California’s San Fernando Valley Bar Association Helps Seniors

Slade Neighbors made the dean’s list every semester at law school, and has practiced law for 25 years, with a special emphasis on defending workers’ compensation claims. Slade Neighbors is also a member of the San Fernando Valley Bar Association (SFVBA).

Founded in 1926, the SFVBA now claims some 2,000 members, many of whom volunteer for public service programs such as Senior Legal Services. This initiative is open to all residents age 60 and up, regardless of income. It offers expert assistance on the many legal issues seniors face, such as health care benefits problems, long-term care, and guardianship and conservatorship. Agency attorneys also offer advice on elder abuse, Social Security, estates, and other matters.

The process begins with a 20-minute consultation, for which there is a $10 charge. When that time is up, elders can choose to hire the attorneys they are consulting with, often at reduced fees. Clients are expected to pay their own court costs and other expenses.

Services are available at three locations in Van Nuys, Pacoima, and Reseda. To set up an initial consultation, call (818) 227-0490, extension 2106, or email catherine@sfvba.org.

AB5 Brings More California Workers Into Workers’ Compensation Fold

For almost 25 years Slade Neighbors has represented clients in workers’ compensation cases before California courts. A certified expert on Medicare Set Aside issues and the Medicare Secondary Payer Act, Slade Neighbors keeps abreast of changes in California law that have ramifications on workers’ compensation. One of these is the passage and coming into effect of Assembly Bill 5 (AB5).

AB5 was passed in September 2019 and came into effect on Jan. 1, 2020. The law put in place new rules for determining whether workers were employees or independent contractors. Before, employers classified many workers as independent contractors, precluding them from enjoying benefits available to employees such as workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance.

The new rules presume a worker to be an employee unless the employer can show that the worker: is free from the hiring company’s control, performs work outside the course of business of the hiring company, and is established independently in that trade or business. AB5 applies to all California workers and on July 1, 2020, it became effective for purposes of workers’ compensation.