Illegal conduct by employers and coworkers can have negative effects on a worker’s entire career. Every worker has legal protections under state and federal law. But exercising and enforcing such rights may require expert guidance from a reliable employment lawyer.
To learn what your legal options are as an employee, you should consult with an employment lawyer. You can benefit from the knowledge and skills a lawyer can bring to the table. A lot of employment attorneys are skilled litigators who have extensive experience in court. Also, they have navigated employment law proceedings before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and other administrative agencies. An employment attorney offers representation when the laws that govern the employment relationship are violated. The following are the kinds of cases they can handle:
Wage and Hour Disputes
The Fair Labor Standard Act or FLSA offers protection to employees and makes sure they get fair wages for the work they have done. Disputes can arise if an employer does not pay an employee at least minimum wage and overtime, cheats an employee on hours worked, or does not give payment for work performed while an employee wasn’t clocked in. Whether your employer fails to pay your full wages or has not paid your last paycheck following your termination or resignation, you must seek help to get the money you are owed.
Workplace Harassment
Employers should not permit workplace harassment or create a hostile work environment based on the protected status of an employee. If you have been treated unfairly at work or offered quid pro quo, your employer may need to take responsibility for such unlawful workplace behaviors. An employment attorney can help determine whether you are being subjected to actionable workplace harassment.
Workplace Discrimination
Both state and federal laws are in place to protect employees from discrimination based on their protected characteristics such as age, disability, sexual orientation, pregnancy, race, and others. Workplace discrimination comes in many forms and can take place at any stage of your employment. An employer may discriminate during the hiring process, when firing employees, or when creating employment contracts based on the protected status of an employee. If you have been discriminated against at work, you may have the right to file a discrimination claim.
Wrongful Termination
Employment lawyers can offer representation if you have been fired for unlawful reasons. Your employer cannot terminate your employment for filing a workers’ compensation claim, reporting an illegal workplace activity, or taking legal leave. An employment attorney can fight for your rights after being fired illegally.
