The Supreme Court of Texas has held that a defendant need not be in privity with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) in order to be able to assert the defense that the contractor is in compliance with contract documents material to the condition or defect that proximately caused personal injury, property damage, or death....
Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are a common way for two companies to join forces with the expectation that the new company will be better than the sum of its parts. The new company expects profits to grow as a result of lower production costs and an expanded market share. However, things don’t always turn out...
Liability insurance coverage is purchased to transfer liability risks to an insurance company. Professional liability insurance (E&O) typically covers errors and omissions committed in the course of providing professional services. A recent decision by the district court for the Northern District of Texas, Wichita Falls Division, revealed that professional liability insurance for a home care...
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has recently updated the criteria it uses to select which companies will be targeted during safety inspections. Employers should familiarize themselves with OSHA’s revisions to their inspection program and ensure proper reporting and safety procedures. They should also consult a lawyer if they have questions or need to...
Potential sweeping rule changes continue to impact the nation’s trucking industry. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has recommended 18 new rule changes and proposals to federal trucking laws to ease regulatory compliance and support rapid industry growth. Our national law firm can help you navigate these changes and new rules instituted by the...
Texas has long been home to multibillion-dollar industries like oil and gas, construction, and chemical manufacturing. With a pair of new bills signed into law in May 2025, the state hopes to become even more attractive for business owners who want to create or redomicile their companies. Below, the Texas business lawyers from Fee, Smith...
A recent decision by the Fifth Circuit Court speaks to a larger issue about an employer’s willingness and cooperation to reasonably accommodate employees with disabilities. As this case shows, delays can have a negative impact on individuals who need assistive resources to carry out their responsibilities. To ensure that your business embeds these good faith...
In June, Governor Abbott signed into law House Bill 40 (HB 40), which expanded the jurisdiction and operational framework of the Texas Business Court. Texas has recently passed a succession of business-friendly laws, intending to convey the message that Texas is a welcome home for businesses. The business court was created in 2024, and subsequent...
For professional services firms in Texas, such as engineering, architecture, accounting, and legal practices, understanding the Texas Public Information Act (TPIA) is crucial, particularly when interacting with governmental entities. The TPIA promotes transparency by granting public access to government records. However, it also includes specific exceptions to protect sensitive information, which are particularly relevant to...
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is responsible for regulating products and activities that impact public health. Its protections include regulating manufacturers of several industries, including food, drugs, medical devices, tobacco, cosmetics, medical devices, radiation-emitting products, and biologics. These manufacturers are subject to tremendous scrutiny, and product liability claims can be successful if they prove...
