COVID-19 and the related stay-at-home orders have brought to light challenges to common interest community associations. One issue that has come up often is how HOAs should conduct board meetings and member meetings in a way that protects the safety and welfare of its members while also ensuring that the association can continue to operate. Board Meetings Minnesota non-profit corporations,…
Under the Governor’s Order on April 23, 2020, some businesses can re-open their offices so long as they follow certain guidelines set by the State to create a safe workplace. Specifically, office workers who are essential to the business can return to work if they follow a “preparedness plan” that addresses the following issues: Work from home is required whenever…
The Federal Government has passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”) to help small businesses cope with the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act includes both low-interest forgivable payroll protection loans through the Payroll Protection Program (“PPP”) and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL). Payroll Protection Program The PPP was enacted as…
In a very aggressive move, Auto-Owners Insurance sued its own policyholder in an attempt to avoid making payment on an appraisal award. When the claim began, Auto-Owners found wind damage to the policyholders’ commercial buildings in Wisconsin. Then it hired an “expert” who said that the wind damage was man-made and denied the claim. When the policyholders invoked appraisal to…
The novel coronavirus known as COVID-19 has become a global pandemic and will change business as we know it for the foreseeable future. It will almost certainly throw the global economy into a recession as people start adapting to social isolation and containment procedures. Business owners may be asking themselves whether insurance will cover lost business income caused by COVID-19.…
Dear Clients and Friends, During this uncertain time of COVID-19, the health and well-being of our team members, clients, and their families is of the utmost importance to us. As details of this outbreak continue to develop, we want to make you aware of the measures we are taking. First and foremost, Smith Jadin Johnson, PLLC (the “Firm”) wants to…
Most homeowners have little to no experience with property insurance claims. Many of us haven’t experienced accidental damage to or loss of our property because catastrophic events like house fires or wind and hailstorms don’t happen very often. And even when they do, many people avoid making insurance claims out of concerns about how that will affect their insurance premium…
In Oliver v. State Farm Fire and Cas. Ins. Co., a case recently decided by the Minnesota Supreme Court, SJJ attorneys Alex Jadin and Tim Johnson brought home another big win for insurance policyholders. In the Oliver case, an insurance company (State Farm Fire and Casualty Insurance Company) sought to avoid its obligation to pay interest rightfully owed to a…
We are proud to announce that Finn Jacobsen has been named a partner! Finn’s practice focuses on homeowners association (HOA) law and demonstrates both extraordinary ability and dedication on a daily basis. Congratulations, Finn!
Background checks have long been used as a way for owners wishing to lease their units to determine who may rent their property. However, this practice has recently come under fire, as rejecting tenants on the basis of their criminal history may violate state and federal discrimination laws. With that in mind, how should homeowners associations handle background checks for…
