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The Pregnancy Discrimination Act (“PDA”) prohibits pregnancy discrimination and requires employers to treat pregnant women and women with pregnancy-related conditions in the same manner as other employees with similar abilities or inabilities to work.

Pregnancy harassment may include pervasive or severe behavior such as:

· Hiring or firing based on pregnancy
· Making offensive or derogatory comments, jokes, gestures, or pictures related to pregnancy
· Workplace decisions related to pregnancy such as changes to your job assignment, promotions, layoffs, training, benefits (i.e., medical leave and health insurance).

While employers should avoid this question altogether, employers are not prohibited from asking you whether you are or intend to become pregnant soon. However, it is unlawful under federal and California state law to harass or treat an employee differently due to pregnancy or pregnancy-related reasons. It is important to document such conversations and other behaviors that are discriminatory based on your pregnancy. Such documentation can help to determine whether the behavior is pervasive or serious enough to constitute a pregnancy discrimination case.

Being passed up for a promotion due to discrimination is prohibited under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act. Specifically, an employer cannot base work decisions such as work assignments and promotions on stereotypes and assumptions, including those regarding a person’s pregnancy. For example, an employer offering medical leave benefits must equally offer the same medical leave benefits for pregnant employees and employees with pregnancy-related conditions.

Your right to complain about and report harassment is protected under the law.

This means that you cannot be punished or face retaliation for:

· Making a harassment complaint, investigation, or lawsuit
· Acting as a witness in regard to a complaint, investigation, or lawsuit
· Communicating with a supervisor or manager about employment harassment Examples of retaliation include being demoted, fired, reassigned to a different job, or shift or subject to disciplinary action.

If you have experienced sexual harassment at the workplace, be sure to keep detailed documentation of all that transpires, including names, dates, and times.

In addition to filing a claim at work based on your respective workplace policy, you can also file a federal and/or state complaint. If you wish to file a suit under federal law, you can file a discrimination complaint through the Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) or the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). On the other hand, if you are only interested in filing a California state claim, then you can do so under the DFEH only.

Sexual harassment occurs when someone conditions a work benefit (i.e., a job or a promotion) on your submission to sexual advances or other sexual conduct. Sexual harassment also includes a hostile work environment which is characterized by unwelcome sexual comments or conduct that unreasonably interferes with your work or creates a work environment that is intimidating, hostile, or offensive. Importantly, sexual harassment may even occur where the inappropriate conduct is not directed at you (i.e., a sexual discussion or photographs).

Specifically, the behaviors that constitute sexual harassment must be severe and/or pervasive and may include (but are not limited to the following):

· Unwelcome sexual advances
· Promotion or denial of one based on willingness to exchange sexual favors
· Visual conduct such as leering, making sexual gestures, or displaying sexually suggestive objects, pictures, cartoons, or posters
· Derogatory remarks, slurs, or jokes
· Sexually graphic/degrading comments and words, or suggestive or obscene messages or invites
· Physical touch
· Physical assault

It is very risky to attempt estate planning on your own without the help of a knowledgeable and experienced professional. If you make a mistake, you could end up with an unintended result. Even

worse, some arrangements that you were relying on may be legally invalid in the first place. When you invest in an attorney for your estate planning, you give your family more peace of mind that the plan that you have will actually protect them when the time comes. There is no legal obligation to have an attorney, but it is a smart thing to do for your family’s well-being. You have worked a lifetime to protect your family, and a comprehensive estate plan allows you to continue protecting them for years to come.

No. There are a number of things besides assets that may be covered in an estate plan. One of the most important aspects of any estate plan is a power of attorney. This document is a binding legal designation that becomes effective when it is necessary. A power of attorney gives someone the ability to make decisions on your behalf according to the terms of the document. For example, you could give specific power of attorney over financial or health matters, or you can give a broader general power of attorney that would give general decision-making Authority.

In addition, an estate plan could also designate a guardian for your minor children and specify how they are to be raised if you are no longer here. Without these instructions in place, a court would need to appoint a guardian, and your wishes would not be known. An experienced estate planning attorney will discuss all the possibilities, so you are aware of them when you are making your estate plan.

No. Some accounts rely on beneficiary designations. For example, your retirement account and your life insurance policy require that you designate one or more beneficiaries to receive the proceeds after you die. These accounts are transferred when you provide the custodian proof of the account owner’s death, and they do not go through the probate process, nor are they a part of a will. The beneficiary designations on these accounts are binding, so you need to review them periodically to ensure that they still reflect your current wishes. Otherwise, you may have an undesired result after you die. Even if you are divorced, you must still physically change the beneficiary on the account.

On the bright side, your property would still go to your heirs, and it would not be surrendered to the state. However, there would likely be a significant legal hassle if you died intestate. The court would need to appoint an administrator for your estate. Then, your assets would be divided according to the formula specified in California Intestate law. You would lose all ability to have any say in what happens after you die. The same holds true for both your property and any minor children. In the meantime, your loved ones would go through additional stress that they otherwise would not have had to encounter if you had a will and/or trust in place when you die.

Yes. If you form a trust, it already goes into operation once you execute the documents and move property into the trust. Since a trust is self-executing, there is no need for a legal process to authenticate anything or distribute assets.

Trusts can offer many advantages for a family. Not only are you able to take care of certain loved ones according to your wishes, but there may also be tax benefits. While you may need to do some work on

the front end to establish the trust, it could save your family expense and hassle during a difficult time. Trusts can give you more certainty than you otherwise would have.

Yes. Probate may be a time for litigation. If someone is angry about being left out of the will or they object to the inclusion of someone else in the will, they may file a lawsuit. Interested parties may contest the validity of the will. These are expensive and difficult challenges that can cause extreme tension within families.

In addition, creditors may come forward with claims, and the executor may dispute their validity. Probate can be a highly technical process that requires much paperwork and many steps. It could take time and knowledge of archaic laws to navigate this process.

Probate is a formal legal process in which the following happens:

• The executor opens the probate process by filing a letter with the court
• The will is identified and authenticated
• The court appoints the person named in the will as the executor of the estate
• All interested parties are notified of the probate process by the executor (including beneficiaries, heirs, and creditors)
• The executor identifies and values all property that should be included in the estate
• The executor will settle the death of the estate by paying back creditors ( or the executor may deny the claim that is filed by creditors)
• The assets are either sold and the proceeds distributed to the beneficiaries, or the assets are given directly to those named in the will
• The estate is closed out

If you’ve been injured on the job, whether at the fault of yourself or someone else, you’re likely entitled to Workers’ Compensation benefits. Call the Arshakyan Law Firm at 888-851-5005 or visit our website to speak with a Workers’ Compensation attorney today.

While you have 30 days to notify your employer of a work-related injury, filing a claim in California has a statute of limitations of one year. This means you have one year from the date the injury or disability occurs to file your claim.

Any injury that is related to your job that happens within the workplace or within the scope of employment qualifies for Workers’ Compensation with the exception of minor injuries, such as those that can be remedied with a first aid kit. Additionally, injuries as a result of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol will not qualify for Workers’ Compensation.

Employees will be entitled to keep their jobs and cannot be fired because of a work-related injury or disability. There are reasons for which you may be released from your position; however, simply being injured on the job is not one of them.

Benefits include medical treatment for a work-related injury, permanent disability for the loss of function, temporary disability for the loss of wages, and job displacement benefits for retraining.

You may be able to see your own doctor for the initial evaluation after your injury under certain circumstances. If you predesignate, you are permitted to see your own medical provider. Predesignating involves written notice to your employer before your injury informing him or her of your personal doctor. Otherwise, you will be required to see a doctor within the employer’s or insurer’s medical provider network first. After the initial visit, you will be permitted to switch to a personal medical provider.

Workers’ Compensation is a no-fault system. This means that liability does not need to be determined for you to receive benefits. However, grossly negligent employees may not receive benefits. This includes employees who are injured at work as a result of being intoxicated.

California law protects employees from being terminated because of injuries or disabilities that are a result of a work-related accident. Your employer cannot terminate you simply for applying for Workers’ Compensation. However, there are several instances in which they can terminate you, including company-wide lay-offs or if your disability makes it impossible to do your job.

Workers’ Compensation does not cover certain categories of employees. This includes those employed by family members in some cases like domestic employment such as housekeeping. Additionally, those employees who work for aid as opposed to wages are not covered by Workers’ Compensation.

There are also injuries that are likely not covered by Workers’ Compensation. They include those that can be remedied with a first aid kit and those that occur outside the scope of employment or outside of the workplace. Generally, an injury must be work-related to be covered by Workers’ Compensation.

Workers’ Compensation insurance is mandatory for all employers, even if the employer only employs one person. Additionally, the law requires the employer to carry insurance even if the company is headquartered in a state other than California.

In California, employers are required to provide their employees with Workers’ Compensation benefits by paying for Workers’ Compensation insurance.

Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim in California requires you to take three steps. First, you must report your injury to your employer. Additionally, you should seek medical care as soon as possible. Next, you must file the claim with your employer. Finally, you should file an application for adjudication of claim with the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board.

Compensation for whiplash can vary depending on the level of injury and the expenses associated with it. A typical whiplash payout can range anywhere from a few thousand dollars to upwards of $10,000. However, there have been cases where damage severely affects the nerves, soft tissue, and vertebrae, leading to settlements and verdicts within the $100,000 range. If you suffered whiplash in an accident, a personal injury lawyer will help you to refuse lowball offers and get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

Personal injury cases can be extremely complex. Navigating the world of personal injury alone may result in a payout smaller than you deserve where you are not represented. If you’ve been injured through no fault of your own, you need an experienced personal injury attorney to fight for just compensation. Contact the Arshakyan Law Firm to schedule your free consultation today!

The party who is responsible for the accident which caused your injuries will also be responsible for the medical bills that accrue on the road to recovery. However, proving that a party is liable may take time as bills begin to pile up. While you are waiting for your case to settle or go to trial, your options may include private or government insurance. If you do not have health insurance, hospitals are required to work with you to determine a reasonable payment plan. Additionally, medical providers may provide treatment and receive payment once your personal injury case is resolved.

There are many things you can do to maximize your settlement after you are injured in an accident. First, seek medical treatment immediately following your accident. Make sure to keep records of all diagnoses, treatments, and prescriptions. Ensure that you preserve evidence such as photos of the scene of the accident, the clothes you were wearing, and any names and contact information of witnesses you may have gathered. Lastly, hiring a personal injury lawyer will ensure that you are fighting for the maximum settlement. Your lawyer will refuse any inadequate settlement offers and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Settlements in personal injury cases can vary greatly depending on the type of case. Your settlement will also depend on several additional factors such as the extent of your injuries, the cost of your medical care and/or lost wages, and whether you were partially at fault for the accident that caused your injuries.

The statute of limitations governs the amount of time you have to file a personal injury claim in California after your injury. State law says that you have two years from the date of your injury to file a claim. After that two-year limitation has run, a court will almost always dismiss your case.

Upon hiring a personal injury lawyer, you should expect her to thoroughly investigate your case. This means that she will review all documents related to the accident and your treatment to determine the extent of the damages you have suffered. This investigation will help your lawyer to determine what compensation you should fight for and the appropriate strategy for negotiating, settling, and, if necessary, litigating.

You should keep all information such as medical documents and witness lists up to date and expect your attorney and the other side to request this information throughout the discovery process. Additionally, there may be times during which the defense asks you or other witnesses and medical experts questions regarding your injuries under oath during a deposition.

You may face mediation in which settlement negotiations ensue in an attempt to avoid a long or complex personal injury trial. You may accept a settlement offer or reject one. However, rejecting a settlement offer may lead to a trial during which your lawyer and the defense will argue liability. Once both sides have made their arguments and presented evidence, a jury will decide on liability and damages.

After the initial pleadings are filed, the timeline of your claim will depend on several factors. Settlement negotiations are likely happening throughout the entire process, and they may even begin before the claim is officially filed. However, the time it will take to get a settlement may largely depend on the defendant or insurance company you are fighting.

When a plaintiff is partially at fault for the accident that caused his injuries, his damages can be diminished in proportion to his fault. California operates under a “pure comparative negligence system.” This means that recovery is not barred regardless of how at fault you are. In other words, if you are 60% responsible for the accident which causes your injuries, you will recover 40% of the damages you suffered as a result of the accident.

In the United States, approximately 4%-5% of personal injury cases go to trial. This means that 95%-96% of cases settle at a sum that is agreed upon by both sides. Those that go to trial are usually a result of a failure to settle prior to litigation either because the defendant is serious about going to trial or the plaintiff refuses to accept an offer.

After your free consultation and upon deciding to take your case, your attorney will likely start the process by filing a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company. After the claim is filed, the insurance company will likely make an initial offer that will be a starting point for negotiations. If you accept the insurance company’s offer, you will sign an agreement releasing them from any further liability, and you will receive a check.

If the insurance company refuses to make an adequate settlement offer, your lawyer will file a complaint that lays out your claim and the facts of your case. The defendant will answer the complaint, and the discovery process will begin. During discovery, your lawyer will work to gather evidence that shows the defendant is responsible for your injuries and should compensate you. Additionally, the defendant will attempt to gather evidence that shows he isn’t liable or that you are partially at fault for your injuries. Personal injury cases often reach a settlement where both sides agree to a sum of money to be paid to you as compensation. However, where a settlement cannot be reached, litigation may ensue.

When you call Arshakyan Law, your initial consultation will be free. Our legal team will listen to your story and determine whether you have a viable personal injury claim. You will only pay a contingency fee if we win your case, which means that any legal fees you pay will come directly out of your settlement or award. If we do not win your case, you will not owe us anything.

While you do not need a lawyer to file a personal injury lawsuit, hiring one will increase the likelihood of getting the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Personal injury cases can be complex, and oftentimes you are fighting insurance companies. These companies use tactics to diminish your claim. An experienced personal injury lawyer knows the tactics these businesses use and will assist you in getting your life back on track.

In California, employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance for their employees regardless of how many employees work within the business. Workers’ compensation insurance provides benefits to employees who are injured on the job. Benefits include medical expenses related to the injury and lost wages paid for by the insurance carrier, as well as temporary and permanent disability benefits.

The amount your case is worth will depend on the significance of the accident and your resulting injuries. It can be difficult to determine how much to claim in damages, but an experienced personal injury attorney will be able to assist. She will use the opinions of outside experts, such as medical professionals, and her legal knowledge to determine what your case is worth and what type of compensation you should fight for.

There are different types of damages available in a personal injury case. Compensatory damages are those awarded to a plaintiff to compensate him for his injuries or to “make the plaintiff whole.” In other words, they are awarded to put the plaintiff in the position he was in before his injury. Compensatory damages include payment for pain and suffering, medical expenses, and loss of wages.

In cases where the defendant’s actions were particularly egregious, the court may award punitive damages. Punitive damages have the purpose of punishing the defendant for his actions and deterring others from engaging in similar conduct in the future.

The statute of limitations for a personal injury case determines how long you have to file a personal injury claim in the State of California. If you’re injured, you have two years from the date of your injury to file a claim against anyone who may be at fault for your injuries. However, it is better to consult with a personal injury lawyer and file your claim as soon as possible to avoid losing evidence or having difficulty in proving your injuries.