When you face multiple employment-related claims brought by the same individual, a "global" settlement of the claims holds obvious appeal. Who wouldn't want to cap their costs and avoid lengthy litigation? But when workers' comp claims are involved, comprehensive settlement might not...

Yesterday , we looked at the first half of attorney James Brown’s “Top 10” tips for complying with California’s disability bias laws. Today, the rest of the list—plus an introduction to a valuable new resource that will quickly become your indispensable guide to California’s...

California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) provides employees with disability discrimination protections that are even more stringent than the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. For California employers, compliance with the disability laws is a complex maze with...

Yesterday , we looked at some of the rules for workers’ comp claims brought by former employees. Today, 4 tips for successfully handling these types of claims—plus a valuable workers’ comp desk reference specifically for California employers like you. 4 Tips for Handling Workers’...

Even a terminated employee may, in certain situations, have the right to file a workers’ compensation claim. Though rare, this kind of claim can arise when there is a delay in the manifestation of an injury or illness, and in other situations as well. Not surprisingly, post-termination claims can...

Yesterday , Jim Brown of Sedgwick, LLP, ran down 5 tips to help you properly coordinate workers’ comp leaves. Today, the rest of the top 10—plus a California leaves resource that’s been fully updated for 2012. For tips #1-5, click here. 6. Medical privacy rights, medical certification...

The interaction among various leave laws can make your obligation to accommodate injuries and illnesses incredibly complicated—especially when the injury results from a workplace accident. Read on for 10 tips from Jim Brown of Sedgwick, LLP, that will help you get everything properly sorted out...

In yesterday’s CED , we looked at two informative comp cases. Today, another case - plus an introduction to a brand-new one-stop workers’ comp resource specifically for California employers. If you violated a safety rule and were injured, do you get workers’ compensation? When Peter...

Workers’ comp - it’s not an area where the law tends to change very much, but it remains a hassle, day after day. In today’s CED , we’ll feature case studies - all based on real situations - that help us deal with this frustrating part of HR management. Can an Employee ‘Under...

Yesterday , we discussed two of the big employee handbooks mistakes employers tend to make, according to attorney Elaina Smiley. Today, a look at the final mistake she sees too often, and an introduction to a valuable handbook drafting tool — specifically for California employers. Smiley is a partner...

Job descriptions aren't just part of your internal recordkeeping—they're an invaluable tool in your battle against lawsuits. But if they're not up to snuff, they can be your very worst enemy. Unfortunately, too many employers don't realize this until it's too late. In one recent...

Ergonomics is fitting the job to the way the body works. Here are some nifty devices for doing it. Does your computer mouse vibrate? Does the seat of your chair ebb and flow beneath you like the waves of the sea? Have you worked a computer with your feet today? And how are you dealing with CVS? (And...

Workers' Comp is celebrating its 100th year in California, but a lot of employers aren't cheering; managing comp cases is still a hassle. An upcoming webinar will help with one of the most vexing challenges: how to terminate an employee who is out on workers' comp leave. Discrimination and...

Workers' compensation usually protects managers and companies in California from fines and criminal prosecution over injuries and illnesses, but not always. Here's what you need to know about "Serious Concealed Danger." Managers in California may face criminal charges if they fail to...

The California Division of Workers' Compensation (DWC) has just finalized regulations that change your posting requirements. All employers in the state are required to post a new "Notice to Employees—Injuries Caused by Work" poster (Form DWC 7) no later than October 8, 2010, and the...

Headlines heralding ever-increasing job loss numbers may motivate workers already out with legitimate work-related injuries to try to extend their workers’ compensation benefits, especially if their positions have been, or will be, eliminated. California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner has...

As we promised last Friday , here are 14 additional workers' comp red flags to watch out for, courtesy of Cathy Divodi of Artemis Claims Consulting in Santa Rosa. Divodi spoke at ERI's recent California Employment Law Update conference in San Francisco. Please remember that these red flags serve...

Have you ever gotten the feeling that an employee claiming workers' comp wasn't really injured, or wasn't really injured on the job? Here's a list of "red flags" to watch out for, courtesy of Cathy Divodi of Artemis Claims Consulting in Santa Rosa. Divodi spoke at ERI's...

Since the workers' compensation reforms of 2003, most California employers have seen a steady and welcome decline in their workers' comp insurance premiums. But rates may be headed in the other direction starting in 2009. The Workers' Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau (WCIRB) has recommended...

A new case underscores the need for employers to bone up on the rules regarding when injured workers must be provided with a workers' comp claim form. In the case, a California appeals court rejected an argument that David Carls, a sign painter for the Claremont Colleges in Southern California, should...