Category Archives: Labor Laws, Employment Law

I Got Fired After Getting Injured

Got Fired After Getting Injured and/or Filing a Workers’ Comp Claim?

Is That Considered Retaliation?

Fired due to injury San Francisco

image source: http://bit.ly/A1Z0uv

Whether you broke your leg working at a San Francisco City construction project; you hurt your back in a car accident while making a delivery, or you suffered acute chemical exposure at a company lab, you just want fair and honest treatment. Unfortunately, sometimes employers punish workers for complaining or filing workers’ compensation claims. Continue reading →

What Employees are Covered Under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA)?

Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

The Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a powerful federal law that provides some (but not all) employees with the ability to take up to 12 weeks off (unpaid) and still be able to keep their jobs and medical benefits. Continue reading →

Do I Have the Right to File a Lawsuit Against a Third Party?

If you or a family member was recently hurt at a job or at a work site in Northern California, you might be entitled to more than just workers’ compensation benefits!

Depending on what happened, you could also have the right to file a lawsuit against a third party that either caused or indirectly contributed to what happened to you. Unfortunately, many injured victims never learn about this option. And even when they understand that it might be available, they often fail to pursue it because their workers’ comp attorney lacks the capacity or know-how to follow through. Continue reading →

The Evolving Case Law of PAGA

What You Need to Do to Protect Your Rights As An Aggrieved Employee

An Overview of PAGA Law in California

In 2004, California enacted a law called the Private Attorney General Act — “PAGA” for short. This law empowers private citizens to act in the capacity of attorneys general and collect civil penalties for the state’s Labor and Workforce Development Agency (LWDA). Continue reading →

I Was Fired and Not Given My Last Paycheck! What Can I Do?

My Employer Will Not Give Me My Last Pay Check

image source: http://bit.ly/A1Z0uv

You recently lost your job in the San Francisco area, and your old employer has done something very annoying – refused to give you your last paycheck. You probably feel many emotions right now: boiling mad, confused, overwhelmed by your situation, and scared that you won’t be able to get a new job to make your budget and pay your bills. Continue reading →

Do I Have to Sign a Severance Agreement?

You’ve gotten bad news. Perhaps you lost your Bay Area job. Or you got “made redundant.” Or perhaps you left your job of your own volition. In any case, your employer wants you to sign a severance agreement.

What should you do? Do you have to sign? If not, what steps should you take? Continue reading →

What Documentation Can Help Wage Loss After an Accident?

Wage Loss Claim Tips

image source: constructioninformer.com

Perhaps you got injured in a Bay Area car accident while delivering a product or driving to a sales convention. Or maybe you hurt yourself at work or suffered a chronic injury (e.g. carpal tunnel syndrome, thoracic outlet syndrome, tennis elbow, etc.). In any case, you want to preserve and protect your ability to file a wage loss claim.

What documentation should you collect and preserve to maximize your chances? Continue reading →

What’s the San Francisco Governmental Sick Leave Policy?

If you are a San Francisco worker (or employer), you are probably already at least vaguely familiar with the ballot initiative passed in 2006 that guarantees workers paid sick days. This law, which was supported by nearly two-thirds of voters in the city, provides critical support for workers who fall ill. Per the law, for every 30 hours you work, you get to accumulate one hour of paid sick time. If you work for a small business, with 10 or fewer employees, you can accrue five full days of paid sick time annually. If you work at a larger company, you can accrue even more sick days – up to nine annually. Continue reading →