Ways Sexual Harassment Can Impact Your Business

Sexual harassment in the workplace is a real epidemic. As this issue sweeps across the nation, it should be top of mind as a business owner. Have you ever thought how a sexual harassment case could impact your daily work life? If you aren't thinking about this, it may be time to do so. As your experienced lawyer at the Lake of the Ozarks, we know how damaging a case like this can be for your business morale. Take a look below to check out the various ways an issue like this can impact your business life.

Lower Company Morale 

If a sexual harassment incident occurs, it can put a damper on the morale around your office. Employees may feel like the work environment isn't a safe place. This can lead to distracted workers, therefore a loss of productivity. A person who experiences a sexual harassment advance may let others know about the occurrence and the un-safe feeling may spread throughout your company.

Open Your Business to Lawsuit

Prompt action is required on behalf of the business owner or supervisor if you learn of a sexual harassment situation. It's important to have a conversation with all involved parties to set the tone for action that will be taken if the harassment continues. Ensure you have an open door policy for employees to report inappropriate behavior in the workplace. If you do have an employee experience sexual harassment in the workplace, legal advice can help you work through the situation to better protect your business. 

Lose Dedicated Workers

If an employee is harassed at work, they may start to dislike their job and/or work environment. Many times harassment goes unreported, therefore the behavior does not change. This can create a hostile work environment which is damaging for employees. An employee may be more apt to leave the company if they are being sexually harassed while working. You can easily lose a hard worker if they are uncomfortable when they come to work.

Tips for Handling Sexual Harassment Claims:

• Have an open door policy for employees to report any harassment they experience.
• Provide regular training on sexual harassment and go over the punishment for such action. 
• Take swift action if a sexual harassment case is reported. 
• Set the precedent if you have a report of sexual harassment in the workplace. 

Now that you know HOW your business may be impacted by a sexual harassment claim, you're ready to make changes in your daily work life to avoid this issue. If you discover a sexual harassment case has occurred at your business, ensure you take the right legal actions in a timely manner. Contact Gibbons Law Firm to learn how you can take swift action to help protect your business. Remember, your first consultation with our Lake of the Ozarks law firm is free!

Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.

Your Trusted Legal Resource

Gibbons Law Firm

2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 348-2211

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Lake of the Ozarks Airshow

The Lake of the Ozarks Airshow is coming up! This family-friendly annual event brings spectators from all around. Don't miss out on the action when you visit the airshow this weekend - September 22nd from 8:00 am - 3:00 pm. As your experienced lawyer at the Lake of the Ozarks, we know how fun it is to get out and enjoy local events and that's why we've provided some information about this family-friendly event below.

All About the Lake of the Ozarks Airshow:

The Lake of the Ozarks Airshow is scheduled for September 22nd. This event will be packed with non-stop action. Exciting entertainment will be available all day at the airshow. The lineup for this event is going to be thrilling - you won't want to miss a thing! Be sure to bring blankets and/or lawn chairs to enjoy the show!

Airshow Schedule of Events:

8:00 am - 10:00 am:  Veterans Breakfast (Veterans $5/ Adult & Children $6)

10:00 am - 3:00 pm:  Vendor Booths, Static Displays & Kid’s Zone ($2 per child)

10:30 am: Opening Ceremony
- National Anthem
- Main Street Music Hall
- LOZ Dance
-Present Colors

10:45 am:  Air Show Starts
- KC Flight Wakes Up The Lake
- Ribbon Cutting - Brian Correll
- Planes vs. Cars:
* Bob Richards & Hulett Chevrolet-Buick-GMC
* Jeff Shetterly Races Kenny Carroll
- Ping Pong Ball Drop One
- Bob Richards Solo Act
- Lunch with RC Planes
- Brian Correll - Pitts Aerobatics
- Lee Crouch Stearman Solo Act
- John Fester T-6 Passes with Vince Hill
- Bob Bull Fly Over
- Ping Pong Ball Drop Two
- Jeff Shetterly
- Team Vortex
- Kenny Carroll Race Vs Team Vortex

3:00 pm:  Show Concludes

8:00 pm: Get the Led Out at Ozark Amphitheater
Doors open at 7:00 pm

Click here for more information about the Lake of the Ozarks Airshow!

Now that you know all about the Lake of the Ozarks Airshow, you're ready to come out and enjoy this event with your friends and family. As you are taking in all the fun, you may have a few legal burdens weighing on your mind. Don't let legal issues get in the way of living your life. Contact our Lake of the Ozarks law firm to help ease your mind. We can help give you legal options and walk you through the processes you will need to go through. Don't forget your first consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is free.

Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.

Your Trusted Legal Resource

Gibbons Law Firm

2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 348-2211

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Factors that Impact the Cost of a Divorce

Divorce is not only an emotionally strenuous time, it can be hard on your budget too. As your experienced divorce lawyer at the Lake of the Ozarks, we know the divorce process is impacted by a number of factors. While no two divorces are the same, we can offer some advice on what can drive up the cost of getting a divorce. Take a look below to learn what factors impact the cost AND what you can do to keep these expenses at bay.

Case Complexity

There are quite a few factors that can make a divorce complex. The most common factor is children. If you and your spouse have kids together, deciding the custody arrangement can take time and effort. Another factor that can increase the complexity of your case is if one of the spouses own a business. Complex community property is another factor that can impact the cost of a divorce. It can take energy to decide who is getting what when it comes to community property.

Length of Time

The main factor of the cost of a divorce is the amount of time each step takes. Your lawyer and your spouses' lawyer will both work on your case and likely charge by the hour. The amount of paperwork to compile and filter through will add to the amount of time required. If you don't get back with your lawyer in a timely fashion, it's another way your budget may increase. The amount of time required to prepare for your divorce can impact the total cost.

Conflict Level

If you and your spouse go back and forth trying to come to a settlement, it can draw out the process. Coming to a conclusion before you get into the heat of things can be beneficial for your divorce budget. It's best to be understanding and work with your lawyer and/or your spouse to get through the process with a low level of conflict.

While getting a divorce can impact your entire life, you can limit the financial impact of the process. By knowing WHAT causes a divorce bill to increase, you and your spouse can work together to keep the cost down. If you are thinking about getting a divorce, contact our Lake of the Ozarks lawyer today. Your first consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is free. Give us a call today to learn how we can help you through the divorce process.

Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.

Your Trusted Legal Resource

Gibbons Law Firm

2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 348-2211

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Tips to Protect Your Small Business From a Workers Compensation Claim

Owning a small business takes a lot of time and energy. As a business owner, you are likely looking for ways to reduce the chance of being involved in legal litigation. Here at Gibbons Law Firm, we understand your time and energy is best spent focusing on your business at hand. That's why we've dedicated this week's blog to showcasing a few ways you can help reduce the chance of your business being involved in a workers compensation lawsuit.

Properly Train Employees

When a new employee comes to work for your business, ensure they have the proper training on every aspect of the job they will be doing. The right training can help reduce the chance of an employee being involved in an accident at work. Take the time to explain why each protocol is in place to help your new employees better understand the dangerous potential of the job.

Clearly Mark Dangerous Areas

Use caution tape on the floor to mark hazardous areas in your business. If certain places are reserved for only approved personnel, mark these areas clearly to help eliminate any confusion. Also, be sure to use any signage to let employees and customers know about a potentially hazardous situation. If you have just mopped, make sure you have a wet floor sign marking the area!

Perform Regular Safety Checks

The daily tasks you and your employees perform can quickly become routine. Always have a constant eye out for a potential hazard that may present itself for your employees. Supervisors should perform safety checks on a regular basis to ensure all potentially dangerous situations are accounted for and well known.

Continually Educate About Employee Safety

It's a good idea to do regular training on workplace safety for your employees. This can help keep safety protocol top of mind as your workers complete their daily tasks. Even if your employees have the safety protocol down, it's important to perform a refresher course every now and then.

Ensure Employees Use Proper Safety Procedures

There are a number of safety procedures in place for all lines of work. Whether it's wearing the proper harness for employees on a boom truck or wearing a hard hat on a construction site, it's important that your employees practice proper safety procedures on a daily basis. Keep an eye out for employees and ensure they use the right safety protocol each and every day.

Establish an Open Door Policy

Employees should be encouraged to report any dangerous or potentially dangerous situations in the workplace. Your workers are doing the tasks on a daily basis and may notice a situation that may be a hazard before anyone else. Let your employees know you are open to hearing about potential dangers AND ideas of how to overcome these situations.

As your experienced business attorney at the Lake of the Ozarks, we know how important it is for a business owner to be able to put their energy toward running the business. By helping to avoid legal issues, you can use your time and energy doing what you love. If you do have a workers compensation claim against your business, it's important to have a lawyer at the Lake of the Ozarks on your side. Contact our Lake of the Ozarks attorney TODAY to learn how we can help you navigate the legal landscape that is often involved with owning a business.

Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.

Your Trusted Legal Resource

Gibbons Law Firm

2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 348-2211

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Ways Drinking & Driving Can Impact Your Life

Driving under the influence is illegal but it's a crime that is committed on a regular basis. As we approach a holiday weekend, it's important to keep this information top of mind. Before you get behind the wheel of a car or boat under the influence, think about the consequences. As your experienced lawyer at the Lake of the Ozarks, we know how devastating it can be to be charged with a DUI or BUI. Take a look below to learn the different aspects of your life that can be impacted by drinking and driving.

Lose License

Getting your license revoked is a common consequence of driving under the influence. This can impact your personal and professional life. If you rely on your vehicle for transportation it can have a devastating impact on your life.

Insurance Rate Hike

Most insurance companies will charge more monthly premiums after a driver has been convicted of a DUI or BUI. It can also be hard to shop around for new insurance with a charge like this. Insurance companies will see this as reckless driving behavior and the risk of insuring a person with this conviction goes up.

Loss of Employment

Some employers have policies about a criminal record and a conviction can be terms for your termination. It can also be hard to find a new job since most employers run a background check on potential candidates. This is just one of the ways a conviction can impact your professional life.

Change in Personal Relationships

Some people in your life may look down upon a criminal conviction, like a DUI. This type of situation can be damaging for your personal relationships. It can be very stressful to go through a conviction like this. Your personal relationships may suffer if you are charged with drinking and driving.

Legal Fees

Steep fees may be placed upon you if you are charged with a DUI. In addition to these fees, you'll likely incur the cost of legal representation. These expenses can add up quickly and you may find yourself in a tight financial situation.

With a big holiday weekend right around the corner, it's important to designate a driver if you are going to be out drinking. Whether driving a boat or a car, it's important to have a sober driver. If you do end up getting pulled over for drinking and driving, contact Gibbons Law Firm right away. Our Lake of the Ozarks attorney can help walk you through the legal proceedings you will soon face. Remember, your first consultation with our law firm is always free.

Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.

Your Trusted Legal Resource

Gibbons Law Firm

2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 348-2211

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Top Safety Tips for a Day on the Water

Do you enjoy spending time at the Lake of the Ozarks? You're not alone. Our area is a top destination for vacationers and water lovers, alike. It's no surprise that the Lake of the Ozarks was voted the Best Recreational Lake in the United States! If you spend a lot of time on the lake, it's important to use safety precautions. Take a look below if you and your family plan to spend time out on the water the remainder of the summer.

Water Safety Tips

- Always keep an eye on children while swimming

- Ensure those who aren't strong swimmers have a flotation device handy.

- Never swim alone.

- Make sure your dock has the proper electrical grounding.

- Swim away from the dock if you feel an electrical current in the water.

- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

- Avoid swimming right next to a dock. A large wave could push you into or under the dock.

- Don't dive into the water unless you are familiar with the area.

- Keep an eye on the weather and stop swimming as soon as you see lightning or hear thunder.

Boating Safety Tips

- Children under the age of 13 should wear a lifejacket - it's the law.

- Never drink and drive a boat - designate a captain before going out on the water.

- If you are born after 1984, you need a boater safety course and card to operate a vessel.

- Let someone on land know your boating plans and approximate return time.

- Ensure everyone on board has a lifejacket that's easily accessible.

- Use caution around other boaters.

- Keep an eye on the weather conditions and head back to shore if a storm is coming your way.

- If you have swimmers in the water, ensure you have an orange flag to alert other boaters.

- Always turn off the engine when passengers are swimming off the boat.

Now that you know these quick safety tips for spending time on the lake, you're ready to have a fun and safe day out on the lake. Whether you're boating with the family or swimming on the shore with friends, it's important to use safety anytime you are around water. As your experienced lawyer at the Lake of the Ozarks, we want to help give you a refresher course in water safety. If you do get into a legal issue on the water, contact Gibbons Law Firm right away. From a BUI to boat collision, we can help represent your side of the case. Remember, your first consultation with our Lake of the Ozarks law firm is ALWAYS free.

Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.

Your Trusted Legal Resource

Gibbons Law Firm

2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 348-2211

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Ways a Lawyer Can Help Protect Your Small Business

Do you own a small business? As a business owner, you've likely poured your heart and soul into your business. Here at Gibbons Law Firm, we know how invested you are in your venture and we want to help make sure you have the proper protection for your livelihood. As an experienced business lawyer at the Lake of the Ozarks, we know the ins and outs of running a successful business and having a go-to lawyer on your side is vital. Whether it's a quick legal question about terminating employment or a legal eye to look over your contracts, a lawyer at the Lake of the Ozarks is important for your small business.

Advise You Through the Start Up Process

As you create your small business, it's important to have the proper documentation in place. A number of legal decisions will need to be made as you gear up for your venture. Deciding what type of corporation is the first big decision that will need to be made. A lawyer can help advise you as to which option is the best fit for your unique personal and business situation.

Offer a Legal Eye for Your Documents

As you run your business, you will come across the need for a ton of documentation - even on a daily basis. It's important to have that go-to person to review your legal documents before you or someone else signs them. Any contracts you put together should be reviewed and you should have a legal advisor take a look at any documentation before you sign your name or business name. It's best to have a lawyer look at this kind of document before, instead of asking questions after the fact.

Provide Advise for Employment Agreements

Employment can be a very sensitive subject. Many small businesses will hire on a family member or friend and skip over the formal hiring documentation. Avoid skipping the legal stuff when it comes to hiring employees - even if it is a friend or family member pitching in and helping. Hiring someone is a professional process and should be treated as such with the proper documentation. These documents can help save your business from a potential lawsuit, down the road. Any hiring and firing should be fully documented.

Help Establish an Exit Plan

If you are starting up a business, exiting the business is likely the last thing on your mind. Even if it is years down the road, it's important to put this type of succession plan in place. A lawyer can help you iron out the details as to who will gain ownership, who will carry out the day to day activities, and/or how your succession will play out. It's also important to have documentation in writing for whoever will be taking over down the road. This day may be here before you know it and it's easier to have everything documented ahead of time, especially if the takeover is sudden and unexpected.

Now that you know WHY you should hire a business attorney for your Lake of the Ozarks business, you need to find the right person to represent your venture. Our law firm at the Lake of the Ozarks prides itself on offering sound legal advice for your small business. Contact us today to meet our attorney. Don't forget that your first consultation with our law firm is always free!

Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.

Your Trusted Legal Resource

Gibbons Law Firm

2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 348-2211

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