Christopher B. Dolan

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People experiencing emotional distress after observing a dramatic accident can seek compensation under California law. (Shutterstock)

When a bystander can make a claim in an accident

Witness who was in ‘zone of danger’ can sue for emotional distress

People experiencing emotional distress after observing a dramatic accident can seek compensation under California law. (Shutterstock)
In 2019, Uber and Lyft drivers demonstrated seeking better wages; their classification as independent contractors, rather than employees, remains while gig worker-companies challenge a judge’s ruling calling Proposition 22, which allowed for such classification, unconstitutional.<ins> (Kevin N. Hume/Examiner file)</ins>

Prop. 22 governing gig workers found unconstitutional, but in effect

Ride-hail drivers remain independent contractors pending appeal by Uber

In 2019, Uber and Lyft drivers demonstrated seeking better wages; their classification as independent contractors, rather than employees, remains while gig worker-companies challenge a judge’s ruling calling Proposition 22, which allowed for such classification, unconstitutional.<ins> (Kevin N. Hume/Examiner file)</ins>
Motorists involved in hit-and-run crashes may benefit from certain types of insurance that go beyond the average car insurance policy. <ins>(Shutterstock)</ins>

Navigating insurance claims in cases of hit-and-run

Drivers may want to obtain additional coverage beyond average motorist policy

Motorists involved in hit-and-run crashes may benefit from certain types of insurance that go beyond the average car insurance policy. <ins>(Shutterstock)</ins>
California’s Medical Injury Compensation Reform Act of 1975 caps the amount of money that patients can collect for “non-economic” damages such as pain and suffering in cases of medical negligence. <ins>(Shutterstock)</ins>

Medical malpractice cases are often long, difficult

California voters could change law to improve justice for injured patients

California’s Medical Injury Compensation Reform Act of 1975 caps the amount of money that patients can collect for “non-economic” damages such as pain and suffering in cases of medical negligence. <ins>(Shutterstock)</ins>
A new California law would allow bicycle riders to safely yield at intersections. (Shutterstock)

New ‘Idaho Stop’ legislation encourages bicycle safety

Cyclists, advocates support common-sense Assembly Bill 122

A new California law would allow bicycle riders to safely yield at intersections. (Shutterstock)
Tech industry workers experiencing discrimination should document and report incidents to human resources. (Shutterstock)

You too, us too: There’s strength in numbers

Making real change in struggle against workplace bias takes courage

Tech industry workers experiencing discrimination should document and report incidents to human resources. (Shutterstock)
Nursing and mental health care facilities are obligated to ensure patients and residents are protected from abuse. (Shutterstock)

Nursing home nightmare: sexual abuse in care facilities

Under state law, all residents’ safety must be protected

Nursing and mental health care facilities are obligated to ensure patients and residents are protected from abuse. (Shutterstock)
It’s important for citizens to respond to jury summons to ensure that trials continue in a timely fashion. (Shutterstock)

Don’t toss the jury duty summons — justice can’t be served without you

Exercise your right, help maintain democracy

It’s important for citizens to respond to jury summons to ensure that trials continue in a timely fashion. (Shutterstock)
California voters are urged to exercise their rights by participating in the somewhat confusing election to recall Gov. Gavin Newsom. <ins>(Kevin N. Hume/The Examiner)</ins>

California recall: How do I review my ballot and why is it so confusing?

By Christopher B. Dolan and Kim Levy This week’s question comes from…

California voters are urged to exercise their rights by participating in the somewhat confusing election to recall Gov. Gavin Newsom. <ins>(Kevin N. Hume/The Examiner)</ins>
Tenants rights lawyers and activists gathered in San Francisco in 2020 to protest what they feared might be the end of the pandemic mandate that stopped evictions.<ins> (Jim Wilson/New York Times)</ins>

California tenants are still protected from eviction through Sept. 30

Some residents may be eligible for cleared rent debt

Tenants rights lawyers and activists gathered in San Francisco in 2020 to protest what they feared might be the end of the pandemic mandate that stopped evictions.<ins> (Jim Wilson/New York Times)</ins>
Spouses of people injured in accidents caused by negligent drivers may make claims for compensation under California law. (Shutterstock)

Loss of consortium: Injured person’s spouse may seek compensation

Claims may be based on diminished sexual relations or ability to have children

Spouses of people injured in accidents caused by negligent drivers may make claims for compensation under California law. (Shutterstock)
People who knowingly serve alcohol to minors in California potentially could be liable for damages in the case of injury or death.<ins> (Shutterstock)</ins>

Who is to blame if customers drink too much?

Drinker, not pourer, liable in California for damages

People who knowingly serve alcohol to minors in California potentially could be liable for damages in the case of injury or death.<ins> (Shutterstock)</ins>
Under California emergency temporary standards issued on June 17, employees who are vaccinated do not have to wear a mask in indoor workplaces, but those who are not vaccinated must wear one. (Shutterstock)

Guidelines for safely returning to work in an office

Employers are required to maintain a healthy site

Under California emergency temporary standards issued on June 17, employees who are vaccinated do not have to wear a mask in indoor workplaces, but those who are not vaccinated must wear one. (Shutterstock)
Some people, including folks in West Portal on July 20, have stopped wearing masks, particularly if they’re outdoors — but others haven’t. <ins>(Kevin N. Hume/The Examiner)</ins>

California lifts mask mandate — but what does it mean?

Vaccinated folks aren’t legally required to keep covered, but it’s a good idea for safety

Some people, including folks in West Portal on July 20, have stopped wearing masks, particularly if they’re outdoors — but others haven’t. <ins>(Kevin N. Hume/The Examiner)</ins>
Under California law, dogs are viewed as property, and people who suffer as a result of a violent dog may file insurance claims for possible financial reimbursement. (Shutterstock)

Financial compensation may be possible in wake of dog attack

Insurance company could pay medical expenses, or for emotional distress

Under California law, dogs are viewed as property, and people who suffer as a result of a violent dog may file insurance claims for possible financial reimbursement. (Shutterstock)
People injured in a collision resulting from another’s negligent driving have the right to seek compensation for damages. <ins>(Shutterstock)</ins>

What do I do? This is my first auto accident

Exchange information with drivers involved, obtain police report

People injured in a collision resulting from another’s negligent driving have the right to seek compensation for damages. <ins>(Shutterstock)</ins>
The loss of Ruth Bader Ginsburg has moved the balance in favor of conservative views on the U.S. Supreme Court. (Shutterstock)

U.S. Supreme Court shifts on LGBTQ+ issues

Case pitting discrimination against religious freedom shows impact of Trump appointments

The loss of Ruth Bader Ginsburg has moved the balance in favor of conservative views on the U.S. Supreme Court. (Shutterstock)
Car rental companies sell insurance that may be supplemental to coverage drivers have with their own personal policies. <ins>(Shutterstock)</ins>

Things to know when purchasing rental car insurance

Avoid potential pitfalls by understanding types of coverage available

Car rental companies sell insurance that may be supplemental to coverage drivers have with their own personal policies. <ins>(Shutterstock)</ins>
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee has signed a bill that would require schools to notify parents before providing students with instruction about sexual orientation or gender identity. (Courtesy photo)

Don’t mess with California: Supreme Court tells Texas to sit down

State takes action against anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in the South

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee has signed a bill that would require schools to notify parents before providing students with instruction about sexual orientation or gender identity. (Courtesy photo)
A person accused of electronic harassment could face misdemeanor charges in California. (Shutterstock)

Workplace violence is increasing: how to stay safe (Part 2)

Employees may obtain restraining orders to protect themselves against harassment, stalking

A person accused of electronic harassment could face misdemeanor charges in California. (Shutterstock)