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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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]