Late payments are more than an inconvenience-they disrupt cash flow, strain vendor relationships, and pull focus away from running your business. For companies in construction, manufacturing, professional services, and beyond, payment delays can quickly become a recurring operational risk rather than one-off frustration.

At Wagner, Falconer & Judd, we regularly work with businesses facing the same question: At what point does a late payment become a legal issue? The answer isn’t just about timelines-it’s about protecting your business interests strategically.

Why Payment Delays Hurt More Than You Think

Payment delays create ripple effects that can impact your entire operation. When receivables slow down, businesses may struggle to cover payroll, pay vendors, invest in growth, or take on new projects. Over time, consistent delays can turn into bad debt, forcing companies to write off revenue they already earned.

There’s also the hidden cost of time Chasing unpaid invoices diverts leadership and accounting teams from higher-value work. When delays become habitual, they can signal deeper issues with a client’s financial stability-or their respect for your terms.

When Late Payments Become Legal Risk

Not every late invoice requires legal intervention. However, there are clear signs that payment delays have crossed from “business as usual” into “business risk”, including:

• Repeated missed deadlines despite reminders
• Broken promises to pay by a certain date
• Partial payments without explanation
• Disputes raised only after payment is due
• Silence or avoidance from the debtor

These patterns may indicate cash flow problems, internal disorganization, or intentional delay tactics. Left unaddressed, they increase the likelihood that payment may never come.

Legal Action as a Business Tool-Not a Last Resort

Legal action is often viewed as confrontational, but in reality, it is a business tool designed to protect your financial interests. Strategic legal intervention can:

• Signal that your company takes payment obligations seriously
• Prompt faster resolution when informal efforts stall
• Preserve documentation and evidence if litigation becomes necessary
• Help enforce contract rights, lien rights, or bond claims
• Improve long-term payment behavior across your client base

In many cases, a well-timed attorney demand letter or structured collections approach results in payment without the need for litigation. The key is acting early-before unpaid balances grow or deadlines to enforce your rights to expire.

Timing Matters: Don’t Wait Too Long

Delaying legal action can limit your options. Certain rights-such as mechanic’s liens, bond claims, and statutory remedies-are time sensitive. Missing these deadlines can mean losing leverage or the ability to recover payment entirely.

Proactive legal guidance allows businesses to evaluate:

• The strength of their contract and documentation
• Whether lien or bond rights apply
• The cost-benefit of pursuing formal collections or litigation
• How to structure future contracts to reduce risk

How WFJ Helps Businesses Navigate Payment Delays

Wagner, Falconer and Judd works with businesses across industries to manage payment risk before it becomes a crisis. Our attorneys assist with:

• Contract review and drafting to strengthen payment protections
• Strategic collections and demand letters
• Preserving and enforcing lien and bond rights
• Litigation when informal efforts fail
• Developing internal payment policies and escalation processes

Our goal is to help clients recover what they are owed while minimizing disruption to their operations and relationships.

Proactive Steps You Can Take Today

If payment delays are becoming a pattern, consider these immediate steps:

• Review your contracts and payment terms for enforceability
• Track payment behavior by client and identify repeat issues
• Establish clear internal escalation timelines
• Consult legal counsel early to preserve your options
• Strengthen upfront documentation and invoicing practices

Bottom Line

Payment delays aren’t just an accounting problem-they are a business risk that requires strategic decision-making. Knowing when to escalate from internal follow-up to legal action can protect your cash flow, your team’s time, and your long-term stability.

If your business is experiencing recurring payment delays or growing unpaid balances, Wagner, Falconer & Judd can help you evaluate your options and take action before the problem grows.

Need help protecting you right to get paid?

Our Commercial Collections and Construction law team work with businesses to enforce payment rights and protect cash flow. Reach out to Wagner, Falconer & Judd to discuss proactive strategies and next steps.

Accidents don’t come with a warning label. A car crash, a slip and fall, a workplace injury, or an unsafe property condition can change your life in seconds. While no one plans to be injured, understanding your rights and responsibilities before an incident occurs can make a significant difference in protecting your health, finances, and legal options.

At Wagner, Falconer & Judd, we help individuals and families navigate personal injury claims with clarity and confidence. Below is what you should know before an accident happens-and the critical steps to take immediately after.

What to Know Before an Accident Happens

Understand What a Personal Injury Claim Is

A personal injury claim arises when someone is injured due to another party’s negligence or unsafe conduct.

Common examples include:

• Motor vehicle accidents
• Slip and fall injuries
• Dog bites
• Construction site accidents
• Unsafe premises or defective products

If another party failed to act reasonably and caused your injury, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Know That Insurance Companies are Not Neutral

Insurance adjusters are trained to protect their company’s bottom line. While they may appear helpful, their goal is often to minimize payouts. Early statements, recorded calls, or quick settlement offers can work against you if you don’t fully understand your rights.

Documentation Matters More Than You Think

Strong personal injury claims are built on evidence. Photos, medical records, witness information, and timely reports can make or break a claim. Knowing this ahead of time helps you take the right steps when emotions and stress are high.

Time Limits Apply

Every state has statutes of limitations that imit how long you have to bring a claim. Waiting too long can permanently bar your right to recover compensation, even if your case is strong.

Legal Guidance Early Can Protect Your Case

Talking with a personal injury attorney early can help preserve evidence, avoid costly mistakes, and position your claim for a stronger outcome-even before you decide whether to move forward with a lawsuit.

What to Do Immediately After an Accident or Injury

Get Medical Care First

Your health comes first. Seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor. Some injuries take time to appear, and medical records provide critical documentation of your condition.

Document the Scene (If You Are Able)

Take photos or videos of:

• The accident scene
• Property conditions
• Vehicles involved
• Visible injuries

If there are witnesses, collect names and contact information.

Report the Incident

• Car accidents: call law enforcement
• Workplace injuries: report to your employer
• Slip and falls or premises injuries: notify the property owner or manager

Request copies of any reports made.

Be Careful What You Say

Avoid admitting fault or speculating about what caused the accident. Statements made in the moment can be taken out of context later.

Do Not Rush Into a Settlement

Quick settlement offers may not reflect the full extent of your injuries or future medical needs. Once you accept a settlement, you often waive your right to pursue additional compensation later.

Contact a Personal Injury Attorney

An experienced attorney can:

• Evaluate whether you have a claim
• Communicate with insurers on your behalf
• Help preserve evidence
• Protect your rights from the start

Why Working with Wagner, Falconer & Judd Matters

Personal injury claims are about more than compensation-they’re about accountability and recovery. At WFJ, our personal injury attorneys work closely with clients to:

• Evaluate claims honestly and clearly
• Navigate insurance company tactics
• Pursue fair compensation
• Reduce stress during an already difficult time

We understand that injuries affect more than just finances-they disrupt your work, family life, and sense of security. Our role is to handle the legal complexity so you can focus on healing.

Proactive Protection Starts With Knowing Your Rights

You can’t predict accidents- but you can prepare for them. Knowing what to do before and after an injury can protect your health, your financial future, and your legal rights. If you or a loved one has been injured, or if you want to understand your options before something happens, Wagner, Falconer & Judd is here to help.

Need guidance? Contact WFJ to speak to a member of our personal injury team and learn how we can support you through every step of the process.

Minnesota employers should take note of updated minimum wage rates that took effect in 2026. These annual adjustments are tied to inflation and carry important compliance obligations for businesses operating throughout the state-with separate requirements for Minneapolis and St. Paul.

Statewide Minnesota Minimum Wage (Excluding Minneapolis and St. Paul)

As of January 1, 2026, Minnesota’s minimum wage increased:

• Standard minimum wage: from $11.13/hour to $11.41/hour
• 90-day training wage (employees under age 20): from $8.85/hour to $9.31/hour

These rates apply to all hours worked, regardless of whether an employee is full-time or part-time and regardless of how they are paid (hourly, salary, commission, etc.)

Importantly, Minnesota does not allow a tip credit. Employers may not count tips toward meeting minimum wage obligations. Employees who receive tips must be paid at least the full minimum wage, in addition to any tips earned.

Minneapolis Minimum Wage

Employers with employees working in Minneapolis are subject to higher local minimum wage requirements. As of January 1, 2026, the Minneapolis minimum wage increased:

• From $15.97/hour to $16.37/hour

This rate applies to all employees working in Minneapolis, regardless of employer size.

St. Paul Minimum Wage (Varies by Employer Size)

St. Paul continues to phase in minimum wage increases based on employer size:

• Employers with 5 or Fewer Employees:
  • Increases from $13.25/hour to $14.25/hour on July 1, 2026
• Employers with 6-100 Employees:
  • Increases from $15.00/hour to $16.37/hour on July 1, 2026
• Employers with 101+ Employees:
  • Increased from $15.97/hour to $16.37/hour on January 1, 2026

Employers with operations in multiple locations should confirm which wage requirements apply to each employee based on where the work is performed.

Employer Compliance Requirements

In addition to updating payroll rates, employers must also meet notice and posting obligations:

• Update minimum wage posters to reflect the new rates
  • Posters must be displayed in conspicuous location accessible to employees
• Provide written notice to employees of any change to their rate of pay before the change takes effect

Failing to update pay rates, notices, or postings can expose employers to wage claims, penalties, and compliance issues.

How WFJ’s Compliance Center Can Help

Wage and hour compliance continues to be a common source of employer risk-particularly for businesses operating across multiple cities with different wage laws. WFJ’s Compliance Center helps employers stay ahead of changing requirements through proactive guidance, compliance audits, policy support, and ongoing education. 

If you have questions about how these 2026 minimum wage updates impact your business-or would like help reviewing your wage practices, postings, or employee communications-our team is here to help you stay compliant and avoid costly missteps.

AI is changing the way music is created, distributed, and consumed-and not always in ways that benefit artists. If you’ve spent any time on streaming platforms lately, you may have come across an artist who seemed to appear overnight: polished tracks, impressive streaming numbers, and a rapidly growing fanbase. Recent controversy around bands like The Velvet Sundown has raised an important question for musicians and creators:

If AI can create music-even “artists”-what protections exist to stop someone from using your voice, likeness, or identity without permission?

Tennessee has taken a major step toward answering that question.

The ELVIS Act: A First-of-Its-Kind Law in the U.S. 

The ELVIS Act (Ensuring Likeness Voice and Image Security Act)- the first legislation in the United States specifically designed to protect musicians and other individuals from the unauthorized use of their voices through AI, deepfakes, and voice-cloning technology.

The ELVIS Act expands Tennessee’s existing Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) protections and introduces several important updates, including:

• Expanded definition of “voice”.
  • “Voice” is now defined as a sound in a medium that is readily identifiable and attributable to a particular individual-whether it is the actual voice or a simulated version of that voice. 
• Property rights over identity.
  • Every individual has a property right in the use of their name, photograph, voice, and likeness in any medium or manner.
• Civil liability for unauthorized commercial use. 
  • Anyone who knowingly uses or infringes on an individual’s name, photograph, voice, or likeness for advertising, merchandise, fundraising, or other commercial purpose is to produce an individual’s photograph, voice, or likeness without authorization.
• AI-specific liability.
  • The law creates civil liability for distributing or transmitting content to an algorithm, software tool, or technology service when the primary purpose is to produce an individual’s photraph, voice, or likeness without authorization.
• Lowered knowledge threshold for liability.
  • The standard has shifted from “had knowledge” to “knew or reasonably should have known” that the use was unauthorized-making it easier for creators to hold bad actors accountable.

Why This Matters for Musicians and Creators 

The ELVIS Act closes a growing legal gap by formally extending name, image, and likeness protections to include voice-both real and simulated. This is critical as AI tools become more sophisticated and more accessible.

For musicians, this law:

• Protects against unauthorized voice cloning
• Limits the commercial use of AI-generated versions of your voice
• Creates legal consequences for businesses and platforms that misuse identity-based AI tools
• Expands accountability for those who “should have known” their use was unauthorized

In short, Tennessee has created meaningful guardrails that protect creative identity in the age of AI.

A National Signal from a Major Music State

Tennessee’s leaders on this issue matters. The state supports more than 61,000 industry jobs and contributes $5.8 billion to the state’s economy through music and creative industries. The ELVIS Act sets a precedent that other states are likely to follow as AI-generated content continues to reshape entertainment, marketing, and media.

As AI expands into nearly every area of business and creative work, artists should stay informed about legislative changes-especially how emerging technology may impact their voices, likenesses, and revenue streams. Understanding your rights is the first step to protecting your work.

How WFJ Can Help

WFJ regularly advises business owners and creatives navigating contracts, licensing, and intellectual property rights. As laws around AI evolve, our team can help you:

• Understand how new legislation applies to your creative work
• Protect you voice, image, likeness, and ideas
• Enforce your rights when unauthorized use occurs
• Structure contracts to account for AI-related risks

If you’re concerned about how AI may affect your work, your brand, or your income, WFJ can help you navigate this rapidly changing legal landscape with clarity and confidence.

About the Author
Paige Kochanski is an attorney in WFJ’s Entertainment Law group. Her practice focuses on music, film, and creative content matters. She regularly assists clients with contracts related to music, songwriting, publishing, copyright, and licensing, and is passionate about helping businesses and creatives protect their work and their rights.

Estate planning isn’t just for the rich or the retired, it’s for anyone who wants peace of mind. Whether you’re protecting your family, planning for medical emergencies, or organizing how your assets will be handled, having the right legal documents in place matters.

Through LegalShield, members have access to WFJ’s experienced attorneys who can help you take meaningful, affordable steps toward a complete estate plan-without the intimidation or high upfront costs that often stop people from getting started.

Here’s how LegalShield support the most common estate planning needs:

Wills & Codicils: Put Your Wishes in Writing

A will outlines how your assets are distributed and who will care for minor children. A codicil allows you to update your will as life changes-marriage, divorce, new children, or major financial shifts.

LegalShield Benefit:

Members can have a basic will prepared or updated by a qualified attorney as part of their membership. This gives you a legally sound foundation and the confidence that your wishes are clearly documented.

Living Wills/Physician’s Directives: Medical Decisions, Your Way

A living will (also called a physician’s directive) spells out your healthcare preferences if you’re unable to communicate them yourself. This helps loved ones and medical providers honor your wishes during critical moments.

LegalShield Benefit:

WFJ attorneys help members prepare advance healthcare directives so decisions aren’t left to guesswork or conflict during emotional situations.

Trusts: Planning Beyond a Basic Will

Trusts can offer added control, privacy, and efficiency-especially for families with minor children, blended families, or larger or more complex estates. Trusts can also help avoid probate and provide structured asset management.

LegalShield Benefit:

While trusts are more complex than standard wills, LegalShield members receive consultations and discounted legal services for trust planning. This gives members access to professional guidance before committing to a larger estate planning structure.

Power of Attorney: Someone You Trust When You Need It

A power of attorney allows you to name someone to make financial or legal decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so. This is a key document for illness, injury, or long-term planning.

LegalShield Benefit:

Members can work with an attorney to draft powers of attorney that fit their specific needs-helping avoid court involvement or family disputes during stressful times.

Probate: Understanding the Process Before it Happens

Probate is the legal process of settling an estate after someone passes away. It can be time-consuming and emotionally draining for families-especially if planning wasn’t done in advance.

LegalShield Benefit

LegalShield provides attorney access and consultaitons to help members understand probate, their role as an executor or beneficiary, and options for minimizing probate through proper planning. Members also receive discounted rates if probate representation becomes necessary.

Why LegalShield and WFJ Make Estate Planning Easier

Many people delay estate planning because they assume it’s expensive, complicated, or only needed “later.” LegalShield and WFJ remove those barriers by offering:;

• Affordable access to qualified attorneys
• Flat-fee membership instead of large upfront legal bills
• Guidance before problems arise
• Ongoing legal support as life changes

Estate planning isn’t about expecting the worst-it’s about taking care of the people you love and reducing stress for them down the road. LegalShield gives you a practical way to get started, ask questions, and build a plan that grows with you.

Liens & Bonds Protect Cash Flow

For many contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers, lien and bonds are often viewed as last-resort tools-something to use only when a project has gone seriously wrong. In reality, liens and bonds are foundational legal protections, designed to preserve cash flow and prevent disputes long before they escalate.

Used correctly and early, liens and bonds are not aggressive. They are practical business tools that protect payment rights, improve leverage, and create clarity for everyone involved in a project.

Why Cash Flow Protection Matters

In construction, cash flow is more than a financial metric-it’s the lifeblood of the business. Delayed or missed payments can ripple through payroll, materials, subcontractors, and future projects.

Liens and bonds exist because the construction industry carries unique payment risk:

• Multiple parties working under layered contracts
• Payment dependent on project programs and owner funding
• Long timelines between work performed and payment received

Legal protections help balance those risks.

Liens and Bonds are Preventative Tools

Contrary to common belief, preserving lien and bond rights does not mean starting a dispute. In fact, these tools often prevent disputes. 

By providing notice and preserving rights:

• Expectations around payment are clarified early
• Issues are identified before they become crises
• Payment discussions remain structured and professional
• Leveral exists without immediate litigation

Many payment issues are resolved simply because lien or bond rights were preserved correctly and on time.

Understanding Lien Rights

A mechanics lien provides security for payment by tying unpaid work or materials to the property itself. It encourages resolution because unresolved liens can affect financing, refinancing, and property transfers.

Key points to understand:

• Lien rights are deadline-driven and unforgiving
• Notices often must be sent early in the project
• Missing a deadline can permanently eliminate rights
• Proper compliance strengthens negotiating leverage

Preserving lien rights is about keeping options available, not creating conflict.

Understanding Bond Claims

On bonded projects, payment bonds serve a similar function-providing an alternative path to payment when direct payment stalls.

Bond Claims:

• Protect subcontractors and suppliers on pubic and private projects
• Shift payment disputes away from property owners
• Often require strict notice and timing compliance
• Can resolve payment issues without litigation

Knowing whether a project is bonded-and how to preserve bond rights-is critical to cash flow protection.

Why Using These Tools Early Matters

Waiting too long to address payment protection increases risk. Once deadlines pass, leverage disappears.

Early use of lien and bond protections:

• Signals professionalism and preparedness
• Keeps projects moving forward
• Reduces the likelihood of litigation
• Protects relationships by addressing issues before emotions escalate

When used as part of a routine process, these tools become normal business practices-not confrontational actions.

Liens and Bonds Support Strong Business Relationships

Clear expectations protect everyone. When lien and bond rights are handled properly:

• Payment obligations are transparent
• Disputes are easier to resolve
• Business relationships are preserved
• Projects are more predictable

Strong legal protections often lead to fewer conflicts-not more.

Practical Guidance Makes the Difference

At Wagner, Falconer & Judd, we work with construction businesses to treat liens and bonds as strategic tools, not emergency measures. Our approach focuses on early planning, clear communication, and practical compliance-so clients protect cash flow while maintaining professional relationships.

Because getting paid shouldn’t require a fight-and the right legal protections help ensure it doesn’t.

Many people have heard the term “Credit Score” and “Credit Report” and know that it is important for credit cards but are not aware of how it is impacted both positively and negatively.

A Credit Report is record of your payment history, the amount of money you have borrowed, the amount of money used compared to how much you are qualified to use, the length of time you have been borrowing money, and the age of your accounts. Lenders and financial institutions can send this information to three credit bureaus, Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian, who keep track of the information. While all three bureaus report this information, some lenders may not report to all three.

A Credit Score is a rating of the ability of an individual to pay back borrowed money, using the information contained in a Credit Report. A credit score may vary depending on the credit bureau you that the lender is using, and the algorithm that they are using.

Not all borrowed money and payments are reported to the Credit Bureaus, but common lenders include private and public student loans, banks, credit card companies, and auto loans. It is the responsibility of the lender to report that information, if they do it for all individuals.

Typically, it takes at least 3-6 months of good credit behavior to see a noticeable change in your credit score. It is difficult to make a change any faster, unless the negative information on your credit report was a minor blip, like being late with bill payments one month. Some helpful tips for increasing your credit score are:

1. Always pay the full amount of your loans on time – One missed OR late payment can negatively impact your score
2. Use less of your credit limit – scoring models include how much credit/loans you are able to take out, and calculate how much you use compared to how much you can use. You can talk to your credit card companies about increasing your limit, pay off your credit card before big purchases, or make payments more frequently.
3. Keep open lines of credit, even if you’re not using them – As the models include the length of time accounts have been open, keeping older accounts open can help to increase your credit score.
4. FACT CHECK YOUR CREDIT REPORTS – Post the Covid-19 pandemic, all three Credit Bureaus will provide you a free weekly credit report, without impacting your Credit Score. While there are many sites that state they offer you free credit reports, the site authorized by the Federal government is www.annualcreditreport.com. Verify the information from all three Credit Bureaus is correct.
5. Dispute incorrect information – If you requested your credit report and the information is not correct, follow the steps from www.annualcreditreport.com to dispute the information.

Here are some time frames for negative information that detracts from your credit score:

• A delinquent account remains on your credit report for 7 years
• Car repossession stays on your report for 7 years
• Chapter 7 bankruptcy is on your report for 10 years. Chapter 13 remains for 7 years
• Hard credit application inquires remain on your report for 2 years
• Public record items such as property liens are on your report for 7 years.

Rental payments typically have not been reported to the bureaus, but a 2024 TransUnion study revealed an increasing trend of landlords and property managers reporting tenant rent payments. You aren’t allowed to self-report your on-time rent payments, but there are several rent reporting services that range in price. (Your landlord might even offer to cover this expense, as most of these services offer other resources to support those managing properties.)

For more information on Credit Reports and Credit Scores, the Federal Consumer

Financial Protection Bureau has a number of helpful articles to learn more.

Consumers have numerous options for reviewing, consolidating, and appealing information on their credit reports. It’s hard to know which option is best for your unique situation, so let the experienced attorneys at Wagner, Falconer & Judd simplify that for you. The sooner you take charge of your credit report, the sooner you can improve your score-so reach out to us today!