Van Kampen Law COVID-19 Firm Operation Adjustments
Van Kampen Law is closely monitoring COVID-19 developments and recommendations. The health and safety of our staff and clients are of paramount importance. Out of an abundance of caution, VKL staff will not be conducting in-person meetings and will instead transition to virtual platforms to provide the quality services and representation our clients have come to expect. The firm will still accept new clients and will conduct initial consultations virtually.
While we will continue to operate during normal business hours, our physical office will be closed to the general public. Likewise, the firm will only be able to accept documents from new and existing clients electronically. We also request opposing counsel(s) and other colleagues send electronic copies of any documents that are placed in the regular mail. For more information, please call the main office number at (704) 247-3245 or email us using our contact page.
With Coronavirus creating uncertain and unprecedented working conditions for employees, we are committed now more than ever to protecting the rights of North Carolina workers. Workplaces have shut down and temporarily laid-off workers leaving many people with unanswered questions about their income and employment status. To better protect the rights of workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, we have compiled our Coronavirus employment law resources for employees in one place. If you find yourself questioning your employment rights during these unique times, please fill out our confidential intake form.
COVID-19 Employment Law Practice Areas
As more issues and concerns around workforce safety during COVID-19 arise, workers will have to continue to adjust to our “new normal”. This period of adaptation will impact employees the most. Unemployment and furloughs are on the rise, and people are being left with no answers. Businesses operations are restricted by state mandates and limited income. Looming downsizes and uncertain working conditions have led to more employees’ legal rights being violated. Workers need to know their legal employment rights in North Carolina. Employment law practice areas most likely to be affected by the Coronavirus pandemic may include:
- Wrongful Termination
- Wage & Hour Disputes
- Severance Negotiations
- Retaliation
- Labor Rights
- The Family Medical Leave Act
- The Americans with Disabilities Act
Coronavirus News: North Carolina Employment Attorney Josh Van Kampen
North Carolina Attorney Josh Van Kampen is committed to battling violations of labor and employment rights during COVID-19. Van Kampen Law is working closely with local news organizations to make sure the people of North Carolina’s employment rights are protected during COVID-19.
Don’t Expect Unemployment If You Refuse COVID-19 Vaccine
Van Kampen Law was recently featured on WSOC-TV Channel 9 Eyewitness News. In the report, North Carolina Employment Attorney, Josh Van Kampen urges workers to not expect unemployment benefits if they refuse the COVID-19 vaccine.
What To Do If Your Job Puts You At Risk of COVID-19
Van Kampen Law was recently featured on WSOC-TV Channel 9 Eyewitness News. Anchor Brittney Johnson interviewed Josh Van Kampen about the biggest COVID-19 safety concerns people are facing on the job and what to do if your job puts you at risk. Learn what you can do if your job puts you at risk of COVID-19 and see the laws that protect public health whistleblowers against retaliation.
What Options Do Working Parents Have When Remote Learning Starts?
School starts in a few weeks, and many students will be learning remotely from home. Lots of working parents are wondering what to do, especially if their child isn’t old enough to stay at home alone or needs help keeping up with the schoolwork. Learn more about the laws and regulations to protect your employment rights during this transitional period.
Employees Asked to Take Pay Cut When Headed Back to Work After COVID-19
As businesses start opening up and employees are going back to work, some are being asked to take a significant pay cut in order to keep their job. If you’re asked to take a substantial wage cut, what protections are in place in North Carolina to protect your pay?
Employee Rights When Returning to Work After COVID-19
During North Carolina’s Phase 1 Economy reopening, employees are questioning if they are ready to return to work. It’s every employer’s right to provide a safe and hazard free workplace for their employees, but how can this be accomplished during COVID-19?
NC Employees May Not Return to Old Jobs After COVID-19 Re-Openings
As North Carolina businesses prepare to reopen during the Phase 1 Economic Reopening Stage, many employees are not eager to return to their old jobs. Do government benefits have to do with more workers staying at home?
COVID-19 NC Employment Law Articles
The COVID-19 outbreak has complicated North Carolina’s ill-equipped employment law statutes. As the virus spread, the government has been forced to create new standards for employee rights. Learn more about the Family First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) and other laws that now impact your livelihood.
Workers’ Rights During a Layoff Where The Employer Files For Bankruptcy
The economic and social impact of COVID-19 has been devastating to our global workforce. With unprecedented mass layoffs and furloughs, millions of people are at risk of losing their livelihoods and falling into extreme poverty because of employer bankruptcy. Upon notice of a company’s intention to file for bankruptcy, it is crucial to determine what options may be available to an employee wanting to protect their claims against their employer. Here are action steps to protect yourself when facing a layoff because of company bankruptcy.
Hazard Pay for Heroes: Advocating Increased Pay for Those on the Front Lines of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Healthcare workers and first responders are forced to report to work, day after day, to battle the life-threatening COVID-19 virus. Sadly, there is no legal requirement that their employers provide them with hazard pay, despite the grave dangers they continue to face. What is hazard pay and how can it impact the workers putting their lives on the line to help infected patients?
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act – Good for Some Workers, but More Needs to be Done
The Families First Coronavirus Relief Act (FFCRA) is a step in the right direction to help workers impacted by COVID-19, but it doesn’t do enough to assist all employees. More congressional action is needed to address the financial struggles left in the massive gaps of the FFCRA’s protections.
I got COVID-19 at Work; Do I Qualify for Workers’ Compensation?
What can you do if you contract COVID-19 while on the job? Even though you can file a workers’ compensation claim, you still have to prove how you contracted the virus. Those who have a greater exposure at work are more likely to qualify for workers’ compensation benefits than those who have the same likelihood of contracting the virus as the general public.
COVID-19 FAQs for Employees
COVID-19, also know as the CoronaVirus, is creating uncertain and unprecedented working conditions for employees. Workplaces are shutting down and temporarily laying off workers leaving many people with unanswered questions about their income and employment status. Many of these questions relate to the legality of situations. We’ve taken time to answer some frequently asked questions to ease your worrying during this troubling time.
Financial Struggles Due to COVID-19 Concerns? Unemployment Benefits May be Saving Grace for North Carolinians, But More Action is Needed
Given the recent pandemic due to COVID-19, many employees are concerned about their ability to earn an income if their workplace shuts its doors, or even if their hours are simply reduced – and rightfully so. Unfortunately, the law has some significant gaps when it comes to addressing such questions as these are unprecedented times that the law had not yet contemplated.
Coronavirus Podcast Episodes from The Walking Papers Podcast
The Walking Papers Podcast is closely following Coronavirus employment law updates and discussing their implications in detail with other legal advocates. Know your labor rights. Listen to The Walking Papers employment law podcast for current updates on legal codes and COVID-19.
A Complete Guide To Your Rights Regarding COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates in the Workplace
In this episode of The Walking Papers Podcast, special guest, Michael Morrison, explains why employers have the right to require their team to get the COVID-19 vaccine via the Americans with Disabilities Act. He also dives into legal and practical considerations employers should make before mandating the vaccine and how reasonable accommodations protect employees who are unable to receive the vaccine because of a disability or a sincerely held religious practice or belief.
Quid Pro Quo Clarice – Will Workers Compensation Insurance Carriers or Short Term/Long Term Disability Insurers Have Your Back if You Contract COVID-19?
If you’re an essential employee who contracts COVID-19 while at work, your finances will be affected. Workers Compensation and temporary disability policies can help provide you coverage. In this episode, we explore the employment benefits you can use during the pandemic and the process of filing a claim.
Families First Coronavirus Response Act – The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
Congress’ recently passed Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) addresses some concerns many workers have about their employment. In this week’s episode we deep dive into the FFCRA, addressing what employment rights it protects and the expected loopholes soon to emerge from the quickly passed legislation.
Your Employment Rights During the Apocalypse – Your Job Protections During the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic
Listen to our Employment Law podcast for a discussion about your legal employment rights and job protections during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.