When an employee reports an injury that occurred on the job, it's crucial for employers to respond promptly and correctly. Navigating this process can be complex, particularly with the overlapping requirements of your workers' compensation insurance carrier, various types of leave, and federal and state regulations. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you handle such situations effectively. Immediate Steps to Take Ensure Employee Safety and Medical Attention: First and foremost, ensure that the employee receives appropriate medical care. If the injury is severe, seek emergency medical services immediately. If the injury is less critical, guide the employee to a healthcare... READ MORE

A business website is often the first point of contact between you and your potential customers. But with this powerful tool comes great responsibility—specifically, the obligation to protect your visitors' privacy and ensure your site is accessible to all. If you're a business owner, ensuring that your website complies with privacy laws and digital accessibility standards isn't just a legal requirement—it's also key to building trust with your audience. Privacy Policies: What You Need to Know A privacy policy is a statement that explains how your website collects, uses, and protects the personal information of its visitors. This information can... READ MORE

So you’ve got a brilliant idea and a fantastic business name. But have you ever stopped to think about protecting that name and the unique brand you're building? Enter trademarks—a legal powerhouse that can safeguard your business’s identity. If you’re wondering whether a trademark is necessary for your venture, here’s a sneak peek into why it might be a game-changer for your business. What is a Trademark? In a nutshell, a trademark is a distinctive sign or symbol used to identify your goods or services and distinguish them from those of competitors. It could be a word, phrase, logo, symbol,... READ MORE

Starting August 1, 2024, California employers will be required to monitor indoor heat for workers and take steps to reduce the temperature in the workplace and make accommodations for employees. While this new regulation applies to virtually all companies, employers with workers in restaurants and warehouses should take particular attention to these new requirements. The new law is focused on the risk of health illness to employees.The new rule will generally require employers to cool indoor workplaces that reach or exceed 82 degrees Fahrenheit whenever employees are present. When the indoor temperature reaches 82 degrees, employers must do the following:... READ MORE

After years of attempts by employer groups to repeal or make common sense changes to PAGA (Private Attorneys General Act) laws, on July 1, Governor Newsom signed Assembly Bill 2288 and Senate Bill 92 which reflect significant reforms to the Labor Code Private Attorneys General Act of 2004.  The new changes to PAGA give employers a lifeline when it comes to wage and hour exposure by implementing new changes to the law that give employers the ability to avoid and reduce potential exposure under PAGA.  The following sets forth the key changes in the law. 1. What is PAGA (Private... READ MORE

Legal Considerations for Distinguishing Between a Hobby and a Business Understanding whether your side hustle qualifies as a hobby or a business goes beyond just tax implications; it involves significant legal considerations. This distinction affects how you operate, your financial obligations, and potential liabilities. Differentiating Between Hobby and Business The primary distinction between a hobby and a business lies in their objectives. A business is conducted with the intention of making a profit, while a hobby is pursued for personal enjoyment without the intent to generate income as a primary objective. This differentiation is vital because it affects the side... READ MORE

Starting July 1, 2024, California employers must comply with the following changes in the law impacting their employees: 1. Most Employers Must Implement a Workplace Violence Prevention Plan As previously explained in last month’s newsletter, California requires employers, with few exceptions, to implement a Workplace Violence Prevention Plan (WVPP) by July 1, 2024.  Details of the WVPP and how to comply with the new requirements can be reviewed by clicking here.  Should your company need assistance in creating a WVPP, Chase Law Group can assist you. Contact us to get started. 2. Changes in the Division of Workers Compensation New... READ MORE

Nominative fair use allows a business to refer to another company's goods or services by using their trademarks without needing permission. This principle is essential for businesses that provide services related to products from other companies. For example, auto repair shops, tech support services or medical providers. A recent discussion sheds light on how this doctrine applies, specifically regarding the use of another company's logo. The Scenario A medical services provider put on its website a logo of an insurance company alongside other insurance companies’ logos noting that the facility accepts those insurance policies. However, one company sent a notice... READ MORE

With summer fast approaching, it’s a good time to review and update company vacation and personal time off (PTO) policies to ensure compliance with California law. The following is a brief discussion of the laws that apply to vacation and PTO in California. Vacation versus PTO Policy As a preliminary matter, employers are not required to have a vacation or PTO policy. However, once they do have such a policy, employers must comply with applicable California requirements. There are two approaches when it comes to providing paid time off to employees. Some employers elect to provide a stand-alone vacation policy... READ MORE

For small businesses long-term success requires more than just a great product or service. It also demands careful attention to legal matters to ensure compliance, mitigate risks, and protect the business's interests. As business attorneys, we've identified several key legal must-haves that every business should implement to lay the groundwork for sustainable growth and success. Choosing the Right Legal Structure First and foremost, every business needs a solid legal structure. Whether you're a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), or corporation, choosing the right legal structure is essential for protecting your personal assets, minimizing tax liabilities, and defining your... READ MORE