Christopher J. Canlas

There are both federal and state laws on the books that protect whistleblowers when they come forward and report impropriety. California Labor Code Sections 1102.5 and 1106 are the two primary statutes that detail who’s protected by state whistleblower…

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects individuals from being discriminated against based on their past, current or perceived association with a disability. This federal law applies to almost any employer that has 15 or more employees. Any…

In early 2020, officials put out a report on workplace incidents and fatalities, looking at the data for 2018. It’s the most recent report on the books, and it shows a concerning trend: Workplace deaths are increasing. While…

All workers in the United States are legally protected from being discriminated against based on a number of characteristics in the workplace. These protected characteristics include gender, disability, race, age and national origin. Those who were not born…

When your employer asks you to do a job that is clearly very dangerous, do you feel trapped? Do you have to do it? If you refuse, will you get fired? How can you protect yourself? Maybe they…

Learning that an application for benefits has been denied can be one of the most demoralizing experiences possible. You may have been feeling that your livelihood depends on the gaining of these benefits. Therefore, receiving the news that…

Losing a job can be one of the most difficult situations to deal with in life. You may have invested years of time and effort into your work and felt loyal to the company and its mission. Therefore,…

If you’ve ever worked for Amazon, then you know that a warehouse job can be dangerous. There are heavy objects to lift and you may end up getting hurt. Did you know that the Amazon warehouse in Sacramento…

Professionals in the chemical industry know that many chemicals mix together to make toxic fumes or hazardous waste; and chemical burns can lead to serious problems that require immediate medical care. Chemical burns can occur in almost any work environment…

Injuries of all natures can result in a successful workers’ compensation claim if they took place at work. Minor injuries such as neck pain from sitting at a desk as well as severe injuries such as those acquired…

All workplaces in the United States should treat employees with respect and without unlawfully discriminating against them. However, unfortunately, many workers are discriminated against each year. This is why laws have been put in place to deter people…

If you already thought that labor laws in California were confusing, hang onto your hat because 2020 is going to usher in some changes that could make things even more complicated. Here’s a brief overview of some of…

All employees in California have the right to a safe and fair working environment. To ensure that this is the case, various state laws have been put into place. If these laws are breached by employers, it can…

Being pregnant means that you may have a higher risk of being injured at work. If you have a fairly active job, you may not be able to carry out your normal duties when you are pregnant. For…

When an employee is injured while undertaking a work-related activity, any financial damages that they incur as a result will be reimbursed through workers’ compensation. Workers’ compensation is available to the majority of workers in the United States,…

When you become pregnant, you will likely be very excited about everything that the future holds for you. However, you may also be nervous about the way it could potentially affect your career. You should remember that you…

Many workers in California have the right to take job-protected leave under certain circumstances. However, many do not take advantage of their ability to take this leave because they are not fully aware of their rights and are…

If you have lost a loved one after a tragic workplace accident, you have probably gone through a wide range of emotions. Dealing with a loss can take a long time to come to terms with, and it…

One of the most fundamental rights for workers across the United States is the right to gain compensation for damages when they become injured in the workplace. The vast majority of workers are able to file a claim…

Everyone has the right to be reasonably safe when performing work-related activities, but it is not usually possible to file a lawsuit in the event of an injury. If you become injured in your personal life when on…

If you work for a small business, you may be concerned about your employer’s reaction if you need to file a workers’ compensation claim. All employees, no matter the size of the business at which they are employed,…

Employees should be able to feel safe, supported and protected in their workplace. It’s an environment in which they spend a significant portion of their lives, and it’s a place where they should be able to focus on…

Being unexpectedly fired from your job can be upsetting for several reasons. First, you’ll probably feel offended that your boss believed that your skills and dedication toward your job were disposable. Second, you will likely be feeling financially…

Hip replacement surgery is often the best treatment for a variety of conditions related to hip joint, ligament or socket problems. For example, if you seriously injure your hip at work, such as in a fall from height,…

As an employee, you are automatically immune from being subject to any type of revenge from your employer. While you could be fired for several reasons, it is not acceptable for you to be fired, or have any…

Filing a workers’ compensation claim should never subject you to retaliation, but it’s a concern among many workers after suffering a job-related injury. Employers often get upset due to the associated insurance cost increases. Since workers’ compensation retaliation…

Should a family member die on the job in California, what are the implications you face? This is a serious question and one that many people do not consider asking when faced with the death of a loved…

Were you injured or sickened on the job? If so, you have a right to file for workers’ compensation benefits. Your employer, if large enough, should participate in this mandatory insurance program in Los Angeles County. These benefits…

You shouldn’t have to fear for your life when you go to work each day. However, there are professions that are inherently dangerous for one reason or another. When you go to work, it’s important that you follow…

When an employee is injured or sickened on the job, he or she is eligible for workers’ compensation benefits from their employer. These benefits are paid to the employee while he or she recuperates from their injury or illness. They…

Social Security Disability Insurance benefits (SSDI) are important for thousands of people every year in California. These benefits are paid to people who are unable to work for at least 12 months because of an illness or an…

Agriculture is one of America’s fundamental industries, employing millions of people across the U.S. According to the CDC, there were about 2,050,000 full-time workers who held jobs in this industry in 2017, the most recent year complete data…

Employees deserve to be paid the wages agreed upon in an employment contract. When an employee is not paid the agreed-upon wages, he or she is well within their rights to file a wage claim with the United States…

Every worker should have an understanding of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. Why? Title VII protects workers from being discriminated against in the workplace by their employer, co-workers and other members of the workforce. Let’s take…

The loss of a loved one is a stressful time in life. It can be an incredibly overwhelming experience if your loved one died while performing their job duties. Many work-related deaths occur because of the negligent actions…

First aid is something that every adult should learn at some point in their lifetime. Why? You may never have to use what you know, but that one time when it is needed, you might save the life…

Having to file for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits is a difficult time in your life. You were likely injured on the job, or were diagnosed with an illness that prevents you from working. What can make matters…

If you have been injured at work, you may no longer be physically able to carry out your job tasks. Most workers in the United States can file for workers’ compensation after an injury at work, no matter…

Facing retaliation by your employer is not easy. This can make it very difficult for you to get up and go to work each day. You likely don’t want to face your supervisor and might start burning through…

There are plenty of problems that arise at work each day for one reason or another. Some of those problems could lead to a hostile work environment. A hostile work environment is a problem for all involved, including…

Accidents at work happen all too often, leaving workers seriously injured or even killing them. One of the fatal four accidents, as labeled by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), is the struck-by accident. Struck-by accidents can…

When you head off for work each day do you ever consider that you could suffer an injury? This likely isn’t at the front of your mind, but it should be, especially if you work in a dangerous…

On June 12, the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) announced that they were suing the Los Angeles-based video game company Riot Games (RG). Their investigation enforcement lawsuit was filed against them for failing to cooperate…

People often think of disabilities as something physical. A worker injures their back on the job, loses feeling in their legs and can never walk again. Another worker suffers an amputation injury and the damage is so severe…

In the United States, you have a right to a safe workplace. You deserve a safe space where you get protection from serious injuries and fatalities. By law in most states, your employer must put your safety ahead…

When you sign an employment contract at the time of starting a new job, you do so with the idea that you and your employer will adhere to the terms and conditions. Unfortunately, there are times when this…

There may come a point when you get wind that you’re about to lose your job. Maybe this comes from the human resources department. Maybe it comes from your direct supervisor. Regardless of how you find out about…

Although a neck sprain isn’t the most serious injury, it can cause a good amount of pain and discomfort for an extended period. Furthermore, it’s possible for a neck sprain to prevent you from working. Muscles and ligaments…

Landscapers, day laborers and agricultural workers in California are especially prone to heat stroke this time of year and should take special precautions if their work requires them to remain in direct sunlight for extended periods of time.…

If you come to find that your employer owes you back overtime pay, don’t hesitate to learn more about your legal rights. Neglecting to take action could cause you to miss out on hundreds of thousands of dollars…