The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) recently reported that federal fiscal year (FFY) 2014 was a record-breaking year for judgments and settlements in civil cases involving health care fraud and abuse, particularly qui tam whistleblower actions under the False Claims Act (FCA). In total, DOJ reported that the Federal Government recovered $5.69 billion, with nearly 40%...Read More

The holidays are a time of merriment, thanksgiving and spending time with loved ones.  Often times the holiday season is the only chance to see family members who live a great distance away.  This year, while everyone is visiting, take the opportunity to talk with family about your Will, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, and other estate planning...Read More

On October 30, the 7th Circuit released Meade v. Moraine Valley Community College, which included an interesting decision affecting schools and universities.  The Court held that a semester’s course schedule sent to an adjunct faculty member actually created an employment contract and rebutted the typical at-will employment agreement between employers and their employees.  This means...Read More

Kahn, Dees, Donovan & Kahn, LLP (KDDK) – an experienced full-service law firm dedicated to effectively serving the civil law needs of clients for more than 105 years – is pleased to announce the hiring of attorney Matthew D. Malcolm. Matthew D. Malcolm has joined KDDK as an associate and serves on the firm’s business...Read More

On the eve of Halloween, the 7th Circuit released a decision which may raise additional concerns for public employers.  In Meade v. Moraine Valley Community College, the Court held that public employees are able to openly criticize their employers when the topic of speech includes matters of public concern.  This ruling further solidifies the Supreme Court’s...Read More

To most, it may seem obvious that a subcontractor would have the obligation to seek an explanation when there is an unknown symbol on the architectural design drawings to be used for a new construction project. The truth is, however, such obligation really depends on the specific situation. Seemingly small mistakes in this area may...Read More

Beginning January 1, 2015, employers with 100 or more employees that fail to offer health insurance coverage to full-time employees or that offer health insurance coverage that is not “affordable” are subject to penalties under the Affordable Care Act. Employers that fail to offer health insurance coverage are subject to a penalty of up to...Read More

Congratulations to KDDK attorney Mark A. McAnulty, who will be made a partner in the firm effective January 1, 2015.  Mark is an experienced labor, employment law and business law attorney and litigator licensed to practice in Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri who serves clients in industries including manufacturing, banking and financial services, and education. Mark...Read More

The Indiana Court of Appeals today affirmed a trial court’s ruling in favor of a congregation that broke away from a church denomination. The case, Church of the Brethren, South/Central Indiana District v. Roann Church of the Brethren, Inc., Roann Break-Away Group and the Roann Church, Inc., involved allegations from the denomination that it was entitled...Read More

At the end of December 2013, the updated ASTM International Standard for Phase I Environmental Site Assessments, ASTM E1527-13, was incorporated by the EPA into its All Appropriate Inquiries (“AAI”) rule.  Complying with EPA’s AAI rule is critical to one’s ability to assert the innocent landowner defense and/or to establish oneself as bonafide prospective purchaser...Read More