Facing workplace issues and need free legal advice? Call 1-800-ATTORNEY (1-800-288-6763)!

Dealing with employment-related problems can be a stressful and uncertain experience, and many workers have concerns about the legal costs associated with protecting their rights. There’s a common misconception about how much you’re expected to pay for legal representation in an employment case. In fact, there’s so much misinformation out there that most people don’t realize that it’s possible to get free and low-cost legal help for their situation.

24-Hour Free Employment Legal Help Hotline

If you are facing workplace issues and need expert legal guidance, call 1-800-ATTORNEY today to discuss the facts of your case with an experienced employment lawyer (calls accepted 24/7).

Whether you’re dealing with discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, or other employment-related matters, your best chance at a favorable outcome is to find a local employment attorney who offers free consultations.

When you call 1-800-ATTORNEY (1-800-288-6763), you’ll be connected with an employment lawyer in your area who’s familiar with the labor laws in your state, willing to listen to your concerns, and able to explain the options available to you moving forward. Calls are answered 24 hours a day!

Navigating the complexities of the workplace can be challenging, but it shouldn’t leave you  feeling unseen or unheard. Unfortunately, a significant portion of American workers face unfair treatment on the job.

Beyond discrimination, a multitude of other employment law matters can arise. Perhaps you’ve been wrongfully terminated or faced retaliation for reporting unethical practices. Maybe you’re unsure about your rights regarding unpaid wages, overtime, or workplace harassment. These situations can be incredibly stressful, causing emotional distress and financial hardship.

If you’re facing any labor and employment issues, you don’t have to go through it alone. When you call 1-800-ATTORNEY, we’ll connect you with our experienced employment law firm that can advocate for your rights and ensure you’re treated fairly.

Our lawyers at the employment law firm understand the intricacies of labor and employment law and will work tirelessly to get you the justice you deserve. They have extensive experience handling a wide range of employment law matters, from discrimination and harassment to wrongful termination and wage disputes.

Don’t wait – take the first step towards resolving your workplace issue. Contact 1-800-ATTORNEY today for a free consultation with our dedicated employment law firm.

Understanding Employment Law

Employment law is a complex and ever-evolving field that encompasses a wide range of issues affecting the relationship between employers and employees.

When you’re facing unfair treatment, discrimination, or wrongful termination at work, it’s essential to understand your rights and the legal protections available to you.

Types of Employment Law Issues

Employment law is a broad field covering a wide range of issues that can impact your job. Here are some common examples:

Discrimination

Federal and state laws, such as the Civil Rights Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), prohibit employers from discriminating against employees based on protected characteristics like race, gender, age, disability, religion, or national origin.

Wrongful Termination

While most employment is “at-will,” meaning an employer can terminate an employee for any reason or no reason at all, there are exceptions. If you were fired for an illegal reason, such as discrimination or retaliation, you may have a case for wrongful termination.

Harassment

Workplace harassment, including sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment, is prohibited by law. Employers have a responsibility to prevent and address harassment in the workplace.

Retaliation

It is illegal for an employer to retaliate against an employee for engaging in protected activities, such as reporting discrimination or participating in an investigation.

Wage and Hour Violations

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) sets guidelines for minimum wage, overtime pay, and other wage-related issues. If your employer has failed to pay you fairly or has misclassified you as an exempt employee or independent contractor, you may be entitled to compensation.

The Role of an Employment Lawyer

When you’re facing any of these employment law issues, an experienced employment lawyer can be your strongest ally. Employment law attorneys understand the complexities of federal and state laws and can help you navigate the legal system to protect your rights and seek justice.

An employment lawyer can:

• Evaluate your case and advise you on your legal options, whether you’re filing a workers’ compensation claim, pursuing a discrimination complaint, or seeking other remedies
• Gather evidence and build a strong case on your behalf, including reviewing any files your former employer may have on you as an employee
• Negotiate with your employer or their legal team to reach a fair settlement
• Represent employees in court or administrative proceedings, advocating for your rights as a worker
• Fight for the compensation and remedies you deserve, such as back pay, reinstatement, or damages for emotional distress

At 1-800-ATTORNEY, our employment law attorneys are dedicated to leveling the playing field for employees who have been wronged by their employers. We represent employees from all walks of life, from nonexempt employees who have been denied overtime pay to executives who have faced discrimination or retaliation.

We understand the emotional and financial toll that workplace mistreatment can take, and we’re here to stand by your side every step of the way. Whether you’re dealing with a workers’ compensation claim, a wrongful termination, or any other employment law matter, our attorneys have the knowledge and experience to help you fight for your rights.

If you’ve been fired unjustly, discriminated against, harassed, or treated unfairly at work, don’t hesitate to reach out to 1-800-ATTORNEY today. Our compassionate and knowledgeable employment lawyers will provide you with a free consultation to discuss your case and help you understand your legal rights. We’ll work tirelessly to hold your employer accountable and fight for the justice you deserve.

Workplace Discrimination

No one should feel like a target at work. Unfortunately, many employees face discrimination based on characteristics that have no bearing on their ability to perform their jobs.

According to a 2022 survey by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), there were over 67,000 workplace discrimination charges filed in the U.S. These charges encompass a wide range of issues, including discrimination based on race, gender, age, disability, and religion.

This can be incredibly frustrating and hurtful. Federal and state laws protect employees from discrimination based on “protected classes.” If you suspect you’ve been discriminated against, an employment law attorney at 1-800-ATTORNEY can help.

Discrimination Based on Protected Classes

Federal law, primarily Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, prohibits discrimination against employees based on several protected classes. These include:

• Race: This includes discrimination based on your skin color, ethnicity, or national origin.
• Gender: This includes discrimination based on your sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
• Age: Generally, individuals 40 years or older are protected from age discrimination.
• Disability: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects qualified individuals with disabilities from discrimination in all aspects of employment.
• Religion: Employers cannot discriminate against employees based on their religious beliefs. They must also make reasonable accommodations for religious practices, so long as it doesn’t cause undue hardship to the business.

Here are some examples of workplace discrimination:

• Being passed over for a promotion in favor of a younger colleague (age discrimination)
• A supervisor constantly making negative comments about your religious attire (religious discrimination)
• Being denied a reasonable accommodation for a disability, such as a flexible schedule for doctor’s appointments (disability discrimination)
• Facing a hostile work environment because of your sexual orientation (sexual orientation discrimination)

If you’ve experienced any of these situations, or something similar, you may have a case for workplace discrimination. Don’t wait to seek help. The sooner you contact an employment lawyer, the stronger your case will be.

Remember, you are not alone. The law protects you from discrimination. We can help you enforce those rights.

Proving Discrimination in the Workplace

Discrimination in the workplace is a serious issue that can have devastating consequences for employees. It can lead to a hostile work environment, unfair treatment, and even wrongful termination. However, proving discrimination can be challenging, as it often involves subtle actions and biases that may be difficult to document.

If you suspect that you have been a victim of workplace discrimination, it’s essential to understand what constitutes discrimination and how to gather evidence to support your claim. Here are some key steps to help you prove discrimination in the workplace:

Identify the Type of Discrimination

Discrimination can take many forms, including discrimination based on race, gender, age, disability, religion, or national origin. It’s important to pinpoint the specific type of discrimination you have experienced, as this will help you determine which laws apply to your situation and what evidence you need to collect.

Document Discriminatory Incidents

Keep a detailed record of any discriminatory incidents you experience, including the date, time, location, and individuals involved. Write down what was said or done, and how it made you feel. If there were any witnesses, ask them to provide a written statement documenting what they observed.

Gather Supporting Evidence

In addition to your own documentation, gather any other evidence that supports your claim of discrimination. This may include emails, text messages, performance reviews, or other written communications that demonstrate disparate treatment or bias. If you have been passed over for promotions or opportunities, keep records of your qualifications and the qualifications of the person who was selected instead.

Review Company Policies and Procedures

Familiarize yourself with your employer’s anti-discrimination policies and complaint procedures. If your employer has a handbook or other written policies, review them carefully to see if the discriminatory behavior you experienced violates company policy. If your employer has a complaint process, follow it and document your efforts to report the discrimination.

Consult with an Employment Lawyer

Navigating a discrimination claim can be complex and emotionally challenging. Consulting with an experienced employment lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options. An attorney can review your case, assess the strength of your evidence, and advise you on the best course of action.

File a Complaint with the EEOC or State Agency

If you decide to pursue a legal claim, you may need to file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or your state’s Fair Employment Practices agency. These agencies are responsible for investigating discrimination claims and can help you resolve your case through mediation or litigation.

At 1-800-ATTORNEY, our skilled employment lawyers understand the challenges of proving discrimination in the workplace, as well as navigating other complex employment disputes. We know that coming forward takes courage, whether you’re a nonexempt employee facing wage theft or a manager dealing with wrongful termination, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

If you believe you have been a victim of workplace discrimination or any other unlawful employment practice, don’t wait to take action. Contact 1-800-ATTORNEY today for a free consultation with one of our compassionate employment attorneys. We’ll listen to your story, assess your case, and help you understand your legal options. If needed, we can also assist you in obtaining any relevant employee files or other documentation to support your claim.

Remember, you have the right to a workplace free from discrimination, harassment, and other unlawful practices. Whether you’re facing discrimination, retaliation, wage and hour violations, or other employment disputes, our attorneys are here to help. With 1-800-ATTORNEY by your side, you can fight back against mistreatment in the workplace and hold your employer accountable for their actions. Let us help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.

Wrongful Termination

In the United States, most employment is considered “at-will,” meaning either you or your employer can terminate the employment relationship at any time, for any reason (with some exceptions we’ll discuss). However, this doesn’t mean employers have complete freedom to fire you unfairly.

At-Will Employment and Exceptions

While “at-will” employment offers flexibility, it also raises concerns about protection from unjust termination. Thankfully, there are exceptions to this rule. Here are some instances where you might have a wrongful termination case:

• Violation of Public Policy: If you were fired for refusing to participate in illegal activity, reporting safety hazards, or exercising legal rights like filing for workers’ compensation, you might have a wrongful termination claim.
• Discrimination: Federal and state laws prohibit discrimination based on race, gender, age, disability, religion, or national origin. You may have legal recourse if you believe you were fired due to discrimination.
• Retaliation: It’s illegal for employers to retaliate against employees for engaging in protected activities, such as reporting harassment or discrimination. If you were fired after making a complaint, you might have a case.
• Breach of Contract: If you have a written employment contract outlining specific termination clauses and were fired without following those procedures, you might have a breach of contract claim.

Constructive Discharge 

Constructive discharge refers to situations where an employer makes the work environment so intolerable that an employee has no choice but to resign. This could involve severe harassment, dangerous working conditions, or drastic changes to pay or duties that breach your employment contract.

If you were forced to quit due to your employer’s unacceptable actions, the resignation may be considered a wrongful termination or constructive discharge under the law. Consulting an employment lawyer is advisable if you find yourself in this difficult position.

Retaliation and Whistleblower Protection

It’s illegal for an employer to punish workers for reporting discrimination, safety violations, corporate misconduct, or other unlawful activities – this is considered retaliation. Federal and state whistleblower protection laws prohibit retaliation against employees who raise concerns about violations of laws, rules, or regulations.

Retaliation can take many forms, including firing, demotion, pay cuts, transfers, harassment, or any other action that would discourage a reasonable worker from reporting unlawful practices. If your employer has punished you for whistleblowing activities, legal action may be an option.

If you’ve been fired under unfair circumstances, you don’t have to navigate this difficult situation alone. Call 1-800-ATTORNEY today for a free consultation with a skilled employment lawyer.  Our attorneys can assess your situation, explain your legal options, and help you fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Don’t wait – take the first step towards resolving your workplace issue.

Wage and Hour Disputes

Wage and hour disputes are among the most common employment law issues workers face. Whether it’s being denied rightful wages, forced to work overtime without proper compensation, or misclassified as an exempt employee, these violations can lead to significant financial hardship.

Our experienced employment law attorneys at 1-800-ATTORNEY are well-versed in wage and hour laws to ensure you’re paid fairly for your hard work.

Unpaid Wages and Overtime

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) establishes standards for minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping, and child labor regulations affecting full-time and part-time workers in the private sector and in federal, state, and local governments. Yet many employers still fail to properly compensate their employees according to these laws.

Common wage and hour violations include:

• Not paying time-and-a-half for overtime
• Misclassifying non-exempt employees as exempt to avoid overtime pay
• Failing to pay for all hours worked (e.g. pre/post-shift work)
• Taking illegal paycheck deductions
• Not paying the minimum wage
• Not paying earned commissions or bonuses

If your employer has failed to pay you all your earned wages or denied you overtime premiums, you may be able to recover back pay, liquidated damages, attorney’s fees and court costs through a wage claim or lawsuit.

Misclassification of Employees

In order to avoid paying minimum wage and overtime as required by the FLSA, some employers improperly classify non-exempt employees as exempt or as independent contractors. This is known as employee misclassification and it is an abuse that deprives workers of their rights.

Certain occupations like executives, professionals, computer employees, and outside sales reps can legitimately be considered exempt employees and paid salaries without overtime. However, job titles alone don’t determine exempt status.

Independent contractors are in business for themselves and control most aspects of their work. If you are economically dependent on an employer, perform work integral to the business, and they control aspects of your work, you are likely an employee entitled to minimum wage and overtime protections.

Employment lawyers understand the complex tests applied to determine if you’ve been properly classified. If misclassified, you may be able to recoup years of lost wages, overtime, and benefits.

Meal and Rest Break Violations 

While not covered under federal law, many states have laws requiring employers to provide meal and rest breaks to employees working a certain number of hours. In some states, failing to allow these meal periods or creating a workplace culture where breaks are discouraged can entitle workers to compensation.

If your employer has violated wage and hour laws, don’t assume you don’t have rights. The employment law team at 1-800-ATTORNEY has extensive experience handling wage claims and is ready to advocate for you to recover the pay you’ve rightfully earned based on federal, state and local laws. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation.

Workplace Harassment

Harassment of any kind has no place in the workplace. When an employee is subjected to offensive conduct that creates an intimidating, hostile, or abusive work environment, it violates federal laws like Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Employers have a legal obligation to maintain a harassment-free workplace.

Sexual Harassment

One of the most insidious forms of workplace harassment is sexual harassment. This includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical harassment of a sexual nature that creates an offensive work environment.

Sexual harassment can come from co-workers, supervisors, managers, clients, or customers. Examples include derogatory comments, inappropriate jokes, sharing explicit images, unwanted touching, and sexual propositioning. Victims can be of any gender, and harassment can occur in any workplace setting.

Hostile Work Environment

A hostile work environment exists when an employee experiences harassment, whether sexual or related to a protected characteristic like race or religion, that is so severe and pervasive that it creates an abusive or intimidating situation.

Offensive comments, slurs, physical threats, or humiliation can contribute to a hostile environment, particularly if the misconduct is frequent, long-lasting, or unaddressed by the employer.

Employer’s Responsibility in Preventing Harassment

Employers have a duty under federal law to take reasonable steps to prevent workplace harassment. This includes having effective anti-harassment policies, providing training to staff, and promptly investigating and resolving any harassment complaints that arise.

Failure by an employer to address and stop known harassment can open them up to liability and damages in a harassment lawsuit brought by the affected employee.

If you have experienced illegal harassment or a hostile work environment, the employment law team at 1-800-ATTORNEY can help assert your rights and obtain justice. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation.

Employee Rights and Benefits

As an employee, it’s essential to understand your rights and protections under federal and state laws. These laws cover everything from workplace discrimination and harassment to leave for medical and family issues. They also establish standards for fair employment practices and worker benefits.

At 1-800-ATTORNEY, our employment law team can ensure your employee rights are upheld.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a federal law that allows eligible employees to take job-protected, unpaid leave for specified family and medical reasons. This may include leave for a serious health condition, caring for a family member with a serious health condition, or bonding with a new child through birth, adoption or foster care placement.

The FMLA applies to employers with 50 or more employees within a 75-mile radius. Eligible employees can take up to 12 weeks of leave per year while maintaining their health benefits. Employers are prohibited from retaliating against workers who exercise their FMLA rights.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including employment. Under the ADA, employers must make reasonable accommodations to allow qualified employees with disabilities to perform essential job functions, unless it would impose an undue hardship.

Common accommodations may include modifying the workspace or equipment, adjusting work schedules, providing assistive technology, or reassigning job duties. The ADA also restricts employers from asking disability-related questions before extending a job offer.

Employee Contracts and Non-Compete Agreements

While most employment relationships are at-will, some employees have employment contracts or non-compete agreements that establish the terms and conditions of employment. These legally binding contracts detail issues like compensation, benefits, grounds for termination, non-disclosure clauses, restrictive covenants, and limits on future employment.

Employers generally have more leverage in negotiating these contracts. However, employees have rights when it comes to whether a contract provision is overly broad or unenforceable. For example, an overly restrictive non-compete clause that unfairly limits an employee’s professional opportunities may not hold up in court.

The employment law attorneys at 1-800-ATTORNEY understand these complex employment issues and contracts inside and out. We can review an existing contract, advise on negotiations, or take legal action if an employer has violated a contract’s terms.

Don’t let your employee rights be violated or sign an unfair agreement without legal guidance. Contact us today for a free, confidential review of your situation and to learn how we can protect your rights and interests as a worker.

Taking Action Against Workplace Injustice

No one should have to endure mistreatment, discrimination or illegal conduct in the workplace. If you have experienced wrongful termination, wage theft, harassment or any other violation of your employee rights, it’s crucial that you speak up and take action.

Staying silent allows injustice to persist, while asserting your rights can not only obtain justice and compensation for you, but help prevent others from being victimized.

Understand Your Rights

The first step is educating yourself about employee rights under federal and state employment laws. You may be protected against discrimination, retaliation, unpaid wages, harassment and other unlawful employment practices even if you are not fully aware of the specific laws. An experienced employment lawyer can evaluate your situation and outline the legal protections that apply.

Document Everything

Keep a detailed record of any incidents of mistreatment, discrimination, harassment or other concerning behaviors. Document dates, times, locations, witnesses and a description of what occurred. Save any related emails, text messages, photos or other evidence that could support your claims. This documentation will be critical if legal action is warranted.

Follow Company Procedures

Most employers have internal procedures for reporting and addressing employee grievances related to harassment, discrimination, labor violations or other workplace issues. While not a substitute for asserting your legal rights, following the proper reporting channels shows that you made reasonable efforts to resolve the matter internally first. Just be aware that strict time limits may apply.

Consult an Employment Lawyer

Employment law is highly nuanced and complex. What may seem like a straightforward situation of workplace unfairness could actually implicate multiple federal and state laws that provide you with significant rights and remedies. The best way to protect yourself and maximize your claims is to consult with an employment lawyer as soon as possible.

Consider All Legal Options

Depending on your specific circumstances, an employment attorney may recommend options like filing a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), a state or local fair employment agency, the Department of Labor, or pursuing mediation or private litigation.

Your lawyer will carefully evaluate your case’s strengths and potential value to determine the best legal strategy.

Holding Employers Accountable

By taking legal action against workplace injustices, you are not only standing up for your own rights but also sending a powerful message that unlawful employment practices will not be tolerated. The employment lawyers at 1-800-ATTORNEY have helped countless workers prevail against even the largest, most formidable employers and recover millions in damages.

Contact an Employment Lawyer

If you have experienced wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, wage violations, or any other workplace injustice, don’t try to navigate the complicated legal system alone. The knowledgeable employment law team at 1-800-ATTORNEY can protect your rights and level the playing field against even the most formidable employers.

Our top-rated attorneys offer free, confidential consultations to evaluate your case and outline the best path forward to obtain the justice you deserve. Contact us today by calling (1-800-288-6763) to get started.