Employment Law Attorney Overview for Employees
Lawyer Representation for Employees in Employment Disputes
In the United States, workers have certain rights which must be protected. When these rights are violated, or when employers take advantage of those who work for them, employees may be able to seek relief, which may include monetary compensation or asking for employers to take certain actions.
When dealing with employment law issues, employees should be sure to work with an experienced attorney who understands federal and state employment laws. A skilled lawyer can help workers understand their rights and advocate for their interests in negotiations, mediation, arbitration, or litigation.
Common Employment Law Issues
Employees can face a wide variety of legal issues in the workplace, including:
- Wage and hour disputes - Employees must be compensated according to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) for hours worked, including overtime. If federal or state laws are violated, employees may be able to bring a case against their employer.
- Discrimination - Employees may file a claim with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) if they have suffered negative effects at work because of their race, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or nationality.
- Sexual harassment - If an employee is the victim of unwanted sexual advances from a coworker or supervisor that affects their performance or creates a hostile work environment, they may be able to bring a lawsuit against the harasser or their employer.
- Labor/union disputes - Employees have the right to organize or join a union for collective bargaining purposes. If employers interfere with this right, employees may be able to pursue relief, and they may also seek relief from a union that engaged in illegal activities.
- ERISA - The Employee Retirement Income Security Act ensures that employee health plans and pensions meet certain minimum requirements, and if the benefits an employer provides do not meet these standards, employees have the right to sue to receive the benefits they are entitled to.
- Wrongful termination - If an employee was fired in violation of federal or state laws, they may be able to sue their employer for lost wages and the adverse effects on their life.
- Whistleblower/Qui Tam claims - Employees have the right to report dishonest or illegal actions by their employer without fear of reprisal, and if these rights are violated, they may bring a lawsuit against their employer. In some cases, a person may be able to file a "qui tam" claim against a person or company that has committed fraud against the government.
If you are an employee whose rights have been violated, it is important to work with an experienced attorney who can help you understand how federal and state laws apply to your situation and your best options for seeking relief. An employment law attorney can guide you through the steps of filing a claim or lawsuit and provide you with representation throughout the legal process.
