rsynder_law, Author at RSnyder Law

Compromised playground safety can lead to injuries

We all know that children have a decreased sense of danger in comparison to adults. They are still learning about the world, are naturally curious and want to be active. Public playgrounds can be a great opportunity to allow your children to learn, socialize and play. However, playgrounds can come with certain dangers. Playgrounds are subject to regulations and inspections from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). However, there has been a recent troubling incident in California where a child was fatally injured on a playground. It is important, therefore, that you exercise reasonable caution to ensure your child's safety and that you report any unsafe situation. How can public playground accidents be prevented? There are many ways to ensure the safety of public playgrounds. It is first vital that all play equipment is installed correctly. This means making sure that all playground equipment has a minimum of 12 inches of wood [...]

rsynder_law2020-02-10T05:48:41+00:00March 29th, 2019|

What should I do after I’m fired from my job?

Sometimes your employer has every right to terminate your employment relationship. Other times, the termination is unlawful. It could be grounds for a wrongful termination claim in which you can pursue compensation or other remedies. To protect your right to file a claim, consider taking the following steps after you lose a job: Leave politely: There's no reason to throw a fit or do anything "untoward" when leaving your workplace. Be kind an respectful and leave in a peaceful way. Save all evidence and information that could potentially support a claim for wrongful termination if you believe that your rights were violated. Collect the compensation you're owed: Your employer needs to give you your final paycheck within a specific period. Find out what that time period is, and ensure that your employer follows the law. Is there a severance agreement stating that you're owed a severance package? Make sure you understand what your [...]

rsynder_law2020-02-12T10:30:28+00:00March 22nd, 2019|

How to talk to your employer about pregnancy

Becoming pregnant and welcoming a new life into the world should be something to celebrate, but unfortunately, many expectant mothers worry about how this new chapter of their lives will affect their careers. If you are pregnant in California, it is important that you understand the laws that are in place to protect you. You should also put consideration into when and how to tell your employer about your pregnancy. You may not want to tell your employer too early in your pregnancy, but it is important that you give them enough notice. How much notice do I need to give before I intend to take maternity leave? You have the responsibility to notify your employer 30 days in advance for any request to take pregnancy-related leave. However, if an unforeseeable medical issue arises due to your pregnancy, you will only need to provide notice as soon as it is possible [...]

rsynder_law2020-02-11T10:40:13+00:00March 19th, 2019|

Exposure to pollutants is another on-the-job risk

Wildfires in California continue to cause significant tragedy across the state. The damage goes even deeper than the property damage in the headlines. There are devastating losses that will continue to burden Californians for years to come. Invisible danger A fire doesn’t just destroy property. The destruction releases smoke and toxic chemicals as well. Unlike a forest fire, when a town burns, it releases toxins from plumbing, wiring, plastics, industrial chemicals and more. Air and ground pollution are serious concerns for first responders and for anyone living and working in the city as it recovers. Wildfire damage in urban settings is a new development and the research doesn’t adequately measure the potential hazards. There is currently a study underway comparing the soil from fire damage in Santa Rosa to the soil from forest fires in unsettled areas, and the difference is notable. In Santa Rosa, there is evidence of more than [...]

rsynder_law2020-02-10T06:32:04+00:00March 17th, 2019|

The importance of doing your own workers’ compensation research

If you have been injured at work, after seeking medical treatment, it is likely that you will go to your employer for advice about filing for workers' compensation. It is possible that you will trust everything that your employer tells you about your rights under workers' compensation laws. It is important that you do not automatically take your employer's advice for granted. This is the case for two reasons. First, your employer may not be fully equipped with the correct information, and therefore, may unknowingly give you false information. Second, your employer may try to convince you not to file for workers' compensation by giving your inaccurate information, because they do not want to deal with a workers' compensation claim. What responsibilities does my employer have? Your employer has the duty to provide immediate emergency medical treatment when it is necessary. In addition, they have the duty to submit a report of [...]

rsynder_law2020-02-11T12:25:43+00:00March 6th, 2019|

Your rights as a disabled employee in California

If you are a job seeker or an employee who has a disability, you may be wondering what your rights are in the workplace. If you do not know your rights, you will not know when it is appropriate to enforce them. This is why it is important that you take the time to learn about what type of treatment is unacceptable and how you should demand to be treated. If you work for or are dealing with an employer that employs 15 or more people, they are subject to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). The ADA applies to all aspects of the employment cycle, from the recruitment practice that a potential employee is subject to, to job protection, promotions and pay. Am I considered disabled under the ADA? If you have a mental or physical impairment that affects at least one major life activity, then you qualify as [...]

rsynder_law2020-02-12T10:46:19+00:00February 28th, 2019|

Understanding dog bite laws in California

When you encounter a dog in a park or at the house of a friend, you are unlikely to feel threatened by it or in any danger. You may even be inclined to pet it and engage in playful behavior because most well-trained and healthy dogs respond positively to such behavior. However, if you had an experience where a dog acted aggressively toward you and bit you, it is likely that you will be in a great deal of pain and will need to seek medical attention as a result. In the state of California, dog owners are strictly liable for dog bites that occur on public property, and for dog bites that occur on private property when the victim is on the property legally. Therefore, if you were bitten by a dog in California, you may want to consider taking action to gain back damages for the financial expenses [...]

rsynder_law2020-02-12T07:15:25+00:00February 22nd, 2019|

Understanding workers’ compensation hearings and appeals

If you have been injured in a California workplace, you should be entitled to compensation for the damages that you suffered. Most people suffer a measurable amount of financial damages even in the case of a minor injury. Even if they only have to take off one day of work and pay for minor medical treatment, they may have to pay medical bills and lose wages as a result. This is why it is important that you take action as soon as you can to file a workers' compensation claim. If you do not file the claim within 30 days of the original injury occurring, you may no longer be eligible to gain damages. What is a workers' compensation hearing? One of the most important aspects in a workers' compensation claim is the hearing. In the hearing, you need to make a persuading case as to why you legitimately deserve [...]

rsynder_law2020-02-12T07:56:53+00:00February 15th, 2019|

Your employer’s obligation to pay employees

As an employee in the United States, you have the right to get paid fairly and punctually. This means that employers who do not pay their employees on time or do not pay them what they are entitled to under the law can be subject to legal action. It is important that you equip yourself with information about your rights as an employee in California. By doing this, you can take action when your employer falls short on their legal obligations to you. Understanding the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and how it relates to wages The vast majority of businesses in the United States are subject to FLSA laws. These laws set the minimum wage, and define how overtime pay is applied to employees. When should I consider taking action because of wage issues? You have the right to be paid on time. If your employer delays the payment [...]

rsynder_law2020-02-12T10:44:17+00:00February 5th, 2019|

Violence dramatically increases against nurses

Nurses are the people who take care of everyone before themselves; they assist doctors, help patients and advise loved ones about their relative’s health. However, more nurses are finding themselves needing care after workplace violence. According to 2018 investigation, the rate of violence against nurses rose from 7.8 per 10,000 in 2016 to 8.8 in 2017 – the highest level since 2011. The data suggests that healthcare professionals are the most at the risk of assault in the workplace. While more local hospitals continue efforts to reduce assaults, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration stopped its random inspections for violence due to “not enough problems to justify the practice.” Currently, OSHA responds after a workplace assault is reported and commits to keeping healthcare professionals safe in their work environment. Ways to reduce the risk of assault While assaults continue to increase, it’s critical for nurses to recognize the signs of a [...]

rsynder_law2020-02-12T08:00:24+00:00February 2nd, 2019|

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