LEAVE DURING COVID-19 in California

LEAVE DURING COVID-19

EMPLOYMENT LAWS PROTECT CALIFORNIA LEAVE RIGHTS DURING THE PANDEMIC

The sudden change in our work lives caused by COVID-19 has employees wondering about their right to take leaves. You have the right to take time away from work whether it is because you have contracted COVID-19 or need leave for some other valid reason such as caring for an ill relative.

Many employers are facing a surge in worker leave requests. Whether they are doing it intentionally or not, employers are illegally denying employees paid leaves they are legally entitled to take. If you or a family member has COVID-19 in Southern California and you have legal concerns, call our employment attorneys at Diefer Law Group.

If you were illegally denied a leave, you have legal options.

California LAWS PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS IN THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES

There are several California and federal laws that protect your right to take a leave. They also protect you if your child’s school or daycare is closed. Paid sick leave is an option. It allows time off for diagnosis, recovery and treatment. That includes preventative care and quarantine. Your employer cannot make you take paid sick leave. If you choose this option, your employer can require you to take at least two hours off. The decision on how many hours beyond that is your option. There might be other options available if your child is home from school. Employers that have more than 25 workers can provide up to 40 hours of leave time for school-specific emergencies.

ADDITIONAL OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE

They include:

Disability insurance
Paid family leave
Unemployment insurance
Worker’s compensation

RETALIATION IS ILLEGAL in California

Your employer cannot retaliate. If you are impacted by COVID-19, you might have the right to take a leave. For help navigating California’s employment and leave laws, contact our employment lawyers at our Irvine, Dana Point, Los Angeles, Riverside or San Diego offices. Call us at (888) 721-3297 or visit our contact page.

Schedule Your Free, Private Consultation

Get clarity, confidence, and a plan of action—all in one call.

Your free consultation is your opportunity to get clear answers and real guidance.

A member of our experienced legal team — specializing in Workers’ Compensation and Employment Law — we will:

Listen to your situation and understand your concerns.
Explain your legal options in plain language.
Outline the next steps to help protect your rights—all in complete confidence.

Complete the form below, and our legal intake team will contact you promptly.

Diefer Law Group, P.C.

(888) 721-3297

Riverside

6670 Alessandro Blvd
Suite H,
Riverside CA, 92506

888-852-0432

Irvine

2030 Main Street
Suite 1356
Irvine, CA 92614

(949) 799-1860

Dana Point

34204 Pacific Coast
Highway
Dana Point, CA 92629

(949) 482-4377

San Diego

766 S Coast
Hwy 101
Encinitas, CA 92024

(951) 612-7812

Los Angeles

355 South Grand Avenue
Suite 2450
Los Angeles, CA 90071

(213) 973-6142

LEAVE DURING COVID-19 in California