by Christian Stegmaier cstegmaier@collinsandlacy.com From http://www.thestate.com/ (3/30/09): Halal International Processing of York is recalling approximately 2,925 pounds of beef, chicken, goat and lamb products that were mislabeled, according to an announcement this morning from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service. All frozen meat and poultry products produced from April 3, 2008,… Continue Reading
Archives for March 2009
The Explainer: Landowner Liability for Criminal Acts of Third Parties
by Christian Stegmaiercstegmaier@collinsandlacy.com I read this morning (3/27/09) of a robbery at a quick service restaurant in the Upstate. Unfortunately, from time to time, patrons are injured by the tortious conduct of third persons. This conduct includes armed robberies or spontaneous fights that may break out. The following is a brief primer on the law… Continue Reading
The Explainer: Primer on Premises Liability in South Carolina
by Christian Stegmaiercstegmaier@collinsandlacy.com Our firm represents many businesses throughout South Carolina in the retail and hospitality sectors. A frequent question posed to us by our clients is: “What is our duty to protect people who come onto our property from hazards on the premises?” I imagine you may have the same question. Accordingly, the following… Continue Reading
The Explainer: Appealing a Case to the South Carolina Court of Appeals
by Christian Stegmaiercstegmaier@collinsandlacy.com As a general rule, any final order or decision of the Court of Common Pleas (civil), Court of General Sessions (criminal), a Master-in-Equity, the Family Court, or a Special Referee can be appealed to a higher court. The appellate tribunal that will most likely hear the case initially is the Court of… Continue Reading
Supreme Court Affirms Punitive Damages Award, Reasserts Importance of De Novo Review, Gore Analysis
by Christian Stegmaiercstegmaier@collinsandlacy.com In South Carolina, punitive (or exemplary) damages can be awarded by the fact finder (typically the jury) in a civil action where the alleged wrongdoing exceeds the bounds of simple negligence or constitutes a violation of statute or regulation. In our state, the award of punitive damages is reviewable by the appellate… Continue Reading
Major South Carolina Supermarket Retailer Seeks Bankruptcy Protection to Restructure Debt
by Christian Stegmaier cstegmaier@collinsandlacy.com Mauldin-based Bi-Lo, a fixture in South Carolina’s supermaket retail sector, has filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy protection in an effort to reorganize its debt. From today’s (3/24/09) edition of The State: The grocery chain said it filed a voluntary petition for relief under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code… Continue Reading
Columbia Convention Center Hotel Suit Update: Design Firm Gets Partial Summary Judgment, City Loses
by Christian Stegmaier cstegmaier@collinsandlacy.com From today’s (3/24/09) edition of The State: A judge ruled Monday that Columbia taxpayers owe design firm Stevens &Wilkinson money for a publicly funded hotel the city never built. The Columbia-based design firm says the city owes it $1.6 million for work it completed on a publicly funded convention center hotel… Continue Reading
What We Can All Learn From Five Guys Burgers & Fries
by Christian Stegmaier cstegmaier@collinsandlacy.com As a lawyer practicing in the retail and hospitality sectors, I keep a watchful eye on things when I’m in hotels, restaurants, and stores. I observe features like cleanliness and organization. I keep a watch on how associates interact and treat patrons. And I’m always mindful about the product. How a… Continue Reading
Jack D. Griffeth Honored by South Carolina Bar Foundation
Collins & Lacy, P.C. is pleased to announce that Jack D. Griffeth was recently honored by the South Carolina Bar Foundation for his individual lifetime contributions promoting recognition at the Liberty Legacy level. The South Carolina Bar Foundation passed a resolution honoring Jack for his dedication and support of the Foundation outlining his contributions including: … Continue Reading
Op Ed Piece in Washington Post from Bill Marriott re: Importance of Business Travel/Meetings
by Christian Stegmaier cstegmaier@collinsandlacy.com Great op-ed piece from Bill Marriott, CEO of Marriott International, regarding the need for business travel and corporate meetings. Folks don’t appreciate how many people are employed by hoteliers and other hospitality-related entities who depend on corporations spending travel dollars for their living. Don’t throw the baby out with the bath water… Continue Reading