World Wrestling Entertainment is punching back in a class action lawsuit filed by several of its former wrestlers. However, the WWE’s recent court filings take aim at the plaintiffs’ attorneys as much as the plaintiffs’ legal claims. The case provides us with a timely example of the ramifications of failing to carefully read pleadings before filing.
OSHA Delays Enforcement of Anti-Retaliation Provision Until December 1
OSHA has decided once again to postpone enforcement of the anti-retaliation provision contained in its new injury and illness tracking rule until December 1 in order to allow a federal court time to review a motion challenging the provision. OSHA initially intended to implement the provision on August 10, 2016. At that time, the roll-out was delayed to allow time for outreach to the community the rule affects.
What’s Reasonable Attorney Review?
Although some law firms are slow to embrace new technologies, debt collection firms appear to be the exception to this general rule. Most of these firms use sophisticated computer software to retrieve information from their creditor-clients, and use the program to automatically populates legal forms.
Beware the Cat’s Paw: Employer Liability for Harassment Expanded
The Second Circuit has expanded a theory of liability that can be asserted against employers. Previously, the Second Circuit had not ruled on whether an employer can be held liable for the actions of a lower-level employee with a discriminatory motive who manipulates an unwitting manager or employer into engaging in an adverse employment action. In Vazquez v. Empress Ambulance Service, Ms. Vazquez accused a co-worker of sexual harassment and outlined in detail obscene and blatant actions taken by the co-worker that constituted sexual harassment.
New York State Department of Labor Adopts Direct Deposit and Payroll Debit Card Regulations
A regulation that clarifies and specifies the acceptable methods by which employers in New York State may pay wages to certain employees will take effect on March 7, 2017. The regulation, adopted by the state’s Department of Labor earlier this fall and codified at section 192 of the New York Labor Law, covers the traditional methods of payment of wages by cash and check, but also sets forth the procedures employers must follow when paying wages by direct deposit or payroll debit card. According to the new regulation, all employees who work in New York State are covered, other than persons employed in a bona fide executive, administrative, or professional capacity earning over $900 per week, or employees working on a farm not connected with a factory.
Too Reliant Upon Technology?
Recent technological advances have rapidly changed the way professionals operate. Professionals are no longer tied to their offices, have myriad resources at their fingertips to research new issues and handle new tasks, and are able to reach new clients through social media. In general, these advances allow professionals to work more efficiently, increase their output, and broaden their professional footprint. However, professionals must tread cautiously when they employ technologies that do not merely assist with professional services, but actually supplant the professional’s role.
Attorneys Facing Addiction
It is an unfortunate reality that the legal profession reportedly has one of the highest levels of addiction of any occupation in the country. Although many states maintain hotlines and other services available to attorneys, it is all too common that addiction struggles advance to the point where ethical violations result for the attorney.
EEOC Releases Final Enforcement Guidance on Retaliation and Related Issues
In the spring, we notified you that the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) proposed changes to its guidance on workplace retaliation. The EEOC recently released its final enforcement guidance, which replaces its 1998 Compliance Manual section on retaliation.
Appellate Division Provides Clarity: Medical Expenses Are Recoverable by Workers’ Compensation Carriers Under Section 40
The Appellate Division of the New Jersey Superior Court issued a published decision on August 24, 2016 confirming the right of workers’ compensation insurers to recover medical expenses from the proceeds of any recovery the worker obtains from a third-party tortfeasor under Section 40 of the New Jersey Workers’ Compensation Act. The decision in Lambert v. Travelers Indemnity Co. of America offers welcome clarity concerning reimbursement of medical payments under Section 40 (see No. A-1073-14T3, __ N.J. Super. __, __ (App. Div. 2016)).
Noise Complaints Don’t Fall on Deaf Ears: OSHA Sets Out to End Workplace Noise Exposure and Related Hearing Loss
Recently, OSHA, the Mine Safety and Health Administration and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health teamed up to compel inventors to develop a solution to workplace noise exposure and corollary hearing loss. The trifecta endeavors to ameliorate the risk of hearing loss that 22 million workers face every year from workplace noise hazards.
Temporary Workers: Staffing Agencies Jointly Liable for OSHA Violations
Concerns employers may use temporary workers as a means to fill hazardous jobs and skirt compliance with OSHA regulations, has led to OSHA holding staffing agencies jointly responsible for safety violations when temporary workers are exposed to unsafe conditions. While the extent of staffing agency responsibilities are fact-specific—based upon the applicable regulations for the particular job and activity—what OSHA has made clear is that staffing agencies and employers are jointly responsible for ensuring OSHA compliance and that temporary workers have a safe place to work.
Photographs at Depositions?
Depositions generally involve a series of questions and answers between the deponent and counsel. At times, however, counsel may want to use the deposition as an opportunity to have the witness demonstrate a task or record physical characteristics of a witness. Conveniently, nearly all attorneys now carry a camera in their pocket, in the form of their mobile device. When capturing images or video during depositions, counsel must be careful not to violate a right to privacy, or cast them in an offensive manner.
Who Is Really the Client?
The attorney-client privilege is one of the most basic tenants of professional liability. While the general rule itself is uncomplicated, complex circumstances between attorneys and their clients can often trip up even the most experienced lawyer. Take for example the following New Jersey malpractice case involving a law firm’s general counsel which raises the question: who is really the client?
LGBT Update: Five Things You Need to Know About the Transforming Workplace
We have all heard about the Obama administration’s directive barring employers and schools from gender identity discrimination and the battle over North Carolina’s law, known as H.B.2, which requires people to use bathrooms that match the gender listed on their birth certificate. But aside from the bathroom debate in North Carolina, there are other important developments in the area of LGBT rights that have gotten less attention but are equally important for employers and those who advise them to be aware of. Here are five things you need to consider in this rapidly evolving area of employment law:
Wearable Tech: This Season’s Hottest Litigation Accessory?
We appear to be in the midst of a new fitness renaissance. Trendy fitness programs such as CrossFit, Zumba and SoulCycle dominate social media mentions, while many others stick with tried and true exercise favorites such as running, swimming, biking, yoga, or a gym membership. Workouts and personal records are celebrated on people’s blogs, Facebook pages, and Instagram accounts. The apparent surge in fitness enthusiasm has brought with it a flood of new products designed to take advantage of the market; perhaps none more ubiquitous than wearable fitness trackers, such as those made by FitBit, Nike, Garmin and Samsung. These devices – which can track an astounding array of data, from heart rate to blood sugar to steps taken in a day – are an excellent resource for any fitness enthusiast, or anyone looking to create a healthier lifestyle. However, the demand for wearable tech designed to track our vital information may also prove crucially important to the manner in which we collect information to be used in litigation.