December 2024 Articles

Downsizing is the process of reducing the size of a workforce. People are being laid off from their jobs. Effectively, this isn’t much different than being fired for any of these employees, but it often happens en masse. For example, a company will cut 10% of its workforce, which could...

One of the key factors of many workplace sexual harassment cases is a power imbalance. This may have affected the relationship or even made it possible for the harassment to occur in the first place. One example of this is quid pro quo sexual harassment. This is often carried out...

A dog attack can be absolutely terrifying – and the aftermath of an attack can involve complex medical issues and legal claims.  Among the many possible complications from a dog bite, three issues stand out: infections, scars and post-traumatic stress disorder. Here’s what to keep in mind: 1. Infections can...

Some people have medical challenges that limit their career options. They may have acquired illnesses or congenital medical conditions. Regardless of the nature of someone’s medical challenges, they may require certain forms of support to do their job safely and efficiently. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), businesses typically...

Wrongful termination is when you are fired in a way that violates your rights. For example, maybe the firing was discriminatory. Your employer decided to let you go based on your gender, your religion or your race. It’s illegal for them to do this, and you may need to seek...

Genetic discrimination in the workplace is unlawful at the federal level in the U.S. This type of discrimination can affect hiring decisions, promotions, job assignments and other employment practices. And while it is a lesser-known kind of mistreatment than, say racial or religious discrimination, it is important for workers to...

There’s been a lot of drama around the U.S. Supreme Court recently, certain justices and some highly divisive rulings. However, a recent (and rare) unanimous ruling will make it a little easier for employees to prevail in discrimination claims. The ruling addresses Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of...

Unless specified otherwise in an employment contract, workers in Pennsylvania are employed at will. What this means is that they can be terminated at any time without notice. At the same time, it also means that employees can walk away from a job if they want to without providing notice. ...

At a time when people can connect with each other any time of the day or night through all forms of electronic means, a person’s workday often doesn’t end when they go home. That can be a benefit when someone needs flexible hours. However, it also means that some people...

Employees have the right to expect to have a workplace free of discrimination. Yet, there are several different types of discrimination that still occur in Pennsylvania workplaces. One of them is racial discrimination. Racial discrimination can stem from various aspects of a person’s appearance. This can include their skin color,...

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) grants eligible employees the right to take unpaid, employment-protected leave for qualifying family and medical reasons. Understanding when workers are entitled to FMLA leave can help both employees and employers to better ensure compliance with the law and to protect the rights of...

Have you recently suffered a serious injury? Maybe it happened in a fall, a dog bite or a car accident. You needed medical treatment, and you know that the injury was not your fault. You want to seek financial compensation from the person who was liable – such as the...

Losing a job is devastating, but when it seems unjust, fueled by prejudice or retaliation, more than your livelihood may be at stake. Wrongful termination violates your legal rights and leaves you with a deep sense of injustice. Fortunately, state and federal laws offer legal recourse. Holding your employer accountable...

The workplace should ideally be a safe and respectful environment where all employees feel valued and free from harassment or discrimination. However, not all people view it as such and some might subject others to sexual harassment, creating a hostile or uncomfortable atmosphere. Sexual harassment in the workplace can be...

Bullying in the workplace is a significant concern that can profoundly affect the mental health, productivity and overall well-being of employees. While not all forms of workplace bullying are legally actionable, certain conditions and circumstances may elevate bullying behavior from being unethical to illegal. Understanding the distinction is important for...

A common term that’s often used by employees is “quiet quitting.” It’s a term that essentially means that an employee is setting boundaries within their workplace and will only do the bare minimum of their work. Some employers are adopting this term and are “quiet firing” employees. Quiet firing is...

It’s easy to recognize obvious signs of workplace discrimination. If a business allows employees to use racial or homophobic slurs casually, that’s a sign of a workplace that isn’t protecting its employees. The same is true for businesses that won’t make even minor accommodations for disabled or pregnant employees. Most...

Any type of accident can result in serious injuries, but rear-end collisions are especially dangerous because the impacted driver doesn’t see what’s coming. In practical terms, this means that they cannot brace their body for impact.  What are some of the most common injuries associated with rear-end collisions?  Neck injuries...

You might have a valid discrimination claim against your employer if you have been treated unequally or unfairly based on a protected characteristic such as race, gender, age, religion or disability. However, proving your case often requires more than word of mouth. Presenting evidence supporting your claim is crucial when...

Dog attacks can cause severe injuries and leave psychological and physical scars. It can be a traumatic and distressing experience. Although dogs and people typically coexist peacefully, dogs attack millions of people every year. Children are especially vulnerable to these attacks, and they make up the majority of those who...

A hostile work environment can significantly impact an individual’s job satisfaction, performance, and well-being. It’s characterized by more than just occasional rudeness or isolated incidents. It involves either a particularly egregious scenario or a pattern of behavior that creates an intimidating, offensive or hostile work atmosphere. Understanding the difference between...