Livermore Paid Sick Leave Lawyer
Paid Sick Leave Attorney in Livermore, CA
Paid sick leave laws protect public health and limit the spread of diseases that could cause serious problems for an employer and its employees. When these laws are ignored, there are actions you can take to report your employer for the violation. Contact a Livermore paid sick leave lawyer to review your case and provide you with the next steps so you can take action.
Hire a Paid Sick Leave Lawyer
When you hire a paid sick leave lawyer from Valerian Law, P.C., you benefit from our six core pillars. Our practice values empathy towards your situation, inclusivity to include you in every step of the process, access and accountability so you always feel like part of the team, mutual respect and teamwork as we value your input and unique experiences, adapting to client circumstances and changes as they happen, and open communication throughout the process.
Access to Paid Sick Leave in the United States
There are no federal laws requiring employers to provide paid sick leave. Without federal protections, paid sick leave is left to the individual states. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, access to paid sick leave has increased from 63% of private-sector workers in 2012 to 80% in 2025.
Currently, only 18 states have paid sick leave requirements. The Pacific States, which include California, Oregon, Washington, Hawaii, and Alaska, have the most comprehensive coverage for paid sick leave, with 98% of workers having access to some form of paid sick leave.
If you are the victim of a Labor Code violation from a denied paid sick leave request in Livermore, you have options. California’s Private Attorneys General Act allows employees to file civil claims against their employer when violations occur. These cases are heard in the Superior Court at the East County Hall of Justice in Dublin.
Paid Sick Leave Overview
Paid sick leave is guaranteed to nearly all employees in California under Senate Bill 616, also referred to as the Healthy Workplace, Healthy Families Act of 2014. Employees should be aware of their rights, including:
- If you work for the same employer for 30 days or more, you qualify for paid sick leave, but you have to work for a minimum of 90 days before you can first use your paid sick leave.
- Employers can allow employees to use their paid sick leave before the 90-day minimum, but it is not a requirement.
- Paid sick leave can be used for partial days, but employers can require a 2-hour minimum increment.
- Employers can provide paid sick leave through either the accrual method or the lump-sum method.
- If employers use the accrual method, they have to allow employees to carry over unused sick leave from the previous year, but they can cap the accrual amount to 48 hours.
Steps to Take If Your Paid Sick Leave is Denied
In California, federal and state laws govern how paid sick leave is offered to employees. Unless your employer is exempt, they have to offer paid sick leave for covered situations. If you request paid sick leave that should be covered but are denied, there are some steps you can take to seek a resolution, including:
- Review your employment contract and any company policies related to sick leave.
- Request a written explanation of the denial from your company’s human resources department or your manager.
- Save any documents that relate to your paid sick leave request.
- Follow any company appeals process that may be in place.
- File a claim with the California Labor Commissioner’s Office.
- Consult with a Livermore paid sick leave attorney for your next steps.
FAQs
FAQS DISCLAIMER
The questions and answers presented in the FAQ are not intended to be exhaustive and do not constitute legal advice for your particular question, issue, or concern, nor does this FAQ create any attorney-client relationship or duty on our part to assist you. The information may help you think about your issues and ask the right questions if you choose to consult with an attorney.
Does California Have a Paid Sick Leave Law?
Yes, California has a paid sick leave law. With few exceptions, all employees in California who work a minimum of 30 days for the same employer within a calendar year qualify for paid sick leave. Employers are required to provide 40 hours or 5 days of paid sick leave per year.
What Can Paid Sick Leave Be Used for in California?
In California, paid sick leave can be used when the employee or a family member of the employee requires care. Sick leave can be used to recover from an illness or injury, to seek medical care, including preventative care, and after a violent victimization. Who qualifies as a family member is defined broadly and includes children, spouses, parents, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, and domestic partners.
What Is the New Sick Leave Law in California for 2026?
As of January 1st, 2026, California has implemented new employment laws, including updates to the laws governing paid sick leave. Employers are now required to provide employees with yearly reminders of their workplace rights. Paid sick leave laws have expanded how paid sick leave can be used to include certain court proceedings and for crime victims.
Can California Paid Sick Leave Cover Court?
Yes, in some situations, California’s employment laws allow employees to use paid sick leave for court proceedings. When the employee or the employee’s family member has been the victim of a crime, paid sick leave can be used to attend criminal proceedings related to the victimization. It can also be used when responding to a subpoena, requesting a restraining order, or testifying.
Can California Employers Require a Doctor’s Note for Paid Sick Leave?
In general, California employers cannot require a doctor’s note when an employee requests paid sick leave. The Healthy Workplaces, Healthy Families Act protects workers from retaliation in response to using paid sick leave, and requiring a doctor’s note can be seen as unlawful. The only exception is when an employer has reason to believe an employee is abusing the paid sick leave policy or seeking leave for an invalid reason.
Contact Valerian Law, P.C.
Understanding paid sick leave laws in Livermore and other labor laws can be challenging for many workers. These laws can change rapidly. If your employer doesn’t take the necessary steps to inform their employees of changes, you may be unaware. Our team has the experience necessary to guide you through labor laws and help you seek compensation when your rights are violated. Contact Valerian Law, P.C., today to schedule your initial consultation.
