Wage and Hour Lawsuit Filed Against Christian Faith Publishing
Bradley/Grombacher, LLP • February 14, 2018
A plaintiff has filed a wage and hour lawsuit against Christian Faith Publishing alleging they violated the Fair Labor Standard Act and other laws by misclassifying workers and failing to pay overtime.
Wage and Hour Lawsuit Alleges Money Due
The plaintiff is a resident of Tennessee and worked for Christian Faith Publishing from February 2017 through December 11, 2017. She alleges in her wage and hour lawsuit that she was a covered employee under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
That plaintiff worked with the defendant remotely out of her home, making use of her computer and her telephone. The wage and hour lawsuit argues that Christian Faith Publishing based in Pennsylvania was an employer of the plaintiff under the interpretation of the Fair Labor Standards Act; however, the company never compensated her and others for their overtime work as required under the law.
The wage and hour lawsuit says that employees who worked on behalf of the company from their home selling publishing services were never appropriately compensated for overtime for the hours they worked in excess of 40 each week.
According to the lawsuit, the primary job duties of the plaintiff and other workers were to contact lists of potential customers and to persuade them to purchase publishing, calling prospective customers, discussing an author’s book, persuading customers to submit their writing for review, informing prospective customers whether or not their writing was accepted and selling publishing services to those customers to those who were accepted.
The wage and hour lawsuit says that the employer had the sole ability to negotiate and set the price for publishing services and accept or reject the work of potential customers, as well. The company also dictated how the literary agents working for the company performed their work, such as what they are permitted to say, what platforms they can use to communicate with potential customers, and how often they contact potential customers.
The wage and hour lawsuit argues that these workers were misclassified as non-employees and therefore, denied the benefits and right of employment such as overtime wages. The workers in this situation were paid a flat rate for every sale they made and the plaintiff says that she and others were regularly asked to work in excess of 40 hours per week.
The wage and hour legal claim seeks corrective action in the form of liquidated damages, unpaid overtime compensation, interest and attorney’s fees and costs.
Any company that engages in violation of state or federal labor laws may be named as liable in a wage and hour lawsuit, with an affected employee entitled to past due damages and expenses. Common allegations in a wage and hour lawsuit include claims of unpaid overtime and misclassification.
If you believe you have grounds to file a wage and hour lawsuit, you need the assistance of attorneys at Bradley/Grombacher. Fill out the form on this page to learn more.
The Christian Faith Publishing Wage and Hour Lawsuit is O’Brien v. Christian Faith Publishing, Case No. 3:18-cv-00024, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee, Nashville division.
Note: Bradley/Grombacher is not representing the plaintiff in this lawsuit.
The smoke has cleared, the embers have cooled, but the challenges of rebuilding after a wildfire are just beginning. One of the most important steps in your recovery is filing a claim with your homeowner's insurance company. This process can be complex and fraught with potential pitfalls. Making the wrong move could significantly impact the compensation you receive, delaying your recovery or even jeopardizing your claim altogether. Here are 10 crucial mistakes to avoid when filing a wildfire insurance claim: Delaying the Filing of Your Claim: Time is of the essence. Most insurance policies have deadlines for reporting losses. Delaying your claim can raise red flags with your insurer and potentially jeopardize your coverage. Contact your insurance company as soon as reasonably possible after the fire to initiate the claims process. Failing to Document Everything: Thorough documentation is your most powerful weapon in the claims process. 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They are hoping you'll accept it out of desperation or lack of knowledge. Don't be afraid to negotiate or seek a second opinion from an independent contractor or a lawyer. Downplaying Your Losses or Damages: Be honest and thorough when describing your losses to the insurance adjuster. Don't minimize the damage or omit items from your inventory. It's better to overestimate initially than to leave something out and have to fight for it later. Making Permanent Repairs Before Authorization: Avoid making any permanent repairs to your property before obtaining authorization from your insurance company. They may deny coverage for repairs made without their approval. Emergency repairs to prevent further damage are usually acceptable, but document them thoroughly and notify your insurer as soon as possible. Not Keeping Records of Communication: Document every interaction with your insurance company, including phone calls, emails, and in-person meetings. Note the date, time, name of the representative, and a summary of the conversation. This creates a valuable paper trail that can help protect your rights if a dispute arises. Failing to Seek Professional Help: The insurance claims process can be overwhelming, especially after a traumatic event like a wildfire. An experienced wildfire insurance lawyer can provide invaluable assistance by: Evaluating your policy and explaining your rights. Gathering and organizing evidence to support your claim. Negotiating with the insurance company on your behalf. Filing a lawsuit if necessary to challenge a denial or bad faith practices. Ignoring Deadlines: Insurance claims are subject to various deadlines, including the time to file a claim, submit documentation, and file a lawsuit if necessary. Missing a deadline can have serious consequences, potentially barring you from recovering the compensation you deserve. Bradley/Grombacher LLP: Your Advocates for a Fair Recovery At Bradley/Grombacher LLP, we understand the devastation that wildfires inflict on California homeowners. We're committed to helping victims of events like the Palisades Fire secure the full and fair compensation they need to rebuild their lives. With over 50 years of combined experience in employment law, personal injury, and consumer protection , we're well-equipped to handle complex wildfire claims and fight for your rights. Don't let the insurance company take advantage of you during this vulnerable time. If you're facing challenges with your wildfire insurance claim, contact us today for a free, confidential consultation. Call us at (866) 881-0403 or fill out our online contact form. We're here to help you every step of the way.
A wildfire can turn your life upside down in an instant. In the aftermath of such a devastating event, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn. Knowing your legal rights is a crucial first step toward recovery and rebuilding. While the specifics of each situation may differ, there are some fundamental legal principles that apply to wildfire victims in California. 1. Your Right to Compensation for Property Damage If your home or property was damaged or destroyed in a wildfire, you may be entitled to compensation from several potential sources: Your Homeowners Insurance: Your insurance policy is a contract, and your insurance company has a legal obligation to honor its terms. This can include coverage for: Dwelling: The cost to repair or rebuild your home. Other Structures: Damage to detached garages, sheds, fences, etc. Personal Property: Loss or damage to your belongings, such as furniture, clothing, electronics, and appliances. Loss of Use/Additional Living Expenses (ALE): Costs associated with temporary housing, meals, and other essential expenses if you are displaced from your home. Potentially Liable Third Parties: Utility Companies: In California, utility companies can be held strictly liable under the principle of "inverse condemnation" if their equipment is a substantial cause of a wildfire (as is being investigated with SCE in the Palisades Fire ). Government Entities: If a government entity's negligence contributed to the fire's spread (such as the alleged LADWP hydrant failures during the Palisades Fire ), they may also be held liable. Negligent Individuals or Businesses: If the fire was started by a private individual's or business's negligence (e.g., arson, improperly maintained equipment), they could be held responsible for the resulting damages. 2. Your Right to a Fair Insurance Claims Process Insurance companies have a legal duty to act in good faith when handling your claim. This means they must: Investigate Promptly: Conduct a thorough and timely investigation of your claim. Communicate Honestly: Keep you informed about the status of your claim and respond to your inquiries in a timely manner. Pay Fairly: Offer a settlement that accurately reflects your covered losses and is consistent with the terms of your policy. Insurance Bad Faith: If your insurer unreasonably denies your claim, delays payment, offers an unfairly low settlement, or otherwise acts in bad faith, you may have grounds for a separate legal action against them. 3. Your Right to Compensation for Personal Injuries Wildfires can cause a range of physical injuries, including: Smoke Inhalation: Respiratory problems, lung damage, and other health complications. Burns: Severe burns requiring extensive medical treatment and potentially causing long-term disability. Other Injuries: Injuries sustained during evacuation or as a result of the fire's spread. If you or a loved one suffered a personal injury due to someone else's negligence in connection with a wildfire, you may be entitled to compensation for: Medical Expenses: Past and future medical bills related to your injuries. Lost Wages: Income lost due to your inability to work. Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish. Loss of Consortium: Compensation to your spouse for the loss of companionship and support. 4. Your Right to Compensation for Lost Income or Business Interruption If a wildfire forced you to miss work or resulted in the closure of your business, you may have legal recourse: Lost Wages: If your employer wrongfully terminated you, failed to pay you, or denied you reasonable accommodations after a wildfire, you may be able to recover lost wages under California employment law. Business Interruption Insurance: If you have business interruption coverage as part of your commercial insurance policy, you may be able to recover lost profits and other expenses incurred due to the wildfire's impact on your business. 5. Your Right to Legal Representation Navigating the legal complexities after a wildfire can be daunting. An experienced attorney can be your advocate and guide, helping you to: Understand Your Rights: Provide clear explanations of your legal options and the applicable laws. Gather Evidence: Collect and preserve the necessary evidence to support your claims. Negotiate with Insurance Companies: Engage in strategic negotiations to secure a fair settlement. File Lawsuits: Take legal action against responsible parties, whether it be insurance companies, utility companies, government entities, or negligent individuals. Represent You in Court: Provide skilled representation in court if litigation becomes necessary. Bradley/Grombacher LLP: Dedicated to Helping Wildfire Victims At Bradley/Grombacher LLP, we understand the impact wildfires have on individuals, families, and communities. With over 50 years of combined experience in personal injury, employment law, and consumer law , we have the knowledge and skills to effectively advocate for your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. We're committed to: Holding negligent parties accountable. Maximizing your financial recovery. Providing compassionate and personalized legal representation. Take the First Step: Contact Us for a Free Consultation If you've been affected by a California wildfire, including the recent Palisades Fire, don't hesitate to contact Bradley/Grombacher LLP for a free, confidential consultation . We'll listen to your story, answer your questions, and provide an honest assessment of your legal options. Call us at (866) 881-0403 or fill out our online contact form. Let us help you navigate the path toward recovery and justice.
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