Articles by Nemilou Despuez on ArticleSnatch.com

FLSA: Protecting the Rights of US Workers

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 20:45:09 -0500

The federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) regulates overtime pay, minimum wage, labor standards for children, and record-keeping which affects most full-time and part-time workers employed by private sectors and federal, state, and local governments. Federal Wage Standards According to FLSA, the current federal minimum wage standard is $7.25 per hour which means that nonexempt workers must not receive less than this hourly rate. However, some states impose minimum wage which is higher than the federals’. For example, California’s wage standard is $8. In this case, employers should follow the one that provides the most benefits to their workers. During payday, workers must receive their complete wages without any illegal deduction that covers uniforms, cost of equipment breakage (unless the worker is extremely reckless or dishonest), and cash and merchandise shortages. In case the employers need to made legal deductions (in compliance with the federal and state laws or collective bargaining agreement), they should not reduce the wages to the extent that the workers’ wages are below the minimum standards. Overtime Pays Under federal law, covered workers must receive overtime pay which amounts to one-and-a-half times of their hourly rate after working for more than 40 hours per week. **End Summary** Topics: Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Visit our website to help you understand minimum wage and overtime pay covered by FLSA. Dial our toll free number for legal assistance.

Mediation Process: Resolving Dispute between Employers and Workers

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 20:32:37 -0500

Employment mediation is an alternative way to resolve a dispute between employers and workers. According to lawyers, most companies prefer the mediation process compared to a lawsuit which usually can drag for years and is considered to be expensive. Mediation can resolve these kinds of employment disputes: • A worker is accused of breaching his contract. • A secretary alleges that her superior is sexually harassing her. • A factory worker alleges that he was wrongfully discharged by his employer. • A manager is accused of committing discriminatory acts against a particular ethnic group. Requirements to make the mediation legal and valid Employers who want to use mediation to resolve employment disputes should make sure that their workers explicitly agree to this process. Ideally, companies should include in the employment contract the provisions of mediation process which must be signed by workers. The mediation is not considered legal if only the employers will hire the mediator; employers and workers should mutually agree on who will serve as their mediator (e.g. business consultant, retired judge, practicing lawyer). While a mediator can help workers and employers to reach an agreement, he has no legal authority to make certain decisions. **End Summary** Topics: Employment Mediation]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Visit our website to help you understand employment mediation . Dial our toll free number for legal assistance.

Motor Disabilities Caused by Car Accidents

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 20:25:50 -0500

For every 14 seconds, a person is injured by car accidents in the United States, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In a recent study, researchers found that majority of traffic-related injuries resulted to paraplegia and quadriplegia, two disabilities which affect the motor skills of people. Paraplegia Caused by Car Accidents In most cases of car accidents, victims sustained injuries which may result to paraplegia because of trauma from hitting a hard object or from the crushing force of the collision. In this type of disability, a certain part of the spinal cord is injured, thus affecting the muscles and the peripheral nervous system. According to doctors, paraplegia affects the lower extremities of people that may prevent them to walk. In serious cases, some victims also suffer from urinary and fecal incontinence. Paraplegia does not only affect the basic activities of people. This disability also makes them vulnerable to certain illnesses and medical complications such as pneumonia, thrombosis or the formation of blood clot, and pressure sores. Quadriplegia Caused by Car Crash This is another common disability which is caused by car accidents. **End Summary** Topics: Paraplegia and quadriplegia injuries]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> To pursue claims for paraplegia and quadriplegia injuries sustained in a car accident, consult with our skilled personal injury lawyers . Visit our website and avail of our free case analysis.

Brake Failure and the Tragic Death of Saylorâs Family

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 20:19:10 -0500

In August 28, 2009, Mark Saylor, a police officer from the California Highway Patrol was driving a Toyota ES 350 together with three of his family members when the gas pedal got stuck in the floor mat. After realizing that the accelerator was not working and the car was traveling more than 100 mph, Saylor’s brother-in-law Chris Lastrella made a frantic 911 call and told the dispatcher about the brake failure. A minute after the 911 call, the dispatcher heard a woman screaming followed by a loud crashing noise and then total silence. All the four occupants including Saylor’s wife and his 13-year-old daughter died in the crash. Frightening Discovery After the accident, authorities conducted several investigations and found that the fatal crash was caused by multiple auto part defects. First, the floor mat extended too long and snagged the accelerator. This finding was not denied by Toyota which immediately announced a massive recall that covered more than 3.8 million cars. The company also ordered its 1,400 dealers nationwide to inspect all the new, old, and rented models which may have defective floor mats. **End Summary** Topics: Brake Failure]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> To help you deal with issues involved in a car accident caused by brake failure, consult with our skilled personal injury lawyers . Visit our website and avail of our free case analysis.

FAQs about Patent, Copyright and Trademark Law

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 20:09:44 -0500

1. Question: How can copyright and patent right protect unique inventions or designs? Answer: A patent will give inventors an exclusive right to use their inventions and designs for a specific period of time. However, the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) only gives patent rights to creations which are novel (not previously known and used by anyone) and useful. Meanwhile, copyright also works like a patent; however, this is more commonly used in intellectual works like books, music, and paintings. 2. Q: I have invented something but I’m not sure where to get funding. A: There are several development companies that help inventors to patent and promote their creations. However, inventors should be careful since there are some companies which are illegitimate and will only steal their ideas. To avoid falling victim to these unscrupulous companies, you should check the credentials and background of the development companies that claim to help inventors market their ideas. 3. Q: Do I really need to hire a lawyer or patent agent to file my invention to the patent office? **End Summary** Topics: Patent]]> Copyright and Trademark]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Visit our website to help you understand patent , trademark and copyright. Dial our toll free number for legal assistance.

Dog Bite Laws Covering Pit Bulls

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 19:57:44 -0500

Animal researchers found that 88 Americans were killed in dog bite attacks between 2006 and 2008, with 59 percent of these fatalities caused by pit bulls. The researchers also released another surprising finding: majority of fatalities involving pit bulls were not children but adults in their prime years. According to data, adults accounted for 54 percent of fatalities compared to 46 percent among children. Government Action In January 2006, San Francisco has passed a law that requires all pit bull owners to sterilize their dogs which are considered to be the most dangerous canine breed in terms of fatal attacks on humans. Eighteen months after this law was passed, the city government released a report showing that impoundment and euthanization for this dog breed declined by 21 percent and 24 percent, respectively. Because this animal neuter law has been successful, several city and county governments across the US adopted this ordinance that aims to reduce dog bite attacks. Meanwhile, some communities, mostly from California, also declare pit bull as a “potentially dangerous dog breed” and require owners to be extra careful when handling their pets. **End Summary** Topics: Dog Attack Compensation Claims]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> To help you pursue dog attack compensation claims , consult with our expert personal injury lawyers . Visit our website and avail of our free case analysis.

Arbitration: Resolving Dispute between Workers and Employers

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 19:47:46 -0500

Because court litigation is usually expensive and may drag on for years, arbitration is one of the most preferred alternative methods to resolve a dispute between employers and workers. The Process of Arbitration According to employment attorneys, arbitration is a formal way to resolve a dispute between workers and employers. But instead of a judge, hearings are conducted by arbitrators who are usually lawyers or professionals who specialize in a certain field. Another difference between arbitration to court litigation is that involved parties can present all forms of evidence, even if some of these are based on questionable documents that would be typically rejected in a regular court. To make arbitration legally enforceable, there should be an employment agreement (signed beforehand) between workers and employers stating that this process will be used in the event of a dispute. Advantages of Arbitration One of the most common reasons why companies and workers prefer arbitration over court litigation is that they can reduce their expenses since the process will usually last for months compared to a regular court hearing which may drag for years. **End Summary** Topics: Employment Law Disputes Attorneys]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Our employment law disputes attorneys can help you deal with employment arbitration proceedings. For more information, visit our website and dial our toll free number.

California Workerâs Compensation and the Employerâs Responsibility in Work-related Injuries

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 19:37:57 -0500

Under California law, most private employers are required to provide their employees with worker’s compensation after suffering from work-related injuries and illnesses. The claim will cover the worker’s medical expenses, loss of wages, and disability. Examples of Accidents and Diseases Covered by Worker’s Compensation • Due to chemical exposure, a factory worker has been diagnosed with a lung disease. • A delivery man fell from his motorbike and broke his leg. • A product controller has lost his hearing because of the constant loud noise. • Because of being overworked, a supervisor has been experiencing severe stress and fatigue. (Note: Not all psychological injuries are covered by worker’s compensation.) Benefits for Injured Workers • Medicaid This medical claim will be paid by employers to help workers pay their hospital expenses and future medical needs. • Temporary disability benefits For workers who sustained temporary disability, this payment will cover the loss of wages while they are recovering from their injuries. • Permanent disability benefits In some cases, the injured workers will become permanently disabled which will result to a diminished or complete loss of earning capacity. **End Summary** Topics: Employer Liability Claims]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> To help you pursue employeeâs compensation claims , consult with our skilled employment lawyers . Log on to our website and dial our toll free number.

Liabilities of Taxi Operators and Drivers

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 02:54:19 -0500

Taxi operators and drivers have a legal obligation to provide safety for their passengers and to practice due diligence to prevent traffic accidents. Taxi Operators’ Liabilities as an Employer In general, most private employers are liable for the injuries and damages caused by their workers. This legal liability also applies to taxi operators who employ drivers. For instance, a driver ran a red light before hitting another vehicle. In this situation, his employer, the taxi operator, will pay the hospital bills and future medical needs, loss of wages, and property damages of the victims (the taxi passengers and the occupants from another car) of the accident caused by his driver. According to federal and state laws, employers have a duty to protect clients, visitors, and most members of the general public. In this sense, they should make sure that their workers are qualified to perform their tasks and will not cause harm to other people. This is where background checking becomes important for taxi operators. Because they provide service to the public, this means they should be extra careful when hiring drivers. **End Summary** Topics: Taxi Accidents in Los Angeles]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> If you have been involved in Los Angeles taxi accidents , get help from our expert personal injury lawyers . Visit our website and avail of our free case analysis.

Repetitive Strain Injuries Caused by Office Work

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 02:45:57 -0500

Many people think that back pain, stiff neck, and discomfort in any part of their body is a common condition that do not require any medical attention since the pain will go away after a few minutes of rest. However, this seemingly common body discomfort may be caused by repetitive strain injuries (RSI). According to doctors, RSI usually happens to office workers who are handling a stressful job and feel unhappy with their work environment. This means that bad posture in front of the computer is not the main culprit but only one of the contributors for this condition. Common Symptoms of RSI • Weakness and lack of endurance in the affected area • Chronic pain especially when doing certain activities • Pain in the arm which usually spread on other areas While RSI patients feel uncomfortable pain, many doctors believe that this condition is non-anatomical and does not lead to serious medical condition. Frequency of RSI in the US Workplace According to a data from the US Department of Labor, RSI is the country’s most common occupational health problem which affects hundreds of thousands of workers. **End Summary** Topics: Repetitive Strain Injuries]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> To help you pursue claims for repetitive strain injuries and other premise liability claims , consult with our experienced Los Angeles personal injury attorneys . Log on to our website and avail of our free case evaluation.

Employee Privacy Rights: Avoiding Intrusive Employment Practices

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 02:39:07 -0500

Under federal law, employers and companies should respect the privacy rights of their workers and avoid using intrusive employment practices. Also, most states passed several labor laws that will protect the employees’ privacy rights and their confidential information. Hiring Process The US Congress recently passed a law that prohibits employers to ask workers about their family medical history and health risks. This federal law, called the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008, also prohibits most private employers from making decision based on the genetic information. They are also prohibited to force workers to take medical exam and laboratory testing to determine their health risks, conditions, and genetic disorders. Meanwhile, in terms of acquiring information such as credit history, school records, family background, and police record, there are several laws that regulate these to prevent employers from conducting an intrusive background check. However, it does not mean that employers should forego such practice. According to employment lawyers, acquiring personal information is still important especially when hiring someone in sensitive positions (police officers, security guards, bus and truck drivers, national security agents, etc.). **End Summary** Topics: Employee Privacy Rights]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> If your privacy right in the workplace has been violated, get help from our expert employment law attorneys . Visit our website and dial our toll free number for legal assistance.

Back Injuries and Car Accidents: What You Need to Know

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 02:33:22 -0500

Last year, more than 37,000 Americans died from car accidents while millions suffered from injuries, mostly from their spinal cord and head. In total, car accidents account for approximate $67.6 billion economic losses (from medical expenses and property damages) every year. Back Injury in Car Accidents Because car collision usually involves sudden acceleration and deceleration, injuries in the spinal cord are very common (because its anatomy makes it vulnerable to accidents involving high impact and trauma). Contrary to popular belief, most back injury symptoms are not apparent for the first few days after the car accident. With this, doctors believe that people who encountered a traffic accident should immediately seek medical advice even if they are not feeling any symptoms yet. **End Summary** Topics: Back Injury and Accident Claims]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> To pursue claims for back injury sustained in a car accident, get help from our skilled personal injury lawyers . Visit our website and avail of our free case analysis.

Proving the Effectiveness of Helmets in Motorcycle Accidents

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 02:26:36 -0500

For years, the mandatory helmet law has been criticized by some people who said that head protection for motorbike riders is not as effective as the government and safety groups have claimed. While opponents of this law recognize that helmets can reduce the risk of head injuries, these can increase the risk of motorcycle accidents as the riders’ vision and hearing may be interfered by this head gear. To allay some concerns of motorbike riders and assess if helmets can really affect the visual and hearing senses of people, the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has conducted a study which involved 50 riders. How the Study was Conducted The researchers studied 50 experienced riders in different age groups who were asked to drive from a five-and-a-half mile highway with four lanes. The riders were then asked to turn their heads before changing lanes every time a vehicle following them blew their horns. Each driver drove the route three times; however, the first time they wore a full coverage helmet, the second time they wore a partial coverage, and the third time they did not wear any head protection. **End Summary** Topics: Head Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> To pursue claims for head injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident , consult with our expert personal injury lawyers . Visit our website and avail of our free case analysis.

Medicare and Medicaid: Health Insurance for Disabled and Poor People

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 02:14:20 -0500

Medicare Vs Medicaid Medicare is a federal health insurance that provides monthly payments to seniors, disabled people, and dialysis patients to allow them afford their medical needs and pay their hospital expenses. Beneficiaries of this federal insurance, who have contributed to Social Security while they were still working (or at least their parents did), will receive the same amount of payments regardless of their income. On the other hand, Medicaid, which is provided and managed by individual states, offers medical assistance to people with limited income. According to insurance lawyers, the amount of Medicaid assistance is based on the beneficiary’s income. And because Medicaid is mainly for poor people, it does not require beneficiaries to pay premiums or deductibles unlike in Medicare. Another advantage of Medicaid is that health service providers cannot charge beneficiaries for additional fees beyond the reimbursement amount. Medicaid: Who is Qualified for This State Insurance? Unlike in Medicare where only the Social Security beneficiaries are qualified, Medicaid does not require a person to have contribution while they were still working. **End Summary** Topics: Medicare and Medicaid]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Visit our website to learn more about medicare insurance benefits . Dial our toll free number for legal assistance.

Personal Injury Lawyers: Overview

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 02:01:44 -0500

Personal injury lawsuits, which involve reckless individuals whose action injured another person, are the most commonly handled cases by majority of US federal courts. Cost of Legal Service One of the most common concerns of people who want to file a lawsuit is that they do not have enough money to pay the attorney’s fee. However, this problem has several easy solutions. First, a person can shop for a lawyer who demands the lowest service fee. In doing this, he should tell the legal representative beforehand about his financial limit. The second possible way for clients to reduce their legal costs is to help their lawyers such as making telephone calls and obtaining documents to speed up the litigation. However, clients should first ask their attorneys if doing these will not interfere their work. And lastly, people can ask their lawyers if contingency fee is possible in their case. This kind of arrangement, which only applies to civil cases such as personal injury lawsuits, requires clients to pay their lawyers only after winning their case of receiving settlement from the defendants. **End Summary** Topics: Consulting with a Personal Injury Lawyer]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Our skilled Los Angeles lawyers handle cases in a contingency basis . For consultation, visit our website and avail of our free case analysis.

Drafting a Comprehensive Employment Contract

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 19:44:16 -0500

A comprehensive employment contract works in two ways: it protects both the interests of employers and workers while underscoring the terms of employment for both parties. While an oral employment agreement is recognized by law, it is better to draft a written contract to make this more legally enforceable and prevent vague provisions which are usually the cause of lawsuits. BASIC ENTRIES FOUND IN EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT • Duration of the employment • The duties and obligations of workers • Worker’s salary • Grounds for termination • Disciplinary action • Benefits such as vacation and medical leave, employer-sponsored insurance, etc. • Alternative methods to resolve a dispute to avoid lawsuits AT-WILL AGREEMENT Most US companies follow at-will agreement, an employment arrangement which allows workers to quit any time they want and affirms the employer’s right to fire at will. However, employers may face lawsuits if the termination is based on discrimination or it has violated the public policy (e.g. the rights of workers to practice their civil rights such as filing a lawsuit against their employers, serving in a jury, or filing a worker’s compensation). **End Summary** Topics: Employment Contract and Agreement]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Our expert employment attorneys provide legal assistance in drafting employment contract and agreement . For consultation visit our website and dial our toll free number.

Alcohol and Driving Among Teenagers

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 19:35:53 -0500

In a government survey, about 35,000 people die from car accidents every year. Out of this number, the US National Highway Safety Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said that 35 percent of victims are involved in alcohol-related accidents. In a separate study conducted by a safety group, almost 40 percent of Americans will be involved in alcohol-related crash at some point in their lives. With this alarming trend, lawmakers passed several laws and programs that will keep drunk drivers off the road. CALIFORNIA DUI LAWS The state has the strictest traffic laws and penalties especially when dealing with driving under the influence (DUI). According to road safety experts, California needs a strict law since it has the highest fatality and accident rate in road accidents. • To prevent underage drunk driving, drivers aged 21 years and younger are covered by Zero Tolerance law that prohibits them from driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) level of 0.01 percent and higher. • The DUI law is more lenient towards adults. According to California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), adult drivers are prohibited to drive if their BAC level is more than 0.08 percent. **End Summary** Topics: Underage Drunk Driving]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> To help you deal with teen drunk driving accidents and other personal injury cases, consult with our skilled personal injury lawyers . Visit our website and avail of our free case analysis.

Drinking While Driving: A Looming Safety Problem in the US

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 19:21:22 -0500

A government data showed that traffic accidents are the leading cause of preventable deaths in the US, killing more than 37,000 people in 2008 alone. Out of this number, one-third of the victims were involved in alcohol-related car accidents. Using this data, safety experts estimated that drunk driving (also called as DUI) kills at least 36 people and injures 700 others every day. In a separate study, the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that 3 out of 10 Americans will be involved in an alcohol-related accident in their lifetime. With this finding, many states adopt a stricter law for DUI offenses and implement several methods to get drunk drivers off the road. • Raising the legal age of drinking According to a research group, crashes involving drunk drivers declined by 16 percent after the federal government raised the legal drinking age to 21. However, 19 states could only charge minors for possessing an alcoholic beverage, but not underage drinkers. • Sobriety checkpoints According to a study, alcohol-related crashes decreased by 22 percent after the federal government increased the number of sobriety checkpoints especially near places where there are nightclubs and bars. **End Summary** Topics: DUI Penalties]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> To help you deal with issues involved in car accidents caused by DUI, consult with our skilled car accident attorneys . Visit our website and avail of our free case analysis.

Permanent Disability Claims for US Workers

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 19:13:03 -0500

The Social Security Disability (SSD) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are the two largest federal programs that provide permanent disability claims to Americans with severe medical condition. While these programs are different in many ways, the two provide assistance to people who are suffering from a long-term or complete disability that prevents them from working. According to the agency, beneficiaries will become eligible for Medicare (a federal program that will help them pay their medical bills) after receiving their SSD or SSI benefits for two years. SSD BENEFITS To become qualified for SSD benefits, claimants should have worked at least 10 years in the US and contributed enough Social Security funds. (The agency withholds 5 percent of the worker’s monthly salary that will serve as their contribution.) People with certain impairments such as blindness, mental disorders, and medical conditions that affect body organs may also be qualified to receive SSD claims. Claimants should also prove that they have a limited source of income. However, their bank accounts and their personal properties such as cars and houses will not affect their eligibility for this federal program. **End Summary** Topics: Permanent Disability Claims]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> To pursue permanent disability claims , get help from our experienced social security law attorneys . Visit our website and dial our toll free number for legal assistance.

7 Ways to Avoid Partnership Disputes

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 18:40:55 -0500

Since partnership business involves two or more owners, disputes and disagreements may happen especially in the process of decision-making and distribution of profits. To avoid such pitfalls, corporate lawyers believe that company owners should draft a written partnership agreement that will provide solutions even before problems would arise. GUIDELINES IN AVOIDING AND RESOLVING PARTNERSHIP DISPUTES 1. For starters, hiring lawyers is highly advisable. While owners can draft their own partnership agreement, it would be better if they would hire a corporate lawyer to avoid legal loopholes that will affect the company. One of the most common mistakes of partners is not including the dissolution process in the partnership agreement. By drafting a dissolution contract, people will know their shares and obligations after the business assets have been liquidated. 2. Keep a small number of partners to make it manageable, but large enough to meet the company’s goal. In partnership business, more owners are not always ideal as it may result to management headaches especially in the process of decision-making. The rule of thumb is that every partner should have a role and specific duties within the company. Overlapping roles are a sign that the number of partners is too large. **End Summary** Topics: partnership disputes]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Consult with our expert corporate lawyers to help you deal with issues involving partnership disputes . Visit our website and dial our toll free number for legal assistance.

Californiaâs Basic Traffic Laws

Sat, 05 Dec 2009 01:57:08 -0500

The state of California has the highest traffic-related deaths across the US for the past several years, according to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA). In a separate study conducted by Fox News, three interstate highways in California were included in the top 10 most dangerous roads in the country last year. With this finding, the state has some of the strictest traffic laws in the US. • No-texting law Enacted in January 2009, this legislation prohibits drivers from using communication devices to send, write, and read text messages. • Drunk driving law It is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 percent and higher. However, this drunk driving law is stricter for people with DUI offenses and drivers aged 21 years and younger. It is also illegal to carry alcoholic beverages inside a car, unless these are full, unopened, and sealed. • Zero tolerance law People who are under DUI probation are prohibited to drive if they have a BAC level of 0.01 percent and higher. If this law is violated, their driver’s license will be suspended. • Speed law Most highways in California have a speed limit of 65 mph. **End Summary** Topics: Los Angeles Freeway Accidents]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> To help you deal with issues involved in Los Angeles freeway accidents , consult with our skilled accident attorneys . Visit our website and avail of our free case evaluation.

Avoiding Implied and Oral Contracts in Employment

Sat, 05 Dec 2009 01:41:16 -0500

Employers should avoid making implied and oral contracts which are usually the source of confusion, dispute, and potential lawsuits between workers and their companies. According to corporate lawyers, these contracts limit the rights of employers in the aspect of termination. With this consideration, it is always better to have a written contract that will give employers and workers the same equal rights. WAYS TO AVOID IMPLIED CONTRACTS • State clearly that the employment is at-will The employment agreement or personnel manual should clearly state that the employment is at-will, which means that employers have the right to fire workers without giving valid reason as long this is not discriminatory or a violation of the public policy. On the other hand, at-will employment also allows workers to quit any time they want. To make this contract legally enforceable, employees should sign their names in the employment agreement. • Don’t promise of job security One of the most common mistakes of employers is that they give promises of job securities even if they are not sure they will be able to execute this. Doing this has two disadvantages for employers: 1.) Workers will expect that they will not be terminated. 2. **End Summary** Topics: Los Angeles Implied and Oral Contracts]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Our skilled employment attorneys provide legal assistance in drafting employment agreements . For consultation, visit our website and dial our toll free number.

Tips on Lowering the Premium Rates of Motorcycle Insurance Coverage

Sat, 05 Dec 2009 00:28:16 -0500

Most states require people to have motorcycle insurance coverage that will help them pay for any damages and injuries they sustain after a crash. This coverage will also help at-fault motorcycle riders to pay for the repair and hospital bills of their victims. Meanwhile, many people think that motorcycle insurance is just another unnecessary expense. But contrary to this belief, such coverage may even lessen their expenses in the event of an accident, whether they are the at-fault driver or the victim. FACTORS THAT AFFECT PREMIUM RATES Insurance providers based the premium rates on several factors that will determine if a person is a high risk rider or not. • Age. Insurance companies require higher premium rates for younger people who are more prone to crashes compared to middle-aged bikers. Experts attributed this disparity with the tendency of young people to underestimate a dangerous condition. • The type of motorbike. The more expensive the bike is, the higher its premium rate. So for those who want to lower their premiums, it is better to stick with ordinary motor bicycles. • Driving record. This record will show if a person is a high risk policyholder or not. **End Summary** Topics: Motorcycle Insurance Coverage]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> To help you deal with teen drunk driving accidents and other personal injury cases, consult with our skilled personal injury lawyers . Visit our website and avail of our free case analysis.

California State Disability Insurance for Workers

Sat, 05 Dec 2009 00:21:41 -0500

ELIGIBILITY FOR STATE DISABILITY INSURANCE • An employee is unable to work for at least eight consecutive days due to his disability. • A person should be currently employed or actively looking for a job at the time he became disabled. • A claimant should have lost wages due to his condition. If he is unemployed, he should be looking for a work at the time he became disabled. • A worker should have earned at least $300 in his State Disability Insurance while he was still working. • A claimant should be under the care of a licensed medical practitioner during the first eight days of his disability. To continue receiving benefits, a worker should remain under the care of a doctor. • A licensed medical practitioner must complete a certification of disability to prove that a person has disability. (In some cases, the state will conduct independent medical examination to make sure that there is no fraudulent claim.) • A worker should fill-out a claim form within 49 days after he has been disabled. According to Los Angeles lawyers, claimants who will fail to meet the deadline may not able to receive their benefits. **End Summary** Topics: State Disability Insurance Benefits]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Visit our website to learn more about state disability insurance benefits . Dial our toll free number for legal assistance.

Underage Drunk Driving: A Looming Safety Problem in US Roads

Sat, 05 Dec 2009 00:13:09 -0500

Drunk driving is a serious problem in the US and has been attributed to 13 percent of traffic deaths every year, according to a study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The government agency also conducted another study which showed that 12 teenagers aged between 16 and 19 years old die every day from traffic-related accidents or about 4,300 every year. This means that teenagers accounted for 12 percent of traffic deaths in the country. In addition, underage drunk driving injures more than 400,000 people from the same age group. With this finding, experts believe that underage drunk driving is a serious road problem which must be addressed immediately. TEENAGERS PRONE TO CAR ACCIDENTS According to a government data, people aged between 16 to 19 years old are the most vulnerable age group in car accidents. In fact, they are four times more likely to crash than middle-aged drivers. In terms of traffic fatalities, male teenage drivers are one and a half times more likely to die in accident compared to their female counterparts. **End Summary** Topics: Underage Drunk Driving]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> To help you deal with teen driving accidents , and other related cases, consult with our skilled personal injury lawyers . Visit our website and avail of our free case analysis.