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Disability Discrimination and Accommodation Laws in California

With the knowledge of the difficulties people living with disabilities face on a daily basis, California has put several measures in place to ensure that workplaces avoid discriminatory practices and provide reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities. As Douglas Han from Justice Law Corporation  explains, these accommodations are part of state laws such as the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), the Unruh Civil Rights Act, and the Disabled Persons Act.

First, these laws mandate that prospective employers cannot refuse to hire or train individuals on the basis of their disabilities. In this situation, qualified disabilities include physical disabilities, medical conditions, and mental conditions. Physical disabilities encompass physical impairments, impairments of major bodily systems, and any physical condition that limits a major life activity. Medical conditions refer to genetic conditions associated with diseases, as well as health impairments related to cancer. Mental conditions cover a variety of mental illnesses and intellectual/cognitive disabilities, including autism, clinical depression, and bipolar disorder.

Secondly, these laws require employers to provide reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities. Douglas Han of the Justice Law Corporation expounds, “Examples of accommodation might be modified equipment, a work-from-home option, interpreters, job restructuring, and accessibility, to name a few.” One example of reasonable accommodations would be making a workplace accessible to employees who need to use a wheelchair. If an employer fails to provide these reasonable accommodations, it is considered an act of discrimination under California law. “An employer must engage in an interactive process to determine reasonable accommodation. A failure to do so is an actionable claim on its own,” Douglas Han from Justice Law Corporation comments.

If you are an individual with a disability who has been discriminated against in the workplace, you may be able to hold your employer liable in a court of law. Be aware that you can only file a complaint for discrimination if you have already requested a reasonable accommodation from your employer. If your request has not been followed by a satisfactory resolution, you can file a complaint with either the EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) or the CRD (California Civil Rights Department). You can also request information and assistance from a reputable legal firm before you move forward with your complaint. Be sure to do your research and determine if you have a legitimate claim that can become a lawsuit. The right lawsuit can lead to significant settlement amounts for victims of discrimination.

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Oral Cancer, Weight Loss, and Dental Malpractice

Blog submitted by Dane Levy, Attorney of Dentalmal.com, a provider of legal services for those injured by dental malpractice in California

As you may know, keeping a healthy weight and proper nutrition is essential to living a healthy lifestyle. This doesn’t just apply to losing excess weight, but it also applies to avoiding malnutrition and making sure you don’t lose too much weight. However, getting proper nutrition can be one of the most challenging parts of battling oral cancer.

Weight loss can start during the early days of oral cancer, as dramatic weight loss is one of the symptoms doctors should watch out for to identify oral cancer. The weight loss can continue during cancer treatment, because studies show that oral cancer can make it difficult to chew and swallow after surgery or radiotherapy. During cancer treatment, your body also needs extra nutrition to strengthen its damaged cells and to preserve regular functions. In fact, oral cancer’s mortality rate is higher when patients fail to get proper nutrition.

The unfortunate truth is that oral cancer is one of the deadliest forms of cancer, not because it is difficult to treat, but because it is often diagnosed too late. It is a dentist’s responsibility to recognize the warning signs of oral cancer and examine their patients if they are at risk for the disease.

Oral cancer patients can do a couple of things to help them in their battle with the disease. First, they should undertake a diet of foods rich in vitamins and nutrients. The Oral Cancer Foundation suggests fruits, grains, lean meat, and low-fat dairy. Second, they can also seek compensation if they are victims of dental malpractice.

Failure to recognize oral cancer can be a form of dental negligence that you can receive compensation for. Attorney Dane Levy has had experience with dental malpractice cases involving oral cancer, dental implant nerve injury, infections, and more. Contact him at the Levy Law Firm today for more information.

Are Dental Implants Safe?

Article written by Levy Law Firm.

Many people are searching for information about dental implants. After all, they’re the closest thing to real teeth. And, they can be a life saver if you’ve lost a front tooth that affects your smile. The real question on everyone’s mind is: Are dental implants safe?

The short answer is yes, they are. For most people, you can get one or more teeth replaced and your friends will never know the tooth isn’t real. It can be a short, simple procedure if you just have one or two teeth that need replacing.

In general, dentists say that dental implants are safe as long as the patient is relatively healthy and fully aware of what to expect. They are expensive though, and sometimes people will search for cheaper rates to save some money.

The cost per tooth for dental implants can be as high as $5,000 so it’s no wonder that people do look for cheaper prices. But this can lead you to a dentist that may not be experienced enough or well-trained in dental implants. And this can result in dental implant nerve injury.

For some people, this condition will persist for years or longer. For this reason, it’s a good idea to get dental malpractice information from an experienced attorney in Los Angeles or Orange County.

You may be confused about your rights and often people are in pain. They just simply aren’t sure what to do if they’ve suffered dental implant nerve injury.

Need Dental Malpractice Information?

An experienced dental malpractice lawyer can help you get the dental malpractice information you need so you can decide what to do. Reach out for help.

Submitted by Attorney Dane Levy of www.Dentalmal.com serving Los Angeles and Orange County with professional Dental Malpractice legal services.

What are the penalties of driving while stoned from marijuana?

Article by Delta Driving School

Even though the recreational use of cannabis was legalized in California in January 2018, driving under the influence of marijuana is a crime. Thus, to clarify what it means to drive under the influence of marijuana, the following three factors must be met:

The person must be driving the vehicle

The person must be under the influence of the drug

The person must demonstrate mental or physical impairment that hinders the ability to operate the vehicle

Penalties for marijuana-related DUIs, just as with alcohol-related DUIs will include jail time, suspension of your driver’s license, participation in DUI classes (that you will pay for), and thousands of dollars in fines, not to mention attorney’s fees. And all of this is just for a first offense.

Most cases of driving under the influence of marijuana are considered misdemeanors, but there are cases where this can be treated as a felony. The most common penalties if no one was hurt include:

 Marijuana DUI 1st Offense – Three days to six months in jail, fines, license suspension for up to four months, and three months of mandatory DUI classes.

Marijuana DUI 2nd Offense – Four days to one year in jail, significant fines, license suspension for up to two years, and 18-30 months of mandatory DUI classes.

Marijuana DUI 3rd Offense – Six months to one year in jail, significant fines, license suspension for up to three years, and 30 months of mandatory DUI classes.

DUIs of any kind will count against you as an offense, so if you have a previous alcohol-related offense, the marijuana-related offense will be the next offense. Fines and legal fees related to a marijuana DUI can easily exceed $10,000, even for a first offense.

About the Author: This article is courtesy of Delta Driving School. They are a Driving School in La Canada, Glendale, Eagle Rock and La Crescenta in Southern California.

When Should You Search for Dental Malpractice Information?

Article by Levy Law Firm, Dental Malpractice Lawyers.

If you’ve been harmed by a dentist, then you’re not alone. The number of patients reporting an injury from a dentist is on the rise. The reasons for this vary but include:

Improperly trained dentists

Lack of medical oversight in the industry

The sheer number of cases

Carelessness or distracted dentistry

Your dentists may be well trained but what if he went out with friends the night before and had too much to drink? Dentists are human after all. They might get into an argument with a spouse the day before your dental implant surgery. They come to work tired and distracted, not fully focusing on the work at hand.

The results? The dentist accidentally goes too deep into the gums and causes nerve damage. Will this go away on its own? In some cases, it will. But in many cases, nerve damage to gums is permanent.

The next question is about whether or not you should see a dental malpractice lawyer. You may not fully understand your rights. You may just need to talk things out with someone to come to the right decision. You need sound dental malpractice information.

The worst part is that we often don’t know which way to turn or what to do because we’re hurting and confused. Sitting down with an attorney can clear away the confusion and help you make the right decision. And most dental malpractice attorneys offer free consultation. So why not get dental malpractice information before making a decision?

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Article submitted by Attorney Dane Levy of www.Dentalmal.com, a dental malpractice firm serving Los Angeles and Orange County. If you’ve experienced dental implant injury, contact a California dental malpractice attorney immediately for dental malpractice information.

Medical Marijuana Caretakers Be Wary: The Story of One Arrest

Article Submitted by Elon Berk

What do you do if you’re a medical marijuana dispensary owner, in a licensed part of the state, but you’re arrested for posession and intent to sell a controlled substance?

What Happened

Two people, a couple, pull into a gas station to get fuel and snacks. At the same time, a Sherriff’s vehicle pulls up and parks next to them. He gets out of his car, and notes the unmistakable smell of marijuana. The gentleman calmly tells the officer that he is a medical marijuana dispensary driver, and that he is delivering for a patient. Essentially acting as a caregiver.

He shows the officer all of his identification and prescription information, as well as paperwork designating him as a caretaker. The Sheriff finds approximately 2.2 oz of dry marijuana in the car, along with 2.72 oz of hashish oil and 2.21 of hashish along with just over $500 in cash.

He also found pay sheets, indicated (in writing) names and dates of sales, alongside amounts and money still owed. The Sheriff, seeing all of this, immediately arrests the gentleman.

Why the Arrest was Made

With SB 420, a patient may have up to 8 oz of dried or concentrated marijuana at any point in time. However, the law enforcement community is keen to let the District Attorney’s office decide whether to charge a patient. This bulk approach to law enforcement makes sense in a certain respect.

After all, the officer has no way of verifying the prescription is real and cannot determine at the scene if it’s legitimate. So, he or she pushes that decision up the chain.

The patient, meanwhile, is held in custody and may need to pay a bond. Is that fair? Should a patient be held in possession of any other prescription medication? In this case, the medical marijuana community can do more to educate law enforcement on legalities.

Elon Berk is the co-founder Enkrypt, a Criminal Defense Attorney, and managing partner at “Gurovich, Berk & Associates.”. Enkrypt is a secure communication app for the iPhone.

How to Build a Construction Claims Company

Summary: If you want to start your own construction claims company you should go into the venture with a plan.

Starting a business is something that can be both incredibly time-consuming and rewarding. A lot of effort and planning usually go into starting a business, simply because of all of the different factors you need to take into consideration. Having an idea is key but there are a number of other aspects you will also need to address, such as who to hire, how to get the money required to get started, how to roll the business out and grow it, and so forth.

Starting a construction claims company can give you the opportunity to help others who need the legal guidance to seek a just outcome. If you want to start a business there are a few points you should keep in mind.

Have a Flexible Plan

Many people will tell you the importance of having a business plan. While having a rough idea of what you want to do and how you want to achieve it is crucial, making sure your plans are flexible is also important. If you initially advertise yourself as a steel fabrication expert but eventually realize that there is not much of a market for that in your area, you might want to consider pivoting to another industry section.

Start Small

Another suggestion that could help you as you are growing your construction claims business is to start small. Established firms like Lyle Charles Consulting will tell you that, when you are just starting out, you will want to start small and grow a client base. Taking on too much too quickly could spread your efforts too thin. Focus on putting quality over quantity.

 

The Fundamentals of Project Management

Summary: If you want your next construction project to run smoothly you should first understand the basics of project management.

 

A great deal of planning and preparation goes into construction. Before a hammer or ladder is even picked up, a construction company should go through a series of steps to make sure the project is practical and then take the necessary steps to carry it out.

 

With a lot on the line, you want to be as certain as possible that you go through the process understanding the demands of the project and knowing how best to approach it.

 

Accepting the Project

 

The first step in the project management process is actually taking on the project. If you have gotten the rights to work on the project, you may want to hire a construction consultant for assistance. A consultant can help you make sense of the client’s demands and provide their expert opinion on how it should be handled.

 

Planning it All Out

 

Once you are certain you understand what the client wants, you can begin to draft a plan. Professionals at Lyle Charles Consulting, for instance, can help you lay out what you will need for the project and how you can go about getting the right people and tools. Additionally, skilled consultants can help you create a roadmap and a timeline that will keep everyone on-track to meet deadlines.

 

Carrying the Plan Out

 

Lastly, you and your team will need to actually execute the construction project. Following the proposed timeline while making sure the work environment is safe and optimized for efficiency is crucial. If problems come up, your team should calmly work together to adjust.

Want to Avoid Being Sued? Follow These Helpful Business Tips

Any lawsuit that comes your way is an obvious issue, not only for you personally, but for your entire business. Having a plan to protect your business from these lawsuits can actually put your organization in a better position.

Keep It in the Contract

If you want to keep your consumer base happy, you’ll need to provide outstanding customer service, a quality produce or service, and something that’ll impact their lives. However, you’ll also need to ensure that they fully understand every policy that you actively have in advance or whatever you do for them won’t matter. Make sure that your contract covers every aspect of your business so they won’t have to read between the lines.

Maintain the Appropriate Documents

If you’re faced with a lawsuit, you’re going to pull every bit of information that you have documented out to present to the attorney. But, what happens if fail to leave behind a paper trail? Consider the case already lost.

By maintaining accurate financial records, you’ll avoid any questioning by the authorities or by the court claiming financial mismanagement. Now, it’s time-consuming of course, but it’s a crucial aspect of running a well-oiled business. Corporations and other large-scaled businesses will go as far as to hire an independent auditor that will come every year or so to clear their name. Simply put, keep accurate records on you at all time.

Obtain the Right Business Liability Insurance

Obtaining insurance can be a major benefit to you and your business. Insurance prices may be steep and difficult to obtain, but it’ll protect your organization in the long run. A solid insurance policy that you should be looking for should offer legal protection in the case that you are sued and have not broken any laws or regulations.

Blog submitted by Barry K. Rothman: The law offices of Barry K. Rothman can provide solid legal advice and expertise for any business owners, entertainers, and stakeholders in the entertainment industry. Take a look at Barry K. Rothman reviews online to see why he’s so trusted in the industry.

What is Construction Law and Why is it Important?

Summary: Construction law is a crucial component of the construction industry for a variety of reasons. For one, disputes can arise which can compromise millions of dollars. Legal experts have the know-how and experience to save a potentially disastrous result.

Construction law is one of the most overlooked subfields of law. The primary reason being that only those involved within the construction industry understand the issues presented. However, the good thing is that there are numerous practicing lawyers that specialize in this subject, so rather than facing an assortment of ignored aspects, many are addressed and settled.

What Exactly is Construction Law?

Construction law encompasses nay legal issues that somehow relates to the field of construction. Many of these legal issues fall under state, federal, or local laws.

On a federal level, issues can involve employments laws or safety regulations. Federal statutes may enforce requirements on worksites. On a state level, numerous additional regulations can be added on top of the existing deferral ones. For instance, environmental rules and safety regulations may be applicable. On local levels, county and city ordinances can enforce a variety of restrictions that can singlehandedly change the way a construction site operates, such as zoning laws or noise created.

What Are the Benefits of Construction Attorneys and Consultants?

One of the most common issues of construction law disputes surrounds finances. Construction projects are extremely expensive and can often costs millions of dollars. It is also quite common to see delays or projects that go over budget, causing issues between parties. This is where a construction claims consultant or an experienced construction attorney thrives.

When these issues come up, construction companies and contractors have a variety of legal options that they can pursue. By speaking with a construction specialist or attorney, parties can have a representative that can handle issues such as contract breaches or liens.

Blog submitted by Lyle Charles: Lyle Charles, of Lyle Charles Consulting, is an experienced construction claims consultant who is knowledgeable on construction litigation and other construction-related issues. To learn more, give him a call today.