Taking an Active Approach to Giving Back
It’s all about community—working together to educate, help, share. Lending an ear when someone needs you to listen, lending a voice when another person’s troubles have gone unheard. Sometimes it’s just being there.
Over the years, the staff of Gordon, Edelstein, Krepack, Grant, Felton & Goldstein has not only talked the talk but has also walked the walk. Sometimes literally as we have pounded the pavement to raise money for AIDS research or driven in mock funerals to pay tribute to workers who have been killed or injured on job.
This community activism has also taken an educational tack wherein the firm’s attorneys teach a wide variety of Southern California’s workers—from electricians and steelworkers to grocery store clerks and deli managers—about their rights and what to do if they are injured on and off the job.
We are dedicated to giving back by sharing knowledge, resources and time.
Shedding Light on Hope
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| GEK attorney Gary Stern, back row holding balloons, and the other Team Joel walkers at the Light the Night event. |
A wise person once said, we can live about a month without food, and a few days without water, but only a few seconds without hope.
Helping to shed light on hope is what Gary Stern, an attorney with Gordon, Edelstein, Krepack, Grant, Felton & Goldstein, LLP (GEK), did recently when he participated in The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Light The Night® Walk at Warner Center Park in Woodland Hills.
On the evening of the Walk, participants carry illuminated balloons—white for survivors, red for supporters, and gold for individuals or teams walking in memory of someone.
It is an annual nationwide event that raises money for research to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and to improve the quality of life of patients and their families.
Stern was joined on the two-mile walk by his wife, Sandy—captain of “Team Joel”—and Joel’s widow, Paula Rogozenski, as well as thousands of others.
“Our friend Joel battled leukemia for 14 years and was on the front lines in the development of new medications to combat blood cancers. It was sad to see that so many people, including many children, suffer with forms of blood cancer, but I was proud to be able to help with fundraising that goes to research.”
Stern is very appreciative of his GEK colleagues who helped him raise $200; the entire event raised more than $1 million thanks to the efforts of thousands of walkers, including corporate-sponsored groups of participants.
Walking for a Cause—Autism
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| GEK Legal Assistant Ruby Hernandez and her godson, Sonny, participate in the Walk Now for Autism Speaks event. |
Wearing “Team Sonny” T-shirts, Ruby Hernandez and her family—12 strong—were among the more than 25,000 Angelenos who gathered recently at the Rose Bowl to participate in the annual Walk Now for Autism Speaks event. Hernandez, a legal assistant for the law firm of Gordon, Edelstein, Krepack, Grant, Felton & Goldstein, LLP, walked to support her godson, Sonny Aleman, 4, who was diagnosed with autism at the age of 3.
“It’s amazing how much he has progressed in just a year’s time with the help of therapists and his school. An event such as this is so vital because every child with autism can benefit from the money that’s raised.”
The event, just one of 90 that take place nationwide, raised more than $1.4 million. Hernandez, who collected several hundred dollars herself, feels good about “helping to make a difference.”
Autism Speaks is dedicated to increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders, funding research into the causes, prevention and treatment, and advocating for the needs of individuals and their families. It was founded in 2005 by Suzanne and Bob Wright, grandparents of a child with autism.
“While we were walking, it was so great to see how involved everybody was, from the t-shirts and posters participants created to the informational booths. It means a lot to me and my family that there is so much support out there; we definitely know that we are not alone. Sonny had such a great time; we all did. It was a joyful, happy event.”
GEK Attorney Meets with California’s Chief Justice
GEK attorney Adam Dombchik (back row, right) is pictured with California’s Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye (front row, center) and the rest of the CAAA Executive Board.
The $350 million slashed from California’s judicial branch plus unprecedented funding cuts for infrastructure projects weigh heavy on the minds of judges and attorneys alike.
In fact, it was the topic of conversation recently when attorney Adam Dombchik, a partner in the law firm of Gordon, Edelstein, Krepack, Grant, Felton & Goldstein, LLP, met with California Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye.
“I was fortunate enough to spend some time with the Chief Justice at a recent California Applicants’ Attorneys Association Convention, and gained some insight as to how she feels about the challenges these cuts present. Unfortunately the difficult economic times suffered by our State have extended to the civil court system. But, I was encouraged by the Chief Justice's understanding of the situation and was encouraged that she and her team will work tirelessly to ensure access to the courts and justice, despite the economic climate.
“Also, I appreciated the opportunity to share with her some of our concerns regarding the current Workers' Compensation system."
A Day to Honor and Remember
“An injury to one is an injury to us all. We are here to mourn the dead and fight like hell for the living.” Kent Wong, Director of the UCLA Labor Center, spoke these words to the crowd that gathered—men, women and children—in Los Angeles recently for the 2011 Workers’ Memorial Day. The event was presented by SoCalCOSH and UCLA-LOSH (Labor Occupational Safety & Health Program); both non-profit groups are dedicated to workers’ health and safety.
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GEK Attorney Al Lizarraga answers a question at Workers’ Memorial Day. |
Those in attendance—including Al Lizarraga, a Workers’ Compensation attorney with Gordon, Edelstein, Krepack, Grant, Felton & Goldstein, LLP—came to honor and remember not only the workers who have died in the past year, but also those who died 100 years ago in The Triangle Shirtwaist Fire of 1911, which killed 146 factory workers in New York’s Lower East Side.
“One hundred years later there are still sweatshop conditions here in Los Angeles for women, minorities, immigrants and people of color,” Wong said. “We are here to put an end to the sweatshop conditions. We are proud of the hotel workers, laundry workers, day laborers, carwash workers. We are here to celebrate them and what they do day in and day out.”
This day of celebration and remembrance also marked the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the federal agency charged with the enforcement of safety and health legislation.
“As we stood by the altar of remembrance honoring those who have died, I couldn’t help but think that even though we still have a long way to go in terms of protecting workers’ safety, many more people would have been killed or injured on the job if OSHA hadn’t been established,” said Lizarraga.
“We were there not only because we have long been a sponsor of the event and support the wonderful work done by SoCalCOSH and UCLA-LOSH, but also because we want workers and their families to know that they are not alone. We will help them fight for justice for themselves and their loved ones if they suffer an injury on or off the job.
“When you consider that 12 workers die on the job every day and more than three million workers are injured every year in the United States, that’s a lot of families whose lives have been turned upside down. As much as possible, we want to right the wrongs.”
Expanding Life Experiences
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GEK Attorney Howard Krepack, right, and Rick Finkelstein celebrate after a successful run down Snowmass Mountain. |
There is joy on Howard Krepack’s face as he speaks of his latest skiing trip. It’s not remembering the exhilarating black diamond runs that brings his happiness into clear focus, but rather the time he spent on Snowmass Mountain in Colorado helping his dear friend Rick Finkelstein reconnect with his love of the sport.
Krepack, a partner in the law firm of Gordon, Edelstein, Krepack, Grant, Felton & Goldstein, LLP, is no stranger to the enjoyment of the “winter experience,” complete with powder-packed days, and nights of dining with family and friends.
But this year, the experience was an inspirational one. For five days in December, Krepack helped and watched as Rick, who is paralyzed after a skiing accident six years ago, skied once again. “This was his first trip back to the snow; it was a hard decision for him emotionally and physically,” Krepack explains.
Rick learned how to use a Sitski with the help and encouragement of ski instructors from Challenge Aspen, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing meaningful recreational, cultural and competitive experiences to individuals facing cognitive or physical challenges. “They help disabled people open new doors and enjoy activities that were at one time unthinkable,” says Krepack.
Also on hand to help were Chris Waddell (the most decorated male skier in Paralympic history) and Matt Feeney (recognized as one of the top disabled ski instructors in the world).
“Not only were Chris and Matt there to offer pointers, but they were also such an inspiration,” says Krepack. “They are shining examples of what can be accomplished and how you can overcome a disability.”
The whole experience was captured on film as part of a documentary short—“The Movement”—produced by Kurt Miller. According to Miller, “the film is about people getting back their freedom and letting others know that there are opportunities after they become disabled.”
“It was amazing to see what Rick could accomplish,” says Krepack who acted as part of the “support team,” helping his friend get on and off the chairlift, get up when he fell and get in and out of the Sitski.
Krepack’s amazement extended to everyone who was involved in the project. “All of the people I met were doing great things. The crew members—the cameraman, the sound man and the director—were very kind and obviously dedicated to getting the message across. The Challenge Aspen people were all so giving and so considerate. They are dedicating their lives to helping those who have suffered injuries or were born with physical challenges. They give people an opportunity to expand their life experiences.”
(Gordon, Edelstein, Krepack, Grant, Felton & Goldstein, LLP has made a donation to Challenge Aspen to help further the great work they are doing, including welcoming a group of newly injured soldiers from Walter Reed Army Medical Center in March for spring skiing and snowboarding at Snowmass Mountain.)
Helping Students Understand the Wonders of Reading
There’s nothing like a captivating story about a curious monkey named George who is taken from the jungle by a man in a yellow hat to pique children’s interest. But when the tale is read aloud with enthusiasm and flair, the adventure comes alive even more. Such was the case recently when Amy Leung, an attorney with the law firm of Gordon, Edelstein, Krepack, Grant, Felton & Goldstein, LLP participated in a “Read Across America” event at the invitation of the Compton Education Association.
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GEK Attorney Amy Leung participates in “Read Across America” with students from Compton Unified School District. |
Started in 1998 by the National Education Association as a way to get children excited about reading, “Read Across America” is an annual reading motivation and awareness program that calls for every child in every community to celebrate reading on March 2, the birthday of children’s book author Dr. Seuss.
“I had a great time reading Curious George to the children from local schools,” says Leung. “It was fun to see them get excited about reading and be encouraged to read. Celebrating Dr. Seuss’ birthday in this way is so fitting because his books embody a love of children and learning.
“I represent teachers in the Compton Unified School District so it was particularly special to interact with their students. I found the event very rewarding, and I look forward to participating again next year.”
Perhaps a little Green Eggs and Ham is in her future.
GEK Participates in “Shop With a Cop” Program
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Attorneys Al Lizarraga (right) and Steve Scardino, along with Steve’s son, Reed, and their Shop With a Cop companion. |
Money can’t buy happiness, but for the children who are selected to participate in the Shop With a Cop program, $200 can go a long way toward making the holiday season a more cheerful one. Attorneys Steve Scardino and Al Lizarraga, associates with the law firm of Gordon, Edelstein, Krepack, Grant, Felton & Goldstein, LLP, were on hand in 2010 to witness the joyful experience for themselves.
This was the ninth year that San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Deputies, District Attorney Investigators, Probation Corrections Officers and other volunteers made it possible for hundreds of deserving children (mainly ages 10 to 17) to be paired with public safety chaperones who take them on a holiday shopping spree.
The two Gordon-Edelstein attorneys as well as Scardino’s son, Reed, joined sheriffs from San Bernardino County during a shopping expedition in Fontana. “We shopped with a lovely 15-year-old girl who had a wonderful attitude and was very appreciative,” says Scardino. “She focused on buying useful things—clothes, accessories, makeup. It was satisfying to see a young person make such practical selections.”
The day was also a positive one for Scardino’s son. “I’m glad Reed was able to experience the importance of giving back and of public service. He saw how involved law enforcement is in the community, and I think it made a lasting impression.”
This sentiment was echoed by Lizarraga. “I really enjoyed seeing how many police officers were there to support the program. They were all so welcoming and outgoing and helped to make the event special for everyone involved.”
Shop With a Cop events are held at more than 10 locations throughout San Bernardino County to enable as many children as possible to participate and enjoy the unique shopping experience.
Giving the Gift of Joy
For the past five years Veronica Vogt, a paralegal at the law firm of Gordon, Edelstein, Krepack, Grant, Felton & Goldstein, LLP, has been volunteering her time to help those less fortunate than she share in some of the joy of Christmas. But, she feels she receives much more than she gives.
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GEK paralegal Veronica Vogt, right, and Robbin Andersen spread holiday cheer at Christmas at The Oaks. |
Vogt marks her calendar every year for the first Saturday in December when she and others from her church join families in need for a day of crafts, nature and fun at the Oaks Camp and Conference Center at Lake Hughes.
She teaches them to make crafts—ornaments, jewelry, frames—and revels in the sense of pride they feel when they have created something they never thought they could make. And then there is the generosity of spirit she experiences. “So many of these boys and girls say they’re going to give what they have made to a brother or sister. Here are kids who don’t have a whole lot and they’re more concerned about giving to others. It makes me feel fortunate for what I have.”
Vogt felt particularly fortunate when speaking with a girl who had just finished making a Christmas tree ornament and didn’t know what to do with it. “I told her to take it home and put it on the tree. She said, ‘I don’t have a tree.’ She didn’t even have a home.”
But, for a day at least, the experience at Christmas at The Oaks enables participants to leave the realities of everyday life behind and also enjoy the beauty of Mother Nature. There are hay rides and zip-lines to experience, plenty of space to hike and even arrows to shoot on the archery range.
“This day always makes me happy. It’s wonderful to see people who may not otherwise have an opportunity like this really enjoying themselves. I plan on coming back every year.”
Helping Police Officers Understand the Legal Landscape
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Associate Joanna Sacavitch discusses a legal issue with a visitor to the GEK booth at PORAC. |
It has been said that police officers may drive "black and whites," but their jobs are filled with a lot of gray. When it comes to protecting their legal rights if they’re injured, that gray area makes it essential for police officers to be represented by effective, knowledgeable lawyers.
That is precisely why Workers’ Compensation and Personal Injury attorneys from the law firm of Gordon, Edelstein, Krepack, Grant, Felton & Goldstein, LLP were on hand once again at the PORAC Convention in Las Vegas, NV., dispensing dependable advice and tips.
“This was our second year at PORAC; it was great to see so many familiar faces and to hear that we are making a positive difference by providing officers with information about their legal rights when they are injured on or off the job,” says Adam Dombchik, a partner at the firm.
“Police officers put their lives on the line every day to ensure our safety, and in doing so they face some very unique challenges. Our goal is to empower them with knowledge so that they understand the full spectrum of benefits to which they are entitled. There is a lot of camaraderie among officers, but they shouldn’t rely on their friends for advice when it comes to such matters as the ever-changing Workers’ Compensation laws,” says Dombchik.
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Partners Adam Dombchik, left, and David Goldstein man the GEK booth at PORAC. |
“As we mentioned to those who visited our booth, we are always more than happy to meet with members of groups or associations who want to learn more about their rights as they pertain to Workers’ Compensation and Personal Injury law. It’s an honor to serve those who protect and serve us."
Another Year, Another Walk for a Cause
Strength in numbers. That’s how Glenda Jackson, a legal file clerk for Gordon, Edelstein, Krepack, Grant, Felton & Goldstein, LLP, describes the 26th Annual AIDS Walk Los Angeles. “The more people you see out there walking and participating, the more support you feel for the cause. There is so much camaraderie it’s amazing. You’re walking besides people from all different walks of life and all different ethnicities. You get such a hopeful feeling.”
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Joining file clerk Glenda Jackson, right, at the recent AIDS Walk Los Angeles are her granddaughter, K'lema Burleson, left and Constance Hartwell. |
Such a positive atmosphere is precisely what the organizers of AIDS Walk Los Angeles visualized. In their minds, the participants enable the pain of vulnerability to meet the comfort of hope and action.
“Nothing’s going to get done if you keep quiet. We have to replace fear with facts. Ignorance isn’t a bad word; it just means you don’t know. Stupidity, on the other hand, means you know but you won’t do anything about it. I have no time for stupidity.”
Jackson has made time to participate in the 6.2-mile walk for 15 straight years. And, for the third time she was joined by her granddaughter, K’lema Burleson.
“You can’t help but learn about HIV/AIDS when you’re on this walk. There are people handing out all kinds of literature. There are speakers…you can even learn something new by talking to the person walking next to you.”
Approximately 60,000 people in Los Angeles are affected by HIV/AIDS, and more than 33 million suffer from the pandemic worldwide. Continuing to get the word out about the disease is more important than ever in light of the $52 million budget cut to California’s HIV/AIDS care and prevention programs for the disease.
“I’m very proud to have raised money from my colleagues; every little bit helps.”
GEK Attorneys Volunteer Their Legal Services
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Alina Azizian, Dickran Tevrizian Fellow, Neighborhood Legal Services, and GEK Associate Amy Leung |
It has been said that by helping others, you help yourself. Workers’ Compensation attorneys from Gordon, Edelstein, Krepack, Grant, Felton and Goldstein (GEK) are experiencing that firsthand as they volunteer their legal services to low-income workers who have been injured on the job.
Their efforts are a part of the Worksafe Legal Support Services, a non-profit organization dedicated to safety, health and justice for California’s workers. The GEK team of attorneys—Adam Dombchik, Amy Leung and Al Lizarraga—lends its expertise to the Neighborhood Legal Services (NLS) Worker’s Rights clinic in Glendale, one of the legal clinics in the Southland that’s associated with Worksafe.
“We see a variety of individuals at the NLS clinic, including factory workers, delivery people, food service employees, loading dock workers…who are seeking advice regarding work-related injuries,” says Leung. The clinic provides services for many non-English-speaking individuals who are seeking information about their legal rights. “By providing them with information about Workers’ Compensation laws, they are empowered with knowledge to pursue the medical treatment and benefits they are entitled to, either on their own or through legal representation.”
That positive impact is also felt by the GEK attorneys. “When you can use your knowledge and experience to help someone else, someone truly in need, you can’t help but feel a sense of personal satisfaction,” says Lizarraga.
That sentiment is echoed by Dombchik: “Our firm has always held that knowledge is power. By empowering the people we speak with at the clinic, we are not only putting our ideals into practice, but we are also creating change in ourselves.”
They Came, They Raced, They Talked About Safety
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GEK attorneys Noah Green (left) and Howard Krepack at the firm’s booth. |
The spirit of competition was alive and well during the recent Raymond Fouquet Brentwood Grand Prix. Competitors of all ages gave it their all in their respective races, trying their best to achieve the personal goal they set for themselves.
“It was great to see seasoned bicyclists out there competing, but it was equally as inspirational to see the boys and girls participating in the kids races—their enthusiasm is what bicycling is all about,” says avid cyclist and Personal Injury attorney Howard Krepack.
“Bicycling means different things to different people—recreation, competition, transportation, community. Responsibility also needs to be thrown into the mix particularly when it comes to being role models for the next generation of bicyclists. This includes understanding the rules of the road and following the safety protocol when it comes to such things as wearing helmets, using hand signals and staying out of the door zone.”
Krepack’s firm, Gordon, Edelstein, Krepack, Grant, Felton and Goldstein (GEK), is a sponsor of Velo Club La Grange, the bicycling club that hosts the annual race in Brentwood.
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GEK Attorney Howard Krepack with the Men’s Cat 3 winners, from left, David Robertson, Jack Lindquist and Wilson Blas. GEK sponsored that race. |
“Because we had a booth at the event we were able to speak to a lot of people about the law as it pertains to bicycling, lane positioning, what to do in case of an accident, and riding defensively. We also listened to a lot of stories about cyclists’ serious accidents or near misses. It’s amazing how many people have been involved in bicycle accidents, many of which have impacted them permanently.
“It’s clear that great strides to enhance safety for bicyclists have been made—in large part because of the hard work done by the Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition—but we still have a long way to go. This includes reminding people that motorists and bicyclists share equal rights to the road, which means both groups must act respectfully and responsibly.”
It was obvious that those racing got the memo about good sportsmanship. Camaraderie was the name of the game, and it started with the first race of the day as two bicyclists participated in the Women’s Cat 3/4 race riding a beach cruiser and a mountain bike. They were welcomed by their fellow competitors and cheered by the crowd.
(As part of GEK’s commitment to advocating for the rights of bicyclists, the firm has created a Facebook page—Bicycling Justice—to inform and educate bicycling enthusiasts.)
Law Firm Participates in the President’s Mandated Listening Session
They were sent to Los Angeles by President Barak Obama to listen. And that’s exactly what senior leadership members from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the White House Council on Environmental Quality and the U.S. Departments of Agriculture, Interior and Defense did recently at the public listening session for America’s Great Outdoors Presidential Initiative.
They expressed their views and listened to suggestions from the capacity crowd at Occidental College’s Thorne Hall regarding the nation’s conservation and environmental agenda for the 21st century. This feedback will help shape the report they send to the president in November.
Among those addressing the audience was Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa who spoke of the “emerald necklace” of parks and open spaces that bring a city together. “Change is in the air, it’s in the environment, it’s in the Los Angles River.”
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Panel members (from left): L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Jo-Ellen Darcy, Assistant Secretary of the Army, Ken Salazar, Secretary, Dept. of the Interior, Lisa Jackson, EPA Administrator, Nancy Sutley, Chair, White House Council on Environmental Quality, Harris Sherman, Undersecretary, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. |
That change, however, doesn’t come easy, and it starts, according to EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson, with expanding our definition of the great outdoors to include everything from wide-open spaces to dense urban areas.
Ken Salazar, Secretary, Department of the Interior, dug a bit deeper as he outlined what he sees as the key components to the initiative. “Great urban parks need our attention.
Rivers—we turned our backs on rivers in the past, but when we turned to face them again, we found they had become the hub of vitality for great cities.” He also stressed the need for historic and cultural preservation, identifying great landscapes and preserving wildlife habitat.
According to Howard Krepack, a partner in the firm of Gordon, Edelstein, Krepack, Grant, Felton and Goldstein (GEK), “It was important for GEK to be present at this unique event. We are committed to advocating for the rights of bicyclists to enjoy the great outdoors in a safe and sane way. Transportation—be it labeled recreation as in the case of bicycling, or necessity as in the case of increased public transit—has to be a priority of this new environmental agenda.”
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The revitalization of the L.A. River is one example of how communities are conserving outdoor spaces. |
Incorporating transportation issues such as bicycling was one of the suggestions from the audience. In addition, there was mention of the missing education component and the need for a hands-on approach to getting students outside. Renewable energy and not allowing our deserts to become “parking lots for solar panels” was also a concern. As was the need for a smart, green infrastructure with collaboration that would champion multi-issue projects, and the need to create jobs through the initiative. Representatives from the off-road industry, the equestrian community and recreational fishermen also expressed their concerns.
“The conservation challenges we face in the 21st century are complex,” said Nancy Sutley, Chair, White House Council on Environmental Quality. “They cry out for new and innovative solutions. We are here to identify new opportunities.”
Paying Tribute to Fallen Workers
Photographs of workers killed on the job adorned a flower-laden altar in front of the UCLA Labor Center at a recent Workers’ Memorial Day event. Each killed worker memorialized on that altar had a story, for instance:
- Maria Isabel Vasquez Jimenez was 17 and pregnant when she died of heat stress after eight hours of pruning grape vines with no access to shade or water.
- James Strickland, 44, was fatally struck from behind by a train while performing his duties as a train inspector for BART.
- Hugo Bustamante, 46, and Kelly Hales, 56, were both victims of workplace violence.
Thousands of workers in the United States are injured or killed on the job each year as a result of “preventable incidents,” according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Latino workers suffer higher rates of workplace injuries and deaths than all other workers.
“Today we are here because work is dangerous,” Pastor Bridie Roberts told those in attendance—workers, families, community groups, union members, policy makers and advocates—as she began the prayer ceremony. After 40 names of the 404 people who died on the job in California in 2008 were read aloud, Roberts told those assembled to “Remember them, remember their lives, their families and that they had dreams for the future.”
“This is a solemn event, but it’s also very inspirational because these fallen workers are not forgotten, and the people who gathered together to pay homage are also working hard day in and day out so that each subsequent year there will be fewer names to read,” said attorney Amy Leung, an associate at Gordon, Edelstein, Krepack, Grant, Felton & Goldstein, LLP.
Speakers, including Representatives Laura Richardson (D-Long Beach) and Judy Chu (D-32nd District), urged passage of strong state and federal occupational safety laws, including HR 2067, the Protecting America’s Workers Act. Referencing the bill, Chu said, “It will go a long way in strengthening worker protection, and OSHA will truly have some teeth to go after those who are breaking the law. There’s a new sheriff in town. We will change things for the better to keep workers safe.”
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Altar of Remembrance—paying tribute to fallen workers. |
The event was presented by SoCalCOSH and UCLA-LOSH (Labor Occupational Safety & Health Program); both non-profit groups are dedicated to workers’ health and safety.
It included a four-mile commemorative funeral procession through central Los Angeles, with cars displaying posters in English and Spanish with such messages as “Work kills more people than wars” and “No job is worth more than our lives.” The procession helped spread the word to the community and called attention to issues of workplace deaths and the importance of safety measures.
“We have been a proud sponsor of this event for years because we believe in the work of SoCalCOSH and UCLA-LOSH,” Leung said. “As Workers’ Compensation and Personal Injury attorneys we constantly see how unsafe work conditions can devastate the lives of workers, their families and their colleagues.”
Attorneys Participate In Launch of New Community Organization
Attorneys Vincent Vallin Bennett, Gary Stern and Noah Green, associates at Gordon, Edelstein, Krepack, Grant, Felton and Goldstein, recently attended an event for the launch of Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment (ACCE).
“Our firm is proud to participate and work with an organization such as ACCE that recognizes the importance of preserving social justice for all of us in our communities,” Bennett said.
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Attorney Vincent Vallin Bennett addresses those attending a fundraising event for the launch of Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment. |
“For over 25 years, we at Gordon, Edelstein, Krepack, Grant, Felton and Goldstein have recognized the need to protect and enhance the quality of life for the members of our communities and have worked tirelessly to maintain and advance the legal rights of our clients who have been injured in and out of the workplace.
“Because we understand the daily struggles of working families, particularly in these economic times, our proven commitment to delivering outstanding legal services and results is as strong as ever.”
ACCE is an independent, statewide organization created to empower low-income Californians in a variety of ways, including understanding their legal rights. To learn more about ACCE, visit their website at www.calorganize.org.
Meeting with Representatives from the California Teachers Association
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Jesús Escandón, CTA Regional UniServ staff member, left, discusses a workers’ compensation issue with Attorney Richard Felton. |
Teachers continue to face unprecedented challenges on the job—exposure to toxic materials, repetitive motion damage, assaults—physical and verbal—and high blood pressure caused by stress. And so it was fitting that Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Sherry Grant and Richard Felton addressed representatives from the California Teachers Association about a wide range of issues at the group’s recent regional staff meeting.
Grant and Felton, partners at Gordon, Edelstein, Krepack, Grant, Felton & Goldstein, covered such topics as temporary disability, medical treatment, permanent disability and dependent benefits.
“Because we have a lot of experience representing teachers, we understand the wide variety of issues you face,” Felton told the audience. “As a firm, we pool our collective efforts and resources to ensure that our clients receive the full range of benefits to which they are entitled.”
In so doing, the firm’s workers’ compensation attorneys thoroughly educate their clients about what’s involved when it comes to medical treatment for a workplace injury.
“One way to ‘break free’ from your employer’s Medical Provider Network is by pre-designating your own doctor in writing before a workplace injury,” said Grant. “This right is a powerful tool, and enables injured workers to be cared for by a doctor who knows their medical history and with whom they have built a relationship. In many cases, this physician can provide effective treatment, enabling the injured worker to return to his or her job more quickly.”
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Attorney Sherry Grant, left, and CTA Assistant Executive Director Robin Rose. |
Acting proactively is also the key to keeping injured workers from feeling like “rats in a maze” when it comes to the myriad procedural timelines involved in pursuing a workers’ compensation claim, according to Grant. “If you don’t respond ‘correctly’ you may have waived your rights. It’s important to act early when you are injured; call us and we will advise you.”
Felton discussed recent court decisions that have taken some of the sting out of the Workers’ Compensation “Reform” of 2004. Given the complexity of this developing law, it is more important than ever to consult any attorney early on in the process.
“We have been and will continue to be deeply involved in the development of legal arguments that affect California’s workers,” he said. “Because Workers’ Compensation Laws are constantly changing, it is vital for injured workers to have effective legal representation to fight for their rights. The good news is that with our help, seriously injured people have a better chance of receiving the benefits to which they are entitled under the law.”
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