Legal Question in Employment Law in California

1) Is it illegal for my employer to lie to workers comp by stateting that I have a desk job when I trully am a sales associate not limited to packaging orders over 30lbs and shipping them. Is that illegal? 2) my employer just fired a employee (my husband) because business is slow but just recently hired two student interns if they do his labor but no pay or insurance is that legal?


Asked on 5/01/10, 9:35 am

2 Answers from Attorneys

Terry A. Nelson Nelson & Lawless

fraud on WCAB can cause the employer and the employee serious problems. Have him consult with his WCAB attorney.

In general, unless an employee is civil service, in a union, or has a written employment contract, they are an 'at will' employee that can be disciplined or fired any time for any reason, with or without �cause� or explanation, other than for illegal discrimination, harassment or retaliation under the ADA [age], Civil Rights [race, sex, ethnic, religion, pregnancy, etc], Whistle-blower, or similar statutes. Your post doesn't indicate anything like that.

The employer is entitled to set and change hours, duties, titles, compensation, benefits, leaves, vacations, holidays, etc. just not retroactively. Employees have the 'right' to pay and employee benefits per the law and company policy as agreed, to be provided a 'safe' workplace to minimize risk of injury, and sometimes are provided certain medical/pregnancy leave rights. That's about it. The employee's goal should be to keep the employer happy.

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Answered on 5/06/10, 11:54 am
Alden Knisbacher knisbacher law offices

Mis-classifying the employee sounds like workers comp fraud.

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Answered on 5/06/10, 1:59 pm


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