When it comes to workers’ compensation insurance in California, understanding who is exempt from coverage is important so you can plan for your future in the event of a workplace injury or illness.  If you find yourself questioning whether or not you are exempt from workers’ compensation insurance, or you believe you have been wrongfully denied benefits, our San Diego employment attorneys from Mara Law Firm are here to provide you with accurate and reliable legal guidance.  The Basics of Workers’ Compensation Insurance Workers’ compensation insurance is designed to protect both emplo ..read more

Wrongful termination is a challenging situation that can arise unexpectedly and leave you feeling helpless. When facing such circumstances, it is important to have a clear understanding of your rights as an employee and the options available for seeking justice.  In California, the statute of limitations for wrongful termination claims plays a significant role in determining the timeframe within which you can file a lawsuit. Never wait to discuss a possible case with a California wrongful termination attorney, as time is limited. The Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Termination Claims ..read more

As an employee in California, you have rights and protections when it comes to your health and well-being in the workplace. One question that often arises is whether an employer can ask you why you are sick. It’s important to understand your rights and what an employer can and cannot ask when it comes to your health.  If you believe your employer violated your rights, never hesitate to reach out to a California employment attorney for guidance.  Employer Questions Imagine waking up one morning feeling too sick to go to work. Your throat is sore, you’re running a fever, and it’s clear ..read more

Workers’ compensation is a crucial form of insurance that provides financial support to employees who suffer from work-related injuries or illnesses. If you have been injured on the job, workers’ compensation can cover medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and even a portion of your lost wages.  However, amidst all the chaos and stress of dealing with a work-related injury, many employees wonder whether workers’ comp benefits are taxable. Never hesitate to discuss your questions with a San Diego employment attorney.  Understanding Workers’ Compensation Workers’ compensation is a sy ..read more

Proving an unpaid wages claim can be difficult, and it requires sufficient evidence that you did not receive proper wages for all the work you performed. Always discuss your situation with a California unpaid wages attorney.  The California Labor Code has strict requirements for employers to pay employees the agreed-upon wages for all time worked. Even if you are not paid for 15 minutes per day, such as while you set up or clean up, that time adds up quickly, as do the unpaid wages. You deserve back pay for all the time you worked and did not receive the proper wages.  Proving an unp ..read more

As workers, we expect our employers and colleagues to treat us with respect at all times, creating a working environment that is safe and welcoming. When an employer oversteps a boundary or violates employment laws, it can feel like a significant betrayal. In these uncomfortable situations, workers may feel lost and unsure of what to do, perhaps fearful of pursuing legal action while knowing what happened to them was unacceptable. Fortunately, the law is clear about what employers are and are not allowed to do and which types of misconduct warrant pursuing a legal claim. Talk to an employment ..read more

In short, yes, a California employer can force you to use paid time off (PTO). Generally speaking, though, the law does a lot to protect workers concerning time off. Even if you have an employment contract that says otherwise, the PTO laws still apply. PTO can refer to either sick leave or vacation days. The law does require employers to offer paid sick leave but not paid vacation time. In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of paid time off in California. Paid Time Off Basics Here are a few key points to fully understand your rights as a California employee when it comes to PTO: As ..read more

Like most U.S. states, California does not have “good cause” termination requirements for employers. What does that mean? In California and every state but Montana, employers do not need to have a good cause or, in other words, a valid reason to fire someone. California, instead, utilizes the “at-will” system. Under the at-will employment system, employers can fire anyone at any time for no reason. However, there are some exceptions to at-will termination in California. For example, an employer cannot fire you for a reason that breaches a contract, violates your rights under employment laws, o ..read more

According to the US Inflation Calculator, in 2023, inflation, or the rise in the cost of goods and services, was 6.4%. To keep up with the constantly rising costs of labor, materials, real estate, and consumer items, the minimum wage should go up accordingly. In fact, the state has raised the minimum wage every year since 2017. California’s minimum wage is now up from $15.50 to $16.00 per hour in 2024, which is only a 4.2% increase.  If you believe your employer is violating your minimum wage rights, immediately speak with our San Diego wage attorneys.  Exempt Employees in California ..read more

You thought you had a solid position with your company. You’ve been putting in 40-50 hours each week to earn a decent paycheck. However, you’ve suffered an on-the-job injury that has impacted your ability to work the same schedule. Now, your employer wants to cut your hours to part-time, claiming reduced demand.  As a California employee, you have rights in this situation. Before you agree to a reduction in hours or pay following a workplace injury, understand what the law allows and doesn’t allow your employer to do.  Don’t sign away your rights without understanding the full implic ..read more