If you plan to start a business in California, you are likely considering which form your venture should take. For example, a business may be organized as a sole proprietorship, led by one person who is the owner and operator of the establishment or set up as a type of partnership. Many businesses are formally…
DetailsA recent article in Business Insurance touched on new Labor Department guidance on classifying workers as employees versus independent contractors, which is expected to increase litigation against employers. Experts recommend that firms, particularly those with a significant number of independent contractors, conduct an audit now to ensure they are classified properly under the Fair Labor…
DetailsBusiness Insurance conferred with RPNA Managing Partner Drew E. Pomerance about last week’s U.S. District Court ruling that granted Uber drivers class action status. “I can’t say that I’m surprised in light of other rulings on the issue,” he commented in a recent article. “I think courts are going to do everything they can to…
DetailsIf your California employee was injured, or claims to have been injured on the job, they may want to visit with their own doctor or medical professional. While they are welcome to do so, they generally must also visit with an in-network doctor. Indeed, many workers comp insurance carriers include a Medical Provider Network (MPN)…
DetailsWorkers comp can be a source of challenge and frustration for many California employers, especially as it relates to premiums and claims. Two sources of information that employers can refer to in order to gain a better understanding of the current state of the market for workers’ compensation insurance are the Division of Workers’ Compensation…
DetailsThe August 7 issue of Insurance Journal highlighted the recent decision in RPNA’s case Zurich American Insurance Company v. Country Villa Service Corp., which stated that Zurich cannot enforce side agreements that were not filed with the Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau (WCIRB). The article, titled “Court Decision May Impact Workers’ Comp Side Agreements in…
DetailsWorking in corporate America used to be the goal, but nowadays for many Californians, the 9 to 5 is no longer the preferred form of employment. Indeed, more and more entrepreneurs are venturing out to work for themselves. For some, that means joining together with family to start a small business. And while starting a…
DetailsOn October 26, 2015, managing partner Drew E. Pomerance will be speaking to CalCPA members on workers compensation issues relevant to the CPA’s or financial professional’s practice. Drew’s discussion will help the CPA/Business Advisor assist their clients in uncovering hidden fees, by knowing what questions to ask the broker and where to look. Workers compensation…
DetailsThe payment of wages to employees in California is governed by the California Labor Code and regulations promulgated by the Industrial Welfare Commission. These laws and regulations are enforced by the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement. These laws set forth the basic standards for minimum wage, overtime, tips, meal and rest breaks, and time worked. …
DetailsStrategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) are civil lawsuits or countersuits usually brought by corporations or government entities against individuals or organizations for the purpose of chilling or preventing certain speech or behavior. SLAPPs generally involve claims of defamation, libel, slander, interference with prospective economic advantage, malicious prosecution, and/or abuse of process. Typically a SLAPP…
Details