Bonita M. Riggens's Answers

Me and 10 others got layed off and did not get paid. He did pay the few he kept

It would be powerful if all 11 of you banded together and sent your former employer a letter by certified return receipt giving the employer a deadline for payment - make it no more than 10 days. If you don't get a response, immediately file a lawsuit for unpaid wages - the judge is allowed to award attorney fees to the successful party so you might want to consider hiring one to file the lawsuit. Bonnie Riggens Law Office of Bonita M. Riggens 669 1st Ave. N. St. Petersburg, FL 33701...

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Can your UE benefits be taken away if your employer (former) appeals on unsubstanciated claims according to florida statutes?

The hearing will be conducted similar to a trial. If you are representing yourself, make sure you thoroughly prepare by reading the pamphlet they sent you, reading the Agency website, and preparing question to cross examine their witnesses. Make sure you object to their presenting witnesses who have no knowledge concerning your determination. The hearing officer will decide whether their testimony will be allowed. The only reason you can be denied your benefits is if you were terminated...

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Should i sue because of sprinkler problems?

See a personal injury attorney who also does premises liability. You may be able to make a claim if the injuries were reasonably related to her injury and the sprinklers were not up to code. Law Office of Bonita M. Riggens 669 1st Ave. N. St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Phone: 727-898-1401 Fax: 727-823-7351 Employment law representation: Contracts (Noncompete Agreements, Severance Negotiations), Defamation, Discrimination (Age, Disability, Gender, Pregnancy, National Origin, Race,...

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If Im on unemployment can i pray for people and witness to people and rent out my 3 houses?

Call the agency to get an answer regarding the rental questions. I am unaware of any law which considers praying for people as employment which would satisfy eligibility for benefits. Bonnie Riggens Law Office of Bonita M. Riggens 669 1st Ave. N. St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Phone: 727-898-1401 Fax: 727-823-7351 Employment law representation: Contracts (Noncompete Agreements, Severance Negotiations), Defamation, Discrimination (Age, Disability, Gender, Pregnancy, National...

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In the case of Cease and Desist Letters

Just because you send what your refer to as a cease and desist letter doesn't mean this individual has to do so. Such a letter would not have an legal force. You should consult with an attorney to find out if you have a basis to obtain an injuction against the individual.Bonnie Riggens Law Office of Bonita M. Riggens 669 1st Ave. N. St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Phone: 727-898-1401 Fax: 727-823-7351 Employment law representation: Contracts (Noncompete Agreements, Severance...

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What can I do about being denied breaks at work?

There is no federal or Florida law which requires an employer to provide breaks. Some states do have laws requiring breaks but Florida is not one of them. However, if other employees are given breaks and you are not, there may be a discriminatory reason. There is a Florida law which requires seats to be furnished to employees: 448.05 Seats to be furnished for employees in stores; penalty. If any merchant, storekeeper, employer of male or female clerks, salespeople, cash boys or...

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I was constructively discharged from a company. I am concerned about a bad reference. What can I do?

You need to know that the EEOC is taking quite an extraordinary amount of time to investigate charges of discrimination due to lack of funding by Washington and lack of personnel to do the work. I have cases before the EEOC which have been there over a year and still have not been investigated. If you filed your EEOC charge more than 180 days (6 months) ago, you can ask them to stop processing the charge and give you a Right to Sue. I STRONGLY ADVISE YOU TO NOT DO THIS WITHOUT CONSULTING...

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FL, LE, w/discipline action pend. Should I resign before termination? Impact 2 unemployment, future

Do not resign before consulting with an employment law attorney. You may be able to challenge your proposed termination. If you do resign, you may not be eligible for unemployment because it may be considered a voluntary resignation. Look for an attorney who has experiece dealing with law enforcement employees. Also - contact your union for guidance. Bonnie Riggens Law Office of Bonita M. Riggens 669 1st Ave. N. St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Phone: 727-898-1401 Fax: 727-823-...

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Unemployment Compensation, Appeals, & Monetary Reconsideration

Due to the high numer of claims, it is not unusual to have difficulty getting through to the Agency, and/or not hearing back from them for a period of time. Make sure you keep detailed documentation of everything you do - record the date, time, and phone number you called, who you spoke with, and what they told you. If you send any documents, make sure you do it by fax and get a fax receipt or certified return receipt. If you don't hear anything soon, contact the Florida State Representative...

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Can supporting evidence be added to a review of a lost unemployment appeal?

Unfortunately many people who represent themselves at their telephone hearings experience what you have described. They don't understand that a telephone hearing is very similar to a trial and need to prepare by getting witnesses and documents subpoeanaed, and preparing to get the necessary documents provided to both the employer and the Appeals Referee. You should appeal to the Unemployment Appeals Commission and request that the case be remanded for additional evidence. Although it usually...

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