Our Blog

April 20, 2019 by Best Edge SEM

Slip and Fall Accidents: What You Should Do First

Slip and fall accidents can happen anytime, anywhere – especially if there are unsafe conditions on someone’s property. Hazards exist everywhere, including at people’s homes and businesses. But when you’re injured by a hazard that could have been avoided through diligence of the property owner, you have the right to pursue compensation. Follow this checklist of what to do first in a slip and fall accident to ensure you are successful in your claim.

Safety First

Make sure you are safely away from the hazard that caused the accident. Once you are safe, seek medical attention. Follow all instructions by the doctor who initially examines you and follow up with your primary doctor for additional care if needed. [Read more…] about Slip and Fall Accidents: What You Should Do First

April 10, 2019 by Best Edge SEM

What Is a Hostile Work Environment and What Can You Do About It?

Did you know your employer is obligated to provide a reasonable work environment for all employees? You should feel comfortable and safe going to work, both physically and mentally. If your managers or coworkers make your job impossible with threatening actions or harsh words, you might be the victim of a hostile work environment.

What Constitutes a Hostile Work Environment?

There’s a difference between an unpleasant work environment and hostile work environment. A coworker can be rude and picking arguments, but this does not constitute a hostile work environment. In a hostile work environment, the behavior being displayed must also be discriminatory in nature. Some examples include:

A coworker making sexual comments about you and passing around nude pictures
Your supervisor making crude jokes that discriminate against your gender, race, or religion
A coworker posting racial jokes to a business group chat room
A manager treating you with hostility in a discriminatory way

If you think you may be working in a hostile work environment, you have options. You do not have to quit your job or put up with it. [Read more…] about What Is a Hostile Work Environment and What Can You Do About It?

March 20, 2019 by Best Edge SEM

Why You Need an Attorney in Product Liability Cases

If you have been injured by reasonable use of a product, you will want to get compensation from the manufacturer for your injuries. Your medical bills, lost time at work, and other related expenses should not come out of your pocket. While you can try to get compensation from a manufacturer on your own, it is highly recommended that you have an attorney to represent you in product liability cases.

The Manufacturer Will Have a Legal Team

Manufacturers of products are big time corporations. They have an entire legal team at their disposal. The sole purpose of that legal team is to protect the company’s bottom line. They will make it as difficult as they can for you to get compensation. It is not wise to try to fight big time lawyers on your own. They know the law better than you do, and they know the loopholes that can be used to get out of a lawsuit. They may offer you a small settlement to keep it out of court, but if you don’t have an attorney even this might not happen. [Read more…] about Why You Need an Attorney in Product Liability Cases

March 10, 2019 by Best Edge SEM

How to React to a Dog Bite Attack

It is unfortunate that sometimes dogs do attack neighbors, children, and passersby. Some dog bite attacks are the result of a poorly trained or aggressive dog, while others are more due to a lack of control of the animal by the owner. Whatever led to your dog bite injury, how you react to the attack could determine your ability to be compensated for your injuries.

Getting Medical Treatment

You will want to seek out medical treatment as soon as possible after a dog bite attack. You want to be certain that your injuries are treated appropriately and professionally. Even minor injuries can leave lasting scars or disfigurement if not treated promptly. Getting immediate medical attention is not just for your health, it will also strengthen your case if you decide to take the dog owner to court. [Read more…] about How to React to a Dog Bite Attack

February 20, 2019 by Best Edge SEM

Steps to Take if You Are Facing Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment can take many forms, all leading to a hostile work environment. By law, you are protected from such harassment. The steps you take when you experience sexual harassment in the workplace are important. Handling the situation in the appropriate manner is vital for ensuring you are protected.

Inform the Harasser of Your Discomfort

The first step in any case of sexual harassment is to ask the harasser to stop immediately. Often, issues can be resolved in this manner. By speaking up, the behavior may stop because the individual doesn’t want any issues in the workplace. If it does not stop, or if the harasser specifically indicates that they do not intend to stop the offensive behavior, further action will need to be taken. Make sure that you document each incident, including the date, time, place, person involved, and the offensive behavior.

Report Sexual Harassment to Your Employer

Most companies have a policy in place for reporting sexual harassment. If you are unsure how to proceed, your company’s human resources department should be able to direct you to the right person to report the incident. Make sure you follow your company’s policy for reporting exactly as it is laid out. This will protect you if you have to take the case further.

If your company doesn’t have a policy in place for reporting sexual harassment, report it to your immediate supervisor. If it is your supervisor that is harassing you, report it to their immediate supervisor.

Reporting to the Government

If you do not get a resolution from your company after reporting through the appropriate means, and the sexual harassment continues, your next step is to report to the appropriate government agency. In California, you can report sexual harassment to either the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing or the Federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. These two agencies work together and share information, so you only need to report to one of them.

The agency will investigate the case and negotiate with your employer for a resolution. If they are unable to do so, they will issue you a letter of right to sue. Once you receive this letter, your next step is to contact an attorney to represent you.

If you are facing sexual harassment at work, you should not suffer in silence. Report any harassment immediately, and contact our office for a consultation if further action needs to be taken.