2020. This prestigious designation […]
We would like to applaud Mahoning Matters for its in-depth series on area nursing homes. According to the report, conditions at two area nursing homes, Warren’s White Oak Manor and the Oasis Center for Rehabilitation and Healing are especially troubling. Reporters also found that 11 of the 46 nursing facilities located in Mahoning and Trumbull counties […]
Dr. Amy Acton, the Director of the Ohio Department of Health issued a comprehensive “Stay at Home” order on Sunday, March 22. Beginning March 25, Betras, Kopp & Harshman will conduct free Covid-19 legal clinics every Wednesday via Facebook Live for the duration of the crisis. You can ask questions by calling 330-746-848 or 800-487-2889, […]
Betras, Kopp & Harshman Managing Partner David Betras announced today that the law firm, which has been designated an “essential business” under the Stay at Home Order issued March 22 by the Ohio Department of Health will remain open during the Covid-19 crisis. You may view the order here: DirectorsOrderStayAtHome Attorney Betras also announced that […]
As lawyers who have represented hundreds of medical malpractice victims, we’re acutely aware of the dangers associated with the hundreds of thousands of preventable medical errors committed by health care professionals in the United States each year. That’s why our interest was piqued by two troubling articles that recently appeared in the Washington Post. The first: A dog bite sent […]
Series featuring lawyers have been a staple on television since the first set flickered to life decades ago. Along with attracting millions of viewers, the shows shaped America’s perception of the criminal justice system. For instance, according to TV, crimes were committed, investigations conducted, and trials held in an hour, minus 14 minutes of commercials. […]
It’s a tradition here in the Valley and across the country: every weekend people climb into their cars and drive to their favorite restaurants, bars, and nightclubs to eat, dance, hang out with friends and yes, drink. Later in the evening some of those people will participate in another American tradition: taking a breathalyzer test […]
