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Intoxicated employee dies after holiday party: Is company liable for negligence?

by November 7, 2017 Comments (1)

If your company hosts a holiday party so employees can have some fun, can you be held legally responsible when a tragedy takes place because an employee had too much fun?

Was this guy fired for conduct, or in retaliation for filing complaint?

by March 5, 2012 Comments (0)

An employee who’s in hot water for violating company policy files a sexual harassment claim. After he’s fired, he sues for retaliation. Did he win?

Must firm allow employee to discuss his religion at work?

by November 11, 2011 2 Comments

Just how much leeway does a manager get to discuss his religious beliefs in the workplace? Judging by a recent court ruling, a lot.

Do your managers know the FMLA ‘contact’ rule?

by October 19, 2011 3 Comments

Usually, not returning a phone call is simply considered rude. Now a court ruling says it might also qualify as evidence of FMLA retaliation.

Did firm improperly handle case of the grieving mother?

by September 28, 2011 Comments (1)

Employees sue firms for a lot of perceived “mistreatment” these days. But here’s a case that illustrates the law doesn’t control behavior that’s merely uncivil and not discriminatory or harassing.

Is it OK to call older employee ‘Pops’ and ‘Old Man’?

by September 20, 2011 Comments (1)

It’s certainly no secret that age bias claims are on the rise. So here’s a reminder to managers: Calling an older employee “pops” and “old man” — and harassing him to the point where he quits his job — might not work out that well in the long run.

FLSA nightmare: $88 OT mistake becomes federal case

by September 9, 2011 2 Comments

Here’s a case that teaches us two things: 1) It pays to stay compliant with overtime regs, and 2) once an employee’s claim gets to court, astounding things can happen. And we don’t mean astounding in a good way.

Court dismisses 2 challenges to health reform law

by September 8, 2011 Comments (0)

In the contest to determine the constitutionality of the Obama healthcare reform law, the score is now one “yes,” one “no” and two “no decisions.”

Is PIP an ‘adverse employment action’?

by August 31, 2011 Comments (0)

Talk about no good deed going unpunished. An employee who’d been struggling in his job was put on a performance improvement plan — and then turned around and sued for age bias. Did the judge buy it?

EEOC gets slapped for ‘sue first, ask questions later’ tactic

by August 26, 2011 Comments (1)

In a decision sure to bring a smile to the faces of countless employers, a federal judge has ordered the EEOC to pay $2.6 million in legal fees and costs for the way it handled a decade-long lawsuit against an Ohio company.

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