When Times Get Tough, the Tough Get a Lawyer

Sacramento, CAWith incoming Governor Jerry Brown signaling tough economic times for California, it behooves every employee to ensure they are meeting or exceeding performance expectations. That said, if cutbacks emerge as a result of Brown's announced no-nonsense budget, then rest assured that California labor laws are in place to protect your rights.

But sometimes you have to go after them. Sometimes you can't leave it to your [former] employer to treat you fairly. Some time down the road you may need the services of wrongful termination lawyers to ensure your due.

Business is competitive, with a constant eye to the bottom line. Even if you are performing well, your job might wind up expendable if economics come into play. If you are terminated, then you need to be treated fairly. Or if you are injured on the job and require workers' compensation benefits, you have a right to them. If they are withheld, well—that's what workers' compensation lawyers are for.

One needn't be ashamed to call in the legal Beagles. Nor should they be invoked for frivolous matters. However, most people simply absorb the kick where it hurts, tuck in their tail and go on home to suffer the consequences of an unjust termination or a lack of workers' compensation benefits. Those consequences could mean losing your house, defaulting on your medical bills or not able to help your kids through college.

To the bean counters and shareholders at most companies, that's just collateral damage. The cost of doing business. And sadly, if they can get away with saving a buck by making an unjust case to fire you or stiffing you in your severance, or withholding workers' compensation—they will.

Not all. Many employers are fair and just. At the same time, however, economic uncertainty and a budget squeeze can turn an employer against their once closely held standards. Suddenly they don't care. Suddenly you're just a number—and all those slaps on the back, all those lost weekends invested in doing a good job are all forgotten.

Times have been tough in California of late. Arnold Schwarzenegger may, or may not 'Be Back…' But Jerry Brown IS back. And Governor Brown will have to keep California labor laws in view as he attempts to save the State's economy. There must be fairness in the coming pain. Those who are left on the sidelines may require the services of workers' compensation lawyers or wrongful termination lawyers to ensure you get everything to which you are legally entitled. It's not just the law, or for that matter simply just. For most, it's a matter or survival.