San Diego Sick Time Lawyer

San Diego Sick Time Attorney

As a California worker, you are owed certain rights. There’s nothing wrong with utilizing these rights as you see fit, provided you qualify for them. One such right that is often in dispute is sick time. If you are a qualifying employee, you may have accrued sick days that you can use at your disposal. If your employer has denied your sick days or refused to pay them out to you, you may be owed compensation for those actions. A San Diego sick time lawyer can help your case.

The legal team at The Law Office of Frank S. Clowney, III, understands how difficult it can be to stand up to your employer. You may be afraid of losing your job or some other form of retaliation. That’s why it’s so important to hire a sick time attorney who can help you stand up for yourself and fight for what you are owed. It’s vital to have someone in your corner who understands San Diego sick time laws and has experience handling sick time disputes like yours.

Hire a Sick Time Lawyer in San Diego, CA

There are many valid reasons why you should hire a sick time lawyer. At the very least, your employer may be trying to take advantage of you, and a lawyer can look through your case and make sure that doesn’t happen to you. Having the right lawyer’s help during all this can be a significant asset. Frank S. Clowney III has over forty years of experience helping clients through their employment problems. He can provide his personal attention to your case and help you.

Sick time violations tend to fall under wage and hour disputes, which are not rare in this country. According to recent statistical information from the U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division, over $270 million was recovered in damages for nearly 152,000 workers across the nation who had been taken advantage of by their employers in 2024. Your case is just as valid as theirs, and it’s important that you hire a lawyer who can help you figure out your next steps.

Dealing with employment violations of any kind can be stressful, especially if you are trying to handle them on your own. You may want to consider the toll this could be taking on your own mental health. To address this, you should think about reaching out to a local mental health or employment violations support group like NAMI San Diego or the Employee Rights Center. Having someone to talk to who truly understands your concerns can be quite liberating.

Examples of Sick Time Violations

According to California’s labor laws, employers are required to provide their employees at least 40 hours of paid sick leave per year, as long as those employees have worked for that employer for at least 30 days. If your employer violates this agreement, you may have a case. You should reach out to an employment lawyer and determine what your next steps should be. Here are some examples of sick time violations that you could deal with from your employer:

• Retaliation. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for some employers to view taking sick leave as a betrayal of the company itself. Upon your return, your employer may seek retribution for your perceived disloyalty by retaliating against you for taking sick time. This retaliation could take the form of termination, demotion, suspension, or even a pay cut. If you are disciplined for taking sick leave that you earned, you may have a case.
• Denying your leave. The simple act of refusing to allow you to take your sick leave can be an employment violation. Your employer does not have the right to deny your sick leave if you are taking it for a legitimate reason, such as to seek medical care for yourself or to take care of an ailing family member. If they refuse it, you can take legal action against them for violating the state’s labor laws.

FAQs About San Diego, CA Sick Time Laws

What Is the California Law for Sick Time?

The California law for sick time is specifically designed to favor the employee. State law requires most employers to provide their employees with paid sick leave in the amount of at least 40 hours per year, or five days total. Employees are expected to accrue one hour (or more) of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked. Some employers may offer their employees a better rate than that as a perk of the job.

What Is San Diego’s Sick Leave Policy?

San Diego must follow the state law regarding sick leave, and employees within the city limits are also protected by a city ordinance that requires the same parameters for sick leave as the state. San Diego employees can use their accrued sick leave to deal with their own illness or injury, or to care for a family member. State law prevents unreasonable denial of sick leave.

How Many Days Can You Call in Sick Without a Doctor’s Note in California?

There is no specific number of days you can call in sick without a doctor’s note in California. It depends entirely on your employer’s policy regarding sick notes and the type of leave you are using for your time off. If you exhaust all your paid sick days, employers can require a doctor’s note after at least three days to verify the illness. Your company may have different rules. You should check their policy before calling out.

Should I Hire an Employment Lawyer?

Yes, you should hire an employment lawyer. These situations can get complicated and overwhelming very quickly. You don’t want your employer to take advantage of you because you didn’t hire legal support to back you up. Depending on the situation, your job could be at stake. It’s important that you don’t take any chances. A good lawyer can help you figure out a plan of action, build a case that backs up your claims, and keep your interests protected.

Meet Our Attorney

The Law Office of Frank S. Clowney III brings over four decades of focused experience to employment, personal injury, and maritime law. The firm provides steady, knowledgeable representation in matters involving workplace disputes, serious injuries, and maritime claims, offering a practical, results-driven approach shaped by years of experience in California courts.

Since founding his practice, attorney Frank S. Clowney III has earned a strong reputation throughout San Diego for his professionalism, integrity, and dedication to achieving fair outcomes. With extensive trial experience and a deep understanding of employment and maritime law, the firm is trusted for its strategic advocacy and personalized client care.

Contact a San Diego Sick Time Lawyer Today

At The Law Office of Frank S. Clowney, III, we can provide you with the resources you need to build a strong case and make sure your employer doesn’t try to take away your sick leave or punish you for taking it. Contact us to speak to someone about your case.