The Law Office of Christopher J. Smith, LLC

08/07/2026

Employees have the right to refuse a task if it puts them in immediate and serious physical danger. However, this legal protection generally applies only after you inform your employer of the hazard and ask them to fix it. Knowing how workplace safety rules work helps you protect your health while keeping your job secure.

https://workplacestatus.com/can-you-refuse-dangerous-work-legally-or-employee-safety-rights-guide

08/03/2026

Before filing a federal employment discrimination lawsuit, individuals must first file an EEOC charge and obtain a Notice of Right to Sue, which triggers a strict 90-day deadline to bring the case to court. Partnering with an experienced employment attorney ensures you navigate pre-lawsuit requirements smoothly and file your claim well within statutory timeframes.

Filing a Lawsuit

08/03/2026

When an insurance company declares a vehicle a total loss, owners are generally paid the actual cash value of the car right before the incident, rather than the original purchase price or repair cost. Understanding how insurance policies handle vehicle depreciation and payouts can help drivers protect their financial interests after a major accident.

https://www.kbb.com/car-advice/totaled-car/

07/31/2026

When a job ends, both employers and workers have specific legal rights and obligations. Knowing what to expect regarding final paychecks, severance packages, and company policies helps ensure fair treatment for everyone involved. Clear knowledge of these standards gives you confidence during any workplace transition.

https://www.investopedia.com/terms/t/termination-employment.asp?

07/30/2026

When you purchase a product, you have a right to expect it to operate safely during normal use. Under product liability standards, an item is considered defective if it is more dangerous than an average consumer would reasonably expect. These safety protections apply to everyone involved in selling the product, including the manufacturer and the store where you bought it.

The consumer expectation test judges whether a product is defective based on what an ordinary consumer would reasonably expect from it.

07/29/2026

After a car accident, your immediate priorities are securing the safety of all passengers, gathering evidence, and reporting the incident to law enforcement and your insurer without admitting fault. Consulting a personal injury attorney ensures your medical expenses are fully documented and helps maximize your compensation during insurance fault determinations.

You want to be prepared in case you’re in a car accident, whether or not you caused the collision. Preparation will help you protect your ability to make a car insurance claim against an at-fault driver, and also help you if another driver falsely blames you for the accident. Here’s what to do i...

07/27/2026

Is AI dictating your shifts and cutting your pay? Algorithmic scheduling often causes unpredictable hours and unpaid downtime for employees. Fortunately, Fair Workweek laws in many jurisdictions protect your rights. Read how this tech is changing the workplace.
https://www.npr.org/2026/05/03/nx-s1-5786926/jobs-labor-productivity-languageline-unionize

07/24/2026

Filing an EEOC charge initiates a strict administrative process involving employer notifications, potential mediation, and detailed investigations before you can pursue a lawsuit in federal court. Partnering with an employment attorney ensures you properly upload supporting evidence, respond effectively to the employer's Position Statement, and secure a Notice of Right to Sue within statutory deadlines. https://www.eeoc.gov/what-you-can-expect-after-you-file-charge

07/23/2026

Proving medical malpractice takes much more than just showing your doctor made a mistake. You have to prove that their specific error directly caused your injuries and financial damages. This usually requires testimony from highly qualified medical experts who can explain exactly where your provider went wrong. Reach out today to learn more about your legal options.

https://www.alllaw.com/articles/nolo/medical-malpractice/negligence.html

07/21/2026

If you are injured in an accident, Medicare might cover your initial medical bills while your injury case is ongoing. However, federal rules state that Medicare has a legal right to be paid back once you receive a settlement. Understanding how these healthcare claims work ensures you protect your rights and keep what you are fairly owed.

A Medicare lien is a legal claim that Medicare places on money you receive from a personal injury settlement, judgment, or workers’ compensation case.