About Oni Harton, Esq.
Oni Harton is an experienced estate planning and litigation attorney. She has been writing and researching for more than two decades and enjoys contributing to efforts that connect people with critical legal services. Oni contributes to Super Lawyers by creating content and verifying the legal accuracy of articles. Oni is an Indiana University School of Law graduate. She is licensed in Indiana.
Articles written by Oni Harton, Esq.
IP at Work: Do You Own the Internal Tools You Build for Your Job?
Copyrightable work created by an employee within the scope of employment is generally owned by the employer as “work made for hire." For independent contractors, the contractor usually owns the copyright unless there is a valid written work made for hire agreement for certain types of works or a written assignment. As more employees and contractors build custom software tools to support their employers, IP ownership issues are becoming increasingly common. If you need assistance protecting …
Air Pollution Lawsuit: EPA Must Set Soot Designations
Soot pollution is one of the most serious air quality threats in the United States. In 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sought to address this issue by strengthening the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for fine particulate matter to improve public health. When the EPA missed a legal deadline to designate areas that fail to meet the updated 2024 standard, a coalition of health, community, and environmental groups, along with a group of over a dozen states, …
Understanding the ROAD to Housing Act: Benefits, Rules, and Who Qualifies
In July 2026, after months of back-and-forth between the House and the Senate, the most comprehensive federal housing package in a generation, the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act (ROAD Act), became law. The ROAD Act represents a landmark housing affordability bill that includes nearly 50 individual housing measures. The new law is designed to increase housing supply, improve affordability, expand access to homeownership, strengthen housing finance, and support veterans. It contains provisions …
How To Get Licensed in a Trade: Legal Requirements Explained
The laws governing licensing in a trade, from electricians, welders, and plumbers to general contractors and everything in between, vary widely. Trade license requirements are often handled by a state, city, or county board. The specific location and trade determine legal requirements, though some general eligibility rules apply to most licensed trades. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, skilled trades are among the fastest-growing occupations in the country. Holding the proper …
Are You Legally Required To Help Someone Who Is Injured?
Under U.S. common law, a stranger generally has no legal duty to rescue or assist someone who is injured. This means that in most situations, a passerby who sees an injured person and keeps going is not automatically civilly or criminally liable. Read on to learn key exceptions and protections from liability under Good Samaritan laws. If you have questions about civil or criminal liability as it relates to helping someone who is injured, contact a local personal injury lawyer in your area. The …
Wildfire Smoke Lawsuits: Can You Get Compensation for Air Pollution Illness?
Compensation through legal action may be available if you have been affected by wildfire smoke, depending on causation, liability, and applicable law. It can turn on key factors, including who caused the fire, what harm occurred, and how quickly you act. Contact a personal injury lawyer in your area who can explain your legal options based on your situation. Health Issues Caused by Wildfire Smoke Wildfire smoke can travel hundreds of miles and affect the air quality in communities far from the …
Can I Break My Lease if My Apartment Building Converts Into Airbnbs?
Whether you can break a lease if your apartment building converts into Airbnbs depends on several factors, including the terms of your individual lease, the state and local landlord-tenant law, and the circumstances surrounding any disruption to your living situation. While converting an apartment into short-term rentals does not automatically give you the right to break your lease, particular circumstances could strengthen your case. If you need help understanding your rights when your …
Can You Pay Rent With Services Instead of Money?
Most tenants pay rent from a checking account, via bank transfer, or through property management software or an online portal. However, in certain circumstances, you can make rent payments with services instead of money. That's called bartering for rent. Understand how the law views these arrangements, what protections exist, and how to structure an agreement to protect your rights. If you need help with an agreement to pay rent with services instead of money, contact a local landlord-tenant …
Rooming House and SRO Tenant Rights: What You Need To Know
Living in a rooming house or a single room occupancy (SRO) comes with distinct rights and challenges. There may be a common area where you share a kitchen or bathroom, and you may have different rights than those included in a standard lease agreement, but you still have protections under the law. It's critical to know your rights and how to protect them if you need to resolve a dispute involving rent, privacy, proper notice, or any other issue that may arise. If you need legal help protecting …
Can You Sue a Landlord for Toxic Mold Exposure and Property Damage?
If you or a loved one lives in a rental unit and has been exposed to toxic black mold or other toxic mold, and has symptoms or has experienced property damage, there are legal protections under the law. If a landlord refuses to address the issue after you report it, you may file a claim for mold exposure to recover money you spent on medical bills, damaged belongings, and other related costs. If you need help determining whether you have a claim against your landlord (or other responsible …
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