How Workplaces’ English-only Policy Affects Spanish Workers

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English-only policies of companies in the United States affect many employees especially the Spanish-speaking workers. According to statistics, the Spanish language is the second most commonly used language in the U.S. (12.3 percent) just behind the English language (80 percent).

Spanish-speaking employees who work at companies and/or business ventures that implement English-only policies may wonder if such arrangement is in accordance with the law. In fact, it is. According to the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), English-only policies of employers may be considered lawful as long as it does not contradict the Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

In Fiscal Year 2002, EEOC has received 228 employment discrimination complaints related to English-only policies. This only shows that workers who cannot speak English well are in threat of being discriminated. Under Title VII, employers cannot discriminate against workers because of their national origin. Workplace discrimination based on a person’s national origin means treating a worker less favorably or adversely because that person is from a certain place otherwise belongs to a particular ethnic group.

Unlawful Grounds for English-only Policies

EEOC claims that language restriction policies of employers may be considered discriminatory and unfair if:

•    The policy only applies to certain individuals
•    The workers were not informed or oriented by the employer about the policy’s guidelines
•    The policy takes effect even in non-workplace related hours such as mealtime breaks

Tips for Employers

Employers who are implementing or planning to implement language restriction policies in their workplace should abide by Title VII in order to avoid employment disputes. The following are suggested tips concerning English-only policy implementation:

•    Inform your workers about the policy by disseminating guidelines
•    Apply the policy to all workers and not only to employees who speak other foreign languages
•    Consult with an employment law attorney to verify if the policy is in accordance to Title VII

Tips for Employees

Employees who believe that they have been discriminated based on their national origin through the implementation of English-only policy of their company are suggested to accomplish the following steps:

•    Preserve all pieces of evidence that would prove that your employer has discriminated you
•    File a formal complaint with the EEOC or the Department of Fair Employment and Housing (for California workers)
•    Consult with an employment attorney in order to efficiently take legal actions
•    Seek for settlement from your employer

Real-life Dangers of Drowsy Driving

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Falling asleep while driving could cause fatal car accidents. Take the case of Michael Cedarland, a sheriff deputy who fatally struck an ex-marine in the Starbucks coffee shop at Fillmore, California. According to an online report, Cedarland plowed his SUV through the coffee shop, killing an Iraq war veteran named Sergio Mendez. Police investigation stated that Cederland fell asleep while driving his vehicle thus causing the fatal accident.

Unfortunately, the news story about Cedarland and Mendez is not that uncommon around the country. Drowsy driving is a serious threat to many motorists in the United States. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 100,000 automobile accidents are caused by fatigue and drowsy driving each year. Furthermore, according to the same agency, sleepy driving is responsible for at least 1,550 fatalities and 71,000 injuries annually.

Common Victims of Sleepy Driving
According to a 2002 study conducted by the National Sleep Foundation, people who are at the most risk of experiencing drowsy/fatigue driving accidents includes:

•    Drivers who are aged 18 to 29
•    Men who are more likely to drive while sleepy as compared to women (56 percent VS 45 percent)
•    Adults with children in the household are more likely to feel fatigue when operating vehicles
•    Employees who are working at night are more to feel sleepy when driving than daytime employees


Symptoms of Drowsy Driving

Drivers must learn beforehand the early signs of sleepy driving in order for them when to pullover and take a quick nap. The following are the common symptoms of drowsy driving:
•    Having heavy eyelids and losing focus on the traffic situation
•    Excessive yawning and blinking
•    Involuntarily changing lanes
•    Feeling restless and irritable

Tips on How to Avoid Driving Sleepy

If you believe that, you are susceptible to drowsy driving, it would be best to follow these tips:

•    Get some good sleep – Studies suggest that a person needs to have at least seven hours of sleep to have the energy that the body needs for the rest of the day.

•    Do not drive under the influence – Alcohol can impair a driver’s skills and performance and may also cause fatigue and drowsiness.

•    Pullover occasionally – If you are driving for a long trip, it is advised to pullover every two hours.

In California, when a person is injured due to a sleepy driver’s negligent action, he has the right to claim for injury compensations. Any good Los Angeles attorney would suggest that accident victims must assert for personal injury claim against the liable party in order for him to receive proper amount of monetary damages.

Causes and Legal Remedy for Truck Accidents in Los Angeles

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The best way to access downtown Los Angeles is through Interstate 101. However, rain and snow-piled freeway may trigger trucks to trip and rollover. If you or your loved one is injured in a truck accident, you may consult with a Los Angeles Truck accident attorney to help you recover damages.

Truck accidents may happen under the following conditions:

1. When another vehicle rear-ends the truck where there is zero visibility.
2. Another vehicle swerves and shifts lanes swiftly
3. Another vehicle makes a sudden left turn
4. Another vehicle runs on red light
5. The truck driver lacks sleep, causing inattention
6. The truck driver commits speeding or DUI violation
7. Either the truck driver or another motorist fails to yield

A truck accident may also occur in an intersection when a speeding vehicle fails to slow down or makes a sudden left turn. Collision onto a truck can result to serious injuries. Your skilled Truck Accident Attorneys in Los Angeles can help you file a lawsuit and prove that the defendant caused a negligent act that caused the accident.

They can help you receive compensation for your medical expenses, loss income, and pain and suffering.

Your expert lawyers can help you go through the following process:

1.    Gathering of legal documents
2.    Filing of lawsuit
3.    Pre-Trial/ Mediation
4.    Trial
5.    Verdict
6.    Appeal

Consult only with skilled attorneys who have proven track record in handling Personal Injury cases and uphold high ethical standards to ensure that you receive professional legal service with excellent results.

You can also avail of a no win no fee agreement. This means that you can pursue a Personal Injury Lawyers immediately after the accident, and pay only after we have won the case.