About Judy Malmon, J.D.
Judy Malmon has blended law and writing throughout her career. She got her J.D. from University of California, Davis and practiced elder and disability law in California and Minnesota. She honed her writing by drafting appellate decisions in a nationwide class action, writing blogs for law firms, and writing for Westlaw. She loves digging into everyday legal questions, deciphering the complexities of law, and telling personal stories.
Articles written by Judy Malmon, J.D.
Do You Have a Duty to Prevent Suicide?
You have no legal obligation to prevent suicide unless you have a special relationship, caretaker responsibility, or a professional obligation. Teachers, doctors, mental healthcare professionals, and mandatory reporters may have a duty to warn when there is a foreseeable risk or warning signs of suicide. A wrongful death civil claim is based on breach of care fault, negligent supervision, or other patient safety failures. Plaintiffs can seek monetary recovery based on medical malpractice, …
Breastfeeding Accommodations in the Workplace
Breastfeeding is an important part of raising a child for many mothers. Working mothers may need to take breaks to pump every two to three hours during the workday. Most employers have to make reasonable workplace accommodations for breastfeeding employees. State and federal laws protect breastfeeding mothers from workplace discrimination. Here is what you need to know about your employee and healthcare rights. For more information about the rights of nursing employees, talk to an employment …
How DNA Evidence Works in Criminal Cases
DNA evidence in a criminal case works by matching suspects against biological samples taken during crime scene collection. Forensic analysis, PCR testing, and STR analysis use genetic profiling to match DNA extraction information against the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). The admissibility standards and evidentiary weight of swab collection evidence depend on the chain of custody and crime lab testing. Defendants can use expert testimony to challenge the probative value of exclusionary …
Oregon Supports Residential Beekeeping
With honey bee populations facing threats to their habitat and survival, communities are increasingly invested in supporting diverse beekeeping efforts, including urban backyard beehives. What was once viewed as dangerous for a neighborhood setting has largely been embraced as providing important pollinator support. But there are still risks to keeping bees, as well as to living next to them, in a city environment. If you want to keep bees in your own yard, it’s a bit more complicated than …
Your DNA Can Be Stolen
Mapping the human genome has provided previously unimagined opportunities to understand biology, the past and the future, and to potentially prevent and cure diseases. As access to genetic testing and genetic information widens, and testing itself becomes affordable and noninvasive, regular folks have access to genetic data that can help find ancestral relatives and reveal genetical proclivities. Your DNA is Out There But easy access has its price in the technological age. It is now possible to …
Maryland Long-Term Care: Options To Cover Costs
For every year you survive beyond the age of 65, you become statistically more likely to need long-term care (LTC). Planning for long-term medical care protects your assets and preserves eligibility for health benefits. For legal advice about long-term services and supports, talk to a local elder law attorney. What Is Long-Term Care? Long-term care (LTC) can range from in-home care providers to skilled nursing facilities, all of which are extremely costly. Maryland residents can …
Suing for Pregnancy Discrimination
Federal and state laws prohibit employers from discriminating against workers based on the fact that they are pregnant or have pregnancy-related medical conditions. "Even before the #MeToo movement, we were hearing from a lot more people with pregnancy discrimination cases," says Atlanta attorney Marcus Keegan. "For years, I don't think I had anybody call me about pregnancy discrimination, and then in the last few years, I got a ton of calls about pregnancy leave, sex discrimination, and any …
Is a Restaurant Liable for Allergens in Food?
You’ve probably noticed that food allergies have been on the rise in recent years. Peanut, milk, tree nut, shellfish allergies and celiac disease have all seen an increase in incidence as well as an accompanying elevation in public consciousness. While some intolerances can trigger relatively mild reactions, others are severe allergic reactions and can be life-threatening, even from trace amounts. According to the Centers for Disease Control, food allergies are responsible for approximately …
Can My Employer Dictate What I Wear at Work?
What you wear at work may seem like your business, not your boss's. However, employers have legitimate reasons to care about their employees' appearance in the workplace. Employers can have company dress code requirements and restrictions. Understanding the legal grounds for dress code policies and your rights as an employee is important. This includes knowing when dress codes may infringe on personal rights and how to address any concerns with your employer. For legal advice about your civil …
Your RV Has Its Own Warranty — and Legal Issues
Recreational vehicles, which include motorhomes and trailers, have become a huge market in the states. With the surge in RV ownership has come all the accompanying things that can go wrong with an expensive auto purchase — everything from engine or parts failures to interior issues, like a wonky fridge or leaky roof. And while these may sound like vastly different problems, you can go to one lawyer for all of your RV issues. Consumer Laws and RVers While most of the applicable laws are the …
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