Final PaperBusiness Law 201Keith S. Ferguson This is a complex case, involving multiple parties and several variables that must be thoroughly examined. The parties named include plant maintenance company operator Knarles, his son Barkley, their employee, a licensed plumber and Mr. Chetum. Although Chetum ultimately sued the facilities maintenance company for breach of contract, all factors must be examined to determine proper fault. Knarles' company is based in Maryland and has operations in Washington, Maryland and Virginia. Ian Chetum's building is located and the work to be done is in Northern Virginia. Each US territory, including Washington DC, has its own state courts. If the breach of contract had been filed within the first month of business where Mr. Chetum likely would have paid only between $2,000 and $4,000, this claim could have been filed in a court of limited jurisdiction or small claims court entity. If more people are injured due to carbon monoxide poisoning it is likely that the dollar amount will increase significantly and the fact that more state jurisdictions are involved will also change how it is handled. This case could be heard in U.S. federal court if Knarles deems it necessary. Otherwise it will likely be heard in Virginia state court. This is because, as stated in our textbooks, "the state courts and the courts of the Washington DC territories of the United States have jurisdiction over cases for which the federal courts do not have jurisdiction" (Cheeseman pg 31). Another factor to consider is whether hospitalized individuals are suing Mr. Chetum for negligence. Knarles would also be involved in this case since it was his company that performed the maintenance. This would likely overshadow his company's actions and the work they do in carrying out their duty. He also hired an unlicensed plumber and could be held at fault for that plumber's lack of licensing. While Mr. Chetum deserves to be brought to justice, it appears that almost anyone who is wrong can be held accountable for even following orders. Knarles would do well to reevaluate who he puts his trust in before leaving the state and its affairs in the hands of a 17-year-old again. Works Cited Business Law 201 Henry Cheeseman Legal Environment, Online Commerce, Business Ethics, and International Issues. http://legal-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/breach+of+contract http://images.findlaw.com/optimost/accident-injury-law/elements-of-a-negligence-case-2.htmlhttp:/ /e-lawresources.co.uk/Duty-of-care.php