Brandon Legal Group,
Corona Virus Response

In response to a huge number of questions from our clients in regards to the Covid-19 virus and legal issues from Worker’s Compensation to Business Insurance.

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Our Promise

Providing enthusiastic legal counsel with confidence, integrity, and compassion.

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Vigorous client representation has been our guiding principle since our start in Brandon in 2008. Our entire mission is built around one thing, protecting our clients' interests’ legally in Tampa Bay and throughout the state of Florida. From Divorce & Family Law to Criminal Defense and from Business & Civil Litigation to Personal Injury and Workers’ Compensation, our team of experienced trial attorneys are ready to protect you.

Our attorneys work diligently to ensure your case is handled with the utmost care and respect for your time and of course, your wallet. We truly believe that each client deserves the highest quality representation possible, and we provide personal attention at each stage of the legal process.

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Coronavirus Legal Support

Workers Compensation & Coronavirus

Did you contract COVID-19 (CoronaVirus) at work?

If so, you may be entitled to Workers’ Compensation.

Call our office today for a free consultation.

Business Insurance & Coronavirus

We expect to see a growing increase in in insurance related cases, attempting to decide “who should pay for what”.
There will be massive claims involved in this recession that are entirely unforeseen. Insurers will fight aggressively over who should pay for various demands

Bankruptcy & Coronavirus

Even with the governments massive bailouts for both small and big business, as well as for individuals, there will be many that simply cannot support the anticipated extended recession. Bankruptcy may end up being the only option for many businesses and individuals.

Employment Law & Coronavirus

Both employers and employees are going to need to understand their rights and obligations to each other. We anticipate seeing multiple employment lawsuits with employees upset over being layed off, or let go, and employers filing various grievances with state and federal agencies about their treatment.

BRANDON LEGAL GROUP, WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED (813) 902-3576

The Coronavirus Pandemic is a fluid situation, all information on this page relative to the Coronavirus comes from third party sources, and should be considered purely informational.

This information was current at the time of publication, however new actions are being taken at the Federal, State and Local government levels and the content may not be current as of the moment you are viewing the page.

Do not make any legal decisions based on the information on this page.

Consult with an attorney if you have specific legal questions regarding your present legal situation and the Coronavirus.

Brandon Legal Group has adopted a Work From Home operating model at this time. Our phones and email are manned, we are ready to take your call. Our office is fully functional to serve you.

Meetings by phone or video conference only at this time.

Employment Issues with Coronavirus

Paid Leave

Does Florida have a paid leave law?	No
Can I make a sick employee use accrued paid sick leave?	NA/There is no Paid Leave Law
If the State mandates paid sick leave. Can I make a WELL employee use accrued paid sick leave?	NA/There is no Paid Leave Law
Does Florida maintain a state insured paid sick leave insurance program?	No
Can I make a sick employee apply for benefits?	NA/There is no Paid Leave Law
Will the State approve an application for benefits from a WELL employee while in isolation or otherwise not allowed to work?	NA/There is no Paid Leave Law
My Company offers paid sick leave, having nothing to do with Florida Paid Leave. Can I make a sick employee use accrued paid sick leave?	Yes*
My Company offers paid sick leave, having nothing to do with Florida Paid Leave. Can I make a WELL employee use accrued paid sick leave?	Yes*
My Company offers paid vacation or PTO. Can I make employees use this accrued paid time to cover any period of absence?	Yes*
My Company offers paid vacation or PTO. To save money right now, can the Company prohibit employees from using this accrued paid time during an absence?	Yes*
Is there any other Florida law that would require Employers to pay employees who are self-quarantined?	No
Is there any other Florida law requiring Employers to pay employees who have been required to quarantine for any reason?	No

This Chart is not designed to give legal guidance. All businesses should bear in mind that while Florida may not have a specific law on any of the specific points, there may be obligations under Federal and Local laws. Employers should consult with legal counsel for guidance specific to their business, industry, location and employees.

* indicates Florida may not have a directly applicable law, employers should defer to any contracts, written policies, procedures and precedents in this area.

** indicates Florida may not have a directly applicable law for reimbursements, there may be another law governing minimum wage and permissible costs to employees or deductions that must be considered.

We would like to acknowledge the efforts of Fisher Phillips LLP for providing the base data for this report.

Furloughs/Temporary Lay-Offs

Does Florida have any laws governing furloughs?	No
Does Florida require Employers to preserve sick, vacation or PTO balances while on furlough?	No*
Does Florida require Employers to allow Employees to continue to accrue PTO, vacation or sick leave while on furlough?	No*
Does Florida have law that may require Employers to pay out some or all accrued leave to Employees at the time of furlough?	No*
Is there a Florida law that requires some period of notice before reducing an employee’s pay? (Note-no state will support reducing pay after work is performed)	No

This Chart is not designed to give legal guidance. All businesses should bear in mind that while Florida may not have a specific law on any of the specific points, there may be obligations under Federal and Local laws. Employers should consult with legal counsel for guidance specific to their business, industry, location and employees.

* indicates Florida may not have a directly applicable law, employers should defer to any contracts, written policies, procedures and precedents in this area.

** indicates Florida may not have a directly applicable law for reimbursements, there may be another law governing minimum wage and permissible costs to employees or deductions that must be considered.

We would like to acknowledge the efforts of Fisher Phillips LLP for providing the base data for this report.

Unemployment Benefits

If an Employer has to lay off employees who are subject to recall, does Florida allow Employees to receive unemployment benefits?	Yes
If an Employer has to reduce employee hours, does this state allow Employees to receive unemployment benefits?	Yes
Is there a required Notice that must be given to Employees who are laid off or whose hours are reduced?	No, unless WARN Act applies
Is there a required Notice that must be sent to the State concerning Employees who are laid off or whose hours are reduced?	No, unless WARN Act Applies
Does this Florida specify a time period within which an Employer must notify the State of a layoff or reduction in hours?	No, unless WARN Act Applies
What is the link to Florida’s unemployment website?	http://www.floridajobs.org/job-seekers

This Chart is not designed to give legal guidance. All businesses should bear in mind that while Florida may not have a specific law on any of the specific points, there may be obligations under Federal and Local laws. Employers should consult with legal counsel for guidance specific to their business, industry, location and employees.

* indicates Florida may not have a directly applicable law, employers should defer to any contracts, written policies, procedures and precedents in this area.

** indicates Florida may not have a directly applicable law for reimbursements, there may be another law governing minimum wage and permissible costs to employees or deductions that must be considered.

We would like to acknowledge the efforts of Fisher Phillips LLP for providing the base data for this report.

Warn Act

Does Florida have its own WARN Act?	No
What is the link to Floridas agency website for WARN Act notices and Rapid Response services?	http://floridajobs.org/office-directory/division-of-workforce-services/workforce-programs/reemployment-and-emergency-assistance-coordination-team-react

This Chart is not designed to give legal guidance. All businesses should bear in mind that while Florida may not have a specific law on any of the specific points, there may be obligations under Federal and Local laws. Employers should consult with legal counsel for guidance specific to their business, industry, location and employees.

* indicates Florida may not have a directly applicable law, employers should defer to any contracts, written policies, procedures and precedents in this area.

** indicates Florida may not have a directly applicable law for reimbursements, there may be another law governing minimum wage and permissible costs to employees or deductions that must be considered.

We would like to acknowledge the efforts of Fisher Phillips LLP for providing the base data for this report.

Remote Workers

Does Florida have any laws governing remote work/telecommuting?	No
Does Florida have any laws governing required reimbursement for job related expenses that Employers should consider for remote workers?	No**

This Chart is not designed to give legal guidance. All businesses should bear in mind that while Florida may not have a specific law on any of the specific points, there may be obligations under Federal and Local laws. Employers should consult with legal counsel for guidance specific to their business, industry, location and employees.

* indicates Florida may not have a directly applicable law, employers should defer to any contracts, written policies, procedures and precedents in this area.

** indicates Florida may not have a directly applicable law for reimbursements, there may be another law governing minimum wage and permissible costs to employees or deductions that must be considered.

We would like to acknowledge the efforts of Fisher Phillips LLP for providing the base data for this report.

Privacy

If an Employer has an employee test positive for Covid-19, does Florida have any mandatory reporting requirement?

No

This Chart is not designed to give legal guidance. All businesses should bear in mind that while Florida may not have a specific law on any of the specific points, there may be obligations under Federal and Local laws. Employers should consult with legal counsel for guidance specific to their business, industry, location and employees.

* indicates Florida may not have a directly applicable law, employers should defer to any contracts, written policies, procedures and precedents in this area.

** indicates Florida may not have a directly applicable law for reimbursements, there may be another law governing minimum wage and permissible costs to employees or deductions that must be considered.

We would like to acknowledge the efforts of Fisher Phillips LLP for providing the base data for this report.

Insurance Issues with Coronavirus

Directive To Insurance Companies

This memorandum directs insurers to:

Use every channel available to them to communicate with their policyholders and share official CDC and DOH information;
Devote resources to inform consumers of available benefits, quickly respond to inquiries, and avoid and dispel misinformation;
Work with public health officials to do everything possible to prepare and respond; and
Consider all practicable options to reduce the barriers of cost-sharing for testing and treatment of COVID-19.
Please read Informational Memorandum OIR-20-01M here

Treatment Of Policy Holders

Removing Exclusions on Certain Personal Auto Exclusions

Many insureds may be temporarily utilizing their personal automobile for purposes that might otherwise be considered commercial use. Regulated entities are encouraged to consider allowing such use for insureds, provided that such use is limited to the duration of the Emergency Orders.

Underwriting and Claims Inspections

Regulated entities, agents, consumers, and employers are strongly encouraged to explore virtual options for underwriting and adjusting claims in lieu of in-person property inspections and for premium audits of employers’ records.

General Considerations

OIR has provided guidance on general considerations regulated entities can make, including electronic communications, teleworking, and utilizing electronic signatures. In addition, OIR is granting a 30-day extension for any annual statements due to be filed with OIR by a regulated entity on or before May 1, 2020, for the following regulated entities:

Health maintenance organizations pursuant to section 641.26, Florida Statutes;

Health maintenance organizations pursuant to section 641.26, Florida Statutes;
Insurance administrators pursuant to section 626.89, Florida Statutes;
Continuing care providers pursuant to section 651.026, Florida Statutes; and
Multiple-employer welfare arrangements pursuant to section 624.442, Florida Statutes.

Please read Informational Memorandum OIR-20-04M here.

Prescription Refills

Following Governor DeSantis’ Executive Order 20-52 declaring an emergency in the state of Florida in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency, the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) issued Informational Memorandum OIR-20-02M to all health insurers, health maintenance organizations and other health entities authorized to do business in Florida as a reminder of Florida law regarding early prescription refills.
- Please read Informational Memorandum OIR-20-02M here

We would like to acknowledge the efforts of the Florida Office Of Insurance Regulation for providing the base data for the above report.

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Because It’s Our Clients That Matter Most

Brandon Legal Group Client Recommendations

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Debunking Attorney Myths

It's too expensive to call an attorney.

At Brandon Legal Group, your initial consultation is free. Personal Injury cases are offered on a contingency fee basis meaning there are no out of pocket expenses unless there is a financial recovery in your favor. In other matters, if you think an attorney representing you is too expensive, imagine living without seeing your children or spending the next 10 years in prison…

Having an attorney makes you look guilty.

You may be great at a lot of things, but when is the last time you were lead counsel in a criminal matter? Every individual has a constitutional right to experienced legal counsel no matter the magnitude of the matter. In many instances, the Court may prefer working with experienced Counsel rather than a layman as all litigating parties will be held to the same legal standard and process.

Lawyers just complicate the process.

Experienced attorneys should foresee pitfalls in your case and reduce the chances of last-second surprises that delay or disrupt the finalization of your legal matter. Attorneys know the process, know the nuances of varying judges courtrooms, and can provide you with the proper resources to make the best decisions in your matter.

WHO WE ARE

Full service law firm serving the greater Brandon and Tampa area.

When you place your legal matter in the hands of our experienced Brandon Legal Group attorneys, you are placing it in the hands of professionals with over 40 years of experience committed to helping you achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

OUR PHILOSOPHY

Litigation can be stressful and full of uncertainty. We pride ourselves on providing enthusiastic legal counsel with confidence, integrity, and compassion. Our attorneys are committed to providing you with unmatched support and attention. We will listen carefully to your concerns, answer all of your questions, and work with you to help overcome any obstacles. We will aggressively represent your rights and best interests through each step of your case so that you receive the best possible legal outcome.

ingrid Hooglander attorney Brandon Legal Group

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Brandon Legal Group

The Right Attorneys For You.

Get advice and insights from our team of experienced attorneys.

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(813) 902-3576

Brandon Legal Group - Service Overview
We've Got You Covered

Family Law & Divorce

Personal Injury

Mediation

BUI/DUI Defense

Criminal Defense

Estate Planning

Business & Civil Litigation

Bankruptcy

Workers' Compensation

Veterans Benefits

Meet Our Attorneys

Ingrid Hooglander

In 2008 after gaining years of experience under the watchful eyes of her predecessors, Ms. Hooglander opened her own private practice that has grown into what Brandon Legal Group is today.

Her weight lifting and Kick Boxing training contribute to a reputation as a "force of nature" in both her personal life and her presence in the court room.

Luke Mattson

Mr. Mattson found his niche in family law and has focused his practice in that area since 2000. In particular, Luke often handles matters involving divorce, timesharing, parenting plans, child support, alimony, paternity, and civil domestic violence.

Mr. Mattson might look like he’s all business, but you'd be surprised to discover the incredible fun loving attitude he brings to the practice. When outside the courtroom, Mr. Mattson can often be found watching Lightning games or riding his bike around downtown Tampa.

Brandon Legal Group Client Reviews Are Saying About Us:

Brandon Lawyer Review Brandon Legal Group

Ingrid is a gifted attorney with significant subject matter experience in family law matters. She has a ton of experience and is an expert in this practice area. She is a hard worker and puts clients first. She is able to gain exceptional results for her clients. Without hesitation I endorse Ingrid.

Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
(813) 902-3576