Using documentation to keep employers out of trouble

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Can managers make employment decisions without fear of liability?

Documenting Your Way Out of Trouble

by Calvin House

Gutierrez, Preciado & House, LLP | www.gphlawyers.com

Wal-Mart must pay $172 million for meal period violations [Dec. 22, 2005]

Jury awards $20 million to 85-year old prison doctor after supervisors question competence [Jul. 18, 2005]

Employment decisions pose risks

Former school principal wins $112,289 award following demotion after shoulder injury [Feb. 16, 2006]

Gutierrez, Preciado & House, LLP | www.gphlawyers.com

Managers make employment decisions every day

Gutierrez, Preciado & House, LLP | www.gphlawyers.com

Managers worry whether they are making correct decisions

Gutierrez, Preciado & House, LLP | www.gphlawyers.com

Yes, managers can make decisions without fear of

liability

Gutierrez, Preciado & House, LLP | www.gphlawyers.com

Use documentation to reduce risks

Gutierrez, Preciado & House, LLP | www.gphlawyers.com

Control the employment relationship with documents

Use forms for decisions that depend on medical information

Support discharge decisions with a written record

Gutierrez, Preciado & House, LLP | www.gphlawyers.com

Control the employment relationship with documents

Gutierrez, Preciado & House, LLP | www.gphlawyers.com

Employment is a contract

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Set the terms through the employment offer

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Prove the terms with documentation

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Outfit each employee witha job description

Gutierrez, Preciado & House, LLP | www.gphlawyers.com

Analyze essential job functions

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Obtain employee acknowledgments

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Use employee handbooksto set workplace rules

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Review policies for legality

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Obtain employee acknowledgments

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Keep up to date

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Use forms for decisions that depend on medical information

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Keep medical information out of the workplace

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Enlist professional advice

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Stick to the essentials

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Support discharge decisions with a written record

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Set performance expectations

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Provide regular evaluations

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Document misconduct investigations

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Establish a code of conductand a complaint procedure

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Compile evidence

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Provide written charges and a chance to respond

Gutierrez, Preciado & House, LLP | www.gphlawyers.com

Can managers make employment decisions without

fear of liability?

Gutierrez, Preciado & House, LLP | www.gphlawyers.com

Unguided employment decisions risk millions of

employer dollars

Gutierrez, Preciado & House, LLP | www.gphlawyers.com

Use documentation to reduce risks

Gutierrez, Preciado & House, LLP | www.gphlawyers.com

Well thought out documentation will keep you

out of trouble

Gutierrez, Preciado & House, LLP | www.gphlawyers.com

Gutierrez, Preciado & House, LLPThe Employer’s Law Firm3020 E. Colorado Blvd.Pasadena, CA 91107Telephone: 626-449-2300calvin.house@gphlawyers.comwww.gphlawyers.com

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