Coye Law - PI - August 2019

Coye Law - PI - August 2019

COYE LAW

Chronicle August 2019 Edition

Wade Coye Attorney

The Gig Economy Is Here What the Changing Nature of Work Means for Your Rights

provide less in benefits than they would have in decades past. Those engaging with the gig economy should be aware of the unique nature of their status from day one. If there’s a likelihood you could be injured at work, you need access to workers’ compensation insurance. Without it, you could be subject to huge medical bills in the event you get hurt. Even more troubling are the ways in which traditional employers are attempting to skirt regulation by labeling workers “independent contractors” even when they have no right to be. Uber and Lyft drivers are independent contractors, for example. Hell, even fighters in the UFC, who are tied to exclusive contracts barring them from fighting elsewhere, are deemed independent contractors. As such, the organization doesn’t even need to provide health insurance to the people who swell its pockets by beating each other up in a cage. Something is very, very wrong with that picture. Luckily, Florida is taking strides to limit the ability of employers to take advantage of this gray area. In the construction industry, you can no longer fill a job site with solely independent contractors. However, there are plenty of fault lines in the law that still give employers the latitude to provide little to no benefits to those who are, technically speaking, not their employees. As the way we approach work continues to change, the methods we use to protect average workers will have to change along with them. Until then, everyone should be vigilant about what their employer is and isn’t covering. In a world where the person who gives you orders doesn’t work for the company who signs your checks, nothing can be taken for granted.

In recent years, the phrase “gig economy” has become increasingly popular as a way to describe an emerging sector of the American workforce. The term refers to the workers who shun traditional employment arrangements in favor of piecemeal arrangements. A generation ago, most workers stayed with the same company for years, maybe even their entire career. Today, that’s much less likely. In fact, some workers don’t even have a traditional employer-employee relationship at all.

In the gig economy, where the lines between work and life are blurred, employers often provide less in benefits than they would have in decades past. Those engaging with the gig economy should be aware of the unique nature of their status from day one.

According to a 2018 study from NPR and Marist College, about 20% of all jobs in America are held by contracted workers. Within the next 10 years, the study projects, up to half of all jobs may be done on a freelance or contract basis. While many of those who participate in the gig economy do so voluntarily, others have no choice but to accept the terms given to them by somebody offering them work. On the one hand, eschewing traditional work arrangements can give a person increased freedom and flexibility. On the other, it can allow employers to deprive you of basic rights every worker should receive. Freelancers and other contracted workers need to be extremely careful about the nature of the agreements they make with employers. Even companies as big and prestigious as Google have come under fire for discrepancies in their treatment between full-time and contracted employees. In the gig economy, where the lines between work and life are blurred, employers often

-Wade Coye

www.coyelaw.com

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You’re Getting Very Sleepy ... Establishing a Bedtime Routine for the School Year

bed around 10 p.m., push their bedtime to 9:45 p.m., and then push it back to 9:30 p.m. one week later. Slowly work your way back to an appropriate time, and bedtime will be easier when school starts. Make It Easy Though the days may be getting shorter, it’s still relatively light out at night, making it nearly impossible for your kids to doze off when they should. Sleep experts recommend creating a sleeping space that mimics a cave: dark, cool, and quiet. This means sunlight shouldn’t sneak into the room, and the home should be a quiet zone after bedtime. No one wants to sleep while everyone else is having fun, so it’s important that everyone in the home is quiet at bedtime. Just Relax This is a rule your family should follow year-round, not just when you want to reestablish a routine. At a certain time each night, begin the nightly wind-down. For example, at 8 p.m. shut off your screens, put on pajamas, and engage in a relaxing activity, like reading a book or doing some yoga. Signaling to your body and your family that it’s time for bed will help your kiddos, and you, fall asleep at an appropriate time.

Between vacations, bonfires, and sporting tournaments, your children’s sleep schedule probably went on break when they did this summer. With school fast approaching, it’s vital to get your kids back on a proper sleep schedule. In fact, according to the National Sleep Foundation, getting enough sleep can significantly improve a child’s growth and cognitive function.

But getting a restful night’s sleep is easier said than done when kids have had almost complete freedom for three months. Try these tips to get your kids snoozing through August and prepared for school. Start Early and Go Slowly When practicing this tip, think of the old adage: “It takes 21 days to break a habit.” If your kids have been going to bed late this summer, set a time when they must go to bed, but don’t make it too far off the time they have been regularly hitting the hay. If they shuffle off to

Car Insurance FAQs Policy Details, What to Do After an Accident, and More

uninsured. If you’re in an accident with one of them, UM helps defray the cost and keeps you from paying out of pocket.

Let’s face it, car insurance is a lot more complicated than simply paying a company for coverage and receiving it in the event of an accident. Often, people won’t even know the exact nature of their policy until an accident happens. To alleviate the mystery and misconceptions surrounding policies, we want to take a moment to answer the most frequently asked questions we get about car insurance. How much insurance do I need? Florida drivers are required to carry $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) insurance and an additional $10,000 in property damage liability (PDL) insurance. Is that enough? In most cases, not by a long shot. If you’re in a car accident that includes 10K worth of property damage, there’s a good chance the medical expenses will exceed that number. As such, we recommend that most drivers add bodily injury liability (BIL) insurance to their policy. Are there other coverages worth getting? Yes. We also advise drivers to make sure they get uninsured motorist (UM) coverage in their policy. Despite the fact that car insurance is legally required for all drivers, about 25% of cars on the road are

Do I need to call insurance after an accident? Not necessarily. If damage is superficial and inexpensive, it’s often cheaper and easier to avoid contacting insurance altogether. However, you are going to want to contact your provider in more serious cases. When the other party is contacting their insurance company, you should be too. When should I speak to my insurance company? The best time to contact your insurance company after an accident is as soon as it’s safely possible to do so. When it comes to the other party’s insurance, on the other hand, you should speak to an attorney before talking to them. Can you help me understand my insurance? The team at Coye Law can help with every aspect of your car accident case, including analyzing your policy. Call Coye Law Firm at 407-901-9135 for more information.

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Staying ‘Cool’ With Your Canine Enjoy the Weather While Keeping Your Pup Comfortable

paw pads from the hot asphalt, cooling vests that reflect sunlight off darker fur, and pressure-activated cooling pads are just a few of the gizmos you can purchase to stave off those scorching temps. The Dog People, a website powered by Rover.com, also recommends making frozen “pupsicles,” a yogurt-based frozen treat that can satisfy doggy cravings while keeping them cool. Time Is of the Essence While fun water toys and helpful cooling inventions are great, the best thing you can do to keep your dog cool is be careful about when you decide to go outside. Taking your pup out in the early morning or later in the evening, when the sun isn’t at its highest point in the sky, will help keep them cooler in the long run. Additionally, keep in mind that some breeds deal with the heat better than others. If you’re unsure, do a little research to determine your dog’s susceptibility to heat exhaustion. Just because the heat is sizzling doesn’t mean your dog should be! Keep these tips in mind before taking your canine out in the summer sun. They will thank you for it!

With all this late-summer sunshine, it’s the perfect time to take your dog out for some fun. And while spending time basking in nature’s beauty can be a great source of fun and exercise for you and your pets, it’s important to keep a careful watch on your dog’s core temperature to prevent heat exhaustion. There are several detectable signs of heat exhaustion that you can watch for, including abnormal lethargy, vomiting, or a brightly colored blue or red tongue. Here are some tips to keep your canine cool this summer. Water in All Its Forms While certain dog breeds thrive in hotter climates, all pups need a little extra care when it comes to staying hydrated during the summer. For starters, always make sure they have ready access to drinkable water. If you are going on an adventure, consider bringing a collapsible water bowl. If you are doing some backyard chilling, consider filling up a small wading pool with water for your pooch to splash or lounge in. Some Invaluable Inventions There are many contraptions to help you keep your canine cool in the summer heat. Booties to insulate their toes and protect their

Every month, we give a big shoutout to clients who gave us referrals. This month, we’d like to recognize ...

Coye Law Firm’s Referral All-Stars!

Scott Davis

Pam Errington

Daniel Perez

Thank you for for trusting us with your legal needs. If you have family or friends who could benefit from our services, please have them call Alex at 407-871-3811.

Laugh!

Have a

ROASTED CORN SALSA

• 1 large tomato, cored, seeded, and finely chopped • 1/4 bunch cilantro leaves, sliced • Juice of 1 lime • Kosher salt, to taste

• 2 medium ears of corn, shucked • 1 jalapeño or Fresno chile, seeded and thinly sliced • 1/2 red onion, diced

1. Heat a cast-iron skillet to high. Char corn, turning occasionally, for 10–14 minutes until kernels begin to blacken in spots. 2. Using a sharp knife, remove corn kernels from cobs and transfer to a large mixing bowl. 3. With a wooden spoon or potato masher, gently crush corn to release starch and juices. 4. Add jalapeño, onion, tomato, and cilantro. Mix to combine.

5. Top with lime juice and season with salt. 6. Serve alongside your favorite tortilla chips.

Inspired by Bon Appétit

www.coyelaw.com

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PRSRT FIRST-CLASS MAIL US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

Accidents & Injuries Workers’

Probate Family Law Veteran's Disability Long-Term Disability

730 Vassar Street, Suite #300 Orlando, FL 32804

Compensation Social Security Disability

407-871-3811

www.coyelaw.com

T H I S I S S U E

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Workers’ Comp in the Age of the Gig Economy

Get Your Kids Back on a Sleep Schedule

The Most Common Car Insurance Questions

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Staying ‘Cool’ With Your Canine This Summer

Preparing Your Gear for Winter

• 24-Hour Accident Hotline • No Recovery/No Fee for Personal Injury Claims • FREE Representation for Motorcycle Damage Claims • FREE Legal Advice to Your Motorcycle Organization • FREE Home and Hospital Visit

We’re here to protect you and your rights … and even your cellphone! Call the office today to find out how to get your free phone case and wallet combo! COYE LAW HAS GOT YOU COVERED!

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

Storing Your Summer Gear Although winter seems like a distant prospect, it will be here before you know it. While many people are sad to see their summer clothes and gadgets get stored away until next season, it's a good idea to start planning now. Taking the time to properly pack away summer gear is beneficial and can save you from unneeded worry next year. Why It’s Important to Store Summer Gear Properly organizing and storing your summer clothes will help them last longer and prevent you from aimlessly rummaging when searching for that perfect fall sweater or blouse. Likewise, when you cover your patio furniture and tuck your bicycle and tools away, they are less likely to be damaged by animals or any

PREPARING FOR NEXT YEAR

plastic or nylon garment bags will help prevent them from getting dirty and wrinkly. Before you start piling your clothes in, be sure to wash and completely dry them. This helps prevent mold or mildew and keeps your clothes looking new when it's time to take them out again. Also, it can be a good idea to place cedar sachets in with your clothes and around the neck of your hangers; the wood will keep away pesky insects without leaving bad smells behind. Storing Your Summer Gadgets Outdoor items are more likely to get damaged as they endure the elements. When you’re storing rakes, shovels, or any other garden tools, make sure they’re washed, dried, and sharpened before putting them into your shed or garage. Patios should be cleaned off and given a fresh coat of wax, and outdoor furniture should be dusted, cleaned, and covered to keep the frost, snow, and rain off.

harsh winter weather. Storing Summer Attire

Consider purchasing plastic storage tubs or boxes to put your clothes in. If you’re storing dresses, skirts, or any fancy clothing,

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