Can You Work a Second Job While on Short-Term Disability? A Legal Expert Explains
Can You Work a Second Job While on Short-Term Disability?
Generally, working a second job while on short-term disability is highly risky and often prohibited by the insurance policy. Doing so without explicit, written permission from your insurance
Knudtson & Associates | Blog
Can You Claim Unemployment Until Your First Paycheck? A Lawyer’s Answer
Can You Claim Unemployment Until Your First Paycheck? A Lawyer's Answer
As a trial lawyer with nearly four decades of experience, I’ve seen firsthand the financial strain that comes with unemployment. The period after you’ve accepted a new job
Knudtson & Associates | Blog
Mold in the Workplace: Your Employee Rights, Remedies, and Next Steps
ADA accommodations for mold-related conditions If mold exposure triggers or aggravates a condition that substantially limits a major life activity (e.g., breathing), the ADA may require employers with 15+ employees to engage in an interactive process to provide reasonable accommodations. Common accommodations can include relocation to a remediated area, improved filtration/ventilation, modified schedules during remediation, or remote work during repairs where feasible and effective. A practical approach I recommend is bringing concise medical support that describes functional limits and suggested accommodations without over-disclosing diagnosis details—this keeps the ADA dialogue focused and productive. By Gigi M. Knudtson, Founder ADA documentation and confidentiality Employers may request limited medical documentation to substantiate the need for accommodation, and must keep it confidential and separate from personnel files. Employees need not prove a specific mold diagnosis; the key is demonstrating functional limitations and effective accommodations through the interactive process. Workers’ compensation and other claims Where a medical professional links illness to workplace exposure, employees may pursue workers’ compensation benefits for medical treatment and wage loss, recognizing that causation proof is often the most contested element. Some circumstances may also involve third-party claims or negligence theories, but these depend on facts such as building ownership, contractor conduct, and whether intentional misconduct is alleged. Documenting exposure pathways (leaks, damp materials), environmental findings, and a clinician’s causal opinion can make or break both workers’ compensation and any parallel civil claims. Step-by-step: how to act safely and effectively First Step: Gather evidence. Take dated photos of visible mold, leaks, stained ceiling tiles, and damp materials; note odors and symptom patterns. Second Step: Report in writing. Notify a supervisor or safety contact, requesting prompt remediation consistent with OSHA guidance and interim controls. Third Step: Seek medical care. Obtain evaluation, diagnosis of functional limitations, and work status notes to support accommodations or claims. Fourth Step: Request accommodations. Ask for temporary relocation, filtration upgrades, or schedule changes during remediation under the ADA process. Fifth Step: Escalate if needed. If hazards persist, consider an OSHA complaint and evaluate workers’ compensation for work-related illness.
In most U.S. workplaces, employers must keep the workplace free from known health hazards like indoor mold, employees can request hazard correction and complain without retaliation, and those
Knudtson & Associates | Blog
Can You Collect Unemployment After Your Disability Runs Out?
Can You Work a Second Job While on Short-Term Disability?
Yes, it is often possible to collect unemployment after disability benefits end, but only if you meet a critical switch in criteria: You must have been medically cleared
Knudtson & Associates | Blog
What to Do When You’ve Accidentally Shared Confidential Information: A Step-by-Step Guide
Shared Confidential Information by Accident? An Expert's Guide
If you have accidentally shared confidential information, the first step is to contain the breach immediately. Attempt to recall the email or un-share the document if possible. Then,
Knudtson & Associates | Blog
Can You Work From Home While on Short-Term Disability? A Lawyer’s Perspective
Can You Work From Home While on Short-Term Disability.
The answer is a firm “maybe,” but proceeding without explicit, written approval is a significant gamble. In most cases, working any amount while on a standard short-term disability
Knudtson & Associates | Blog
How to Sign a Write-Up Without Agreeing: A Lawyer’s Guide
As a trial lawyer with extensive experience in employment litigation since 1984, I have seen how seemingly minor workplace events can evolve into significant legal disputes. The creation
Knudtson & Associates | Blog
A Guide to Writing a Professional Commitment Letter to Your Boss (Templates & Examples Included)
A Guide to Writing a Professional Commitment Letter to Your Boss (Templates & Examples Included)
Quick Summary: What to IncludeA professional commitment letter should contain a clear statement of purpose, specific points of commitment (e.g., to a project, role, or company goals), a
Knudtson & Associates | Blog
Can You Be Fired for Stealing Without Proof? An Employment Lawyer’s Perspective
Being accused of stealing at work is a profoundly distressing experience. The fear of losing your job, damaging your reputation, and facing potential legal trouble can be overwhelming.
Knudtson & Associates | Blog
Working 14 Days in a Row in California: A Lawyer’s Perspective on Your Rights
Working 14 Days in a Row in California
As a trial lawyer in California since 1984, I’ve seen countless employment disputes. One of the most common issues that lands on my desk stems from sheer exhaustion
Knudtson & Associates | Blog