- Workers Compensation
- Wrongful TerminationIt is critical for a small business to have a Businessowners’ policy and perhaps other liability policy(ies) not only for the coverage of your business property, but most importantly to cover all the significant liabilities that your business may face. Most of the small business owner’s wealth is tied to the business he/she has built. If someone initiates a lawsuit, both the business’ wealth and your personal wealth could be at risk. The business insurance premiums are well worth the peace of mind the policies provide. Lawsuits can be initiated for a whole host of reasons: wrongful dismissal, bad advice, and slips and falls inside or outside the property. Some of these risks would be covered in a typical businessowners’ policy and others require a specialty policy. Without the proper type of insurance and adequate coverage, the owner could lose far more than they can afford.
- Employment DiscriminationTwo types of risks you should seriously consider are employment practices liability insurance and professional liability insurance. Recent high levels in the unemployment rate have led to increases in claims under the Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 15%; the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission indicated that claims are at their highest level in the 44 year history of the Commission. These claims are generally excluded from the typical businessowners’ insurance policy. Many smaller businesses, especially those who consider their employees to be an extension of their family, do not have the specialty employment practices liability insurance policy necessary to cover this risk because they feel it to be too expensive or unnecessary for their business. Not terribly long ago a client of mine who had declined to have this coverage then had the unpleasant experience of being sued by a former employee who claimed age discrimination when the employee could no longer physically perform the duties required for her job. She was offered a different job which she refused, and when she was subsequently terminated, she sued. Engaging attorneys to represent my client, and the process of defending the claim consumed my client taking much valued time away from running her business. Even though my client ultimately triumphed in the matter, the loss in the growth of the business as a result was hurtful. Although not inexpensive, my client has been covered with employment practices liability insurance ever since and certainly sees the value of the coverage.
- Personal InjuryIf you are in the “advice” or “service” business – that is any kind of consultant, software engineer, other professional (architect, lawyer, accountant, dentist, doctor) or marketing firm, you will need to consider whether you are covered for errors and omissions. These policies cover any negligent act or alleged negligence, personal injury (libel or slander), copyright infringement and also provide the defense for such claims. You should consider having coverage for professional liability (or errors & omissions) that at least equals the aggregate value of your personal and business assets. The very last thing you should want is a lawsuit to wipe out all of your hard work to build your business.
- Estate Planning
- Power of AttorneyIf you or your losed are unable to handle your own financial matters as a result of becoming seriously ill or for any other reason, a durable power of attorney gives you the capability to name someone you trust that can handle these affairs for you. Jacquey Dougherty has performed these services for more than 10 individuals in the past 7 years. She is fully bonded. She has investigated and contracted with Assisted Living Facilities for clients, ensured they have the best valve of health insurance, and occured their bill timely. From monitoring expenses and paying bills, handling banking transactions or living arrangements, Dougherty Financial consultants can assist our South Jersey and Philadelphia clients with these and many other duties. Bookkeeping South Jersey
- Tax LawAt Dougherty Financial, we work closely with our clients to educate and guide them through a full range of tax planning and preparation decisions. We formulate honest strategies that minimize your tax liabilities under the law. Our expertise and experience allow us to optimize financial opportunities for you. We are knowledgeable on Federal, State and Local tax laws and the ways in which they assect our clients. We stay updated on changes as they occur. We work through out the year with our small business clients, in particular, to be sure there are no surprice liabilities at tax time. We don't stop after April 16th.