Do you ever feel like your workplace rights are being trampled on? Have you gone through discrimination, harassment, or an unfair termination? You are not alone. Many employees face these types of issues at work. Seeking help from the right employment attorney can make a huge difference.
This blog post explains when it’s time to contact a lawyer and how they can protect your interests on the job. An experienced attorney can advise you on your rights, options, and the best way to stand up for yourself. You don’t need to tackle workplace issues on your own. Expert legal help puts the law on your side so you can take action.
Read on to learn when and how an employment lawyer can empower you to deal with workplace conflicts and ensure you are treated lawfully and fairly. With the right legal partner, you can navigate disputes with employers and safeguard your career more effectively.
Know When to Get Legal Help
Many employees don’t realize when they need an employment attorney. If you live in Los Angeles, consulting a local Los Angeles employment attorney can help you understand your rights and options. Here are some common signs it’s time to get legal advice:
- You were fired for an unlawful reason like discrimination or retaliation. 20% of cases employment lawyers see involve wrongful termination.
- Your employer isn’t paying you properly for overtime hours or making improper deductions from your paycheck.
- You’re experiencing harassment or discrimination based on your gender, race, religion, disability, or other protected class.
- Your employment contract contains confusing or questionable clauses. Research shows 40% of these contracts have potentially unfavorable terms.
- You need help navigating a dispute with your employer, like filing an EEOC charge for discrimination.
If any of these issues sound familiar, consulting an attorney can help you understand your rights and explore options. Don’t struggle alone; get expert legal help.
The Wide Range of Employment Law
Employment attorneys have expertise across a wide spectrum of workplace legal issues. Here are just some examples:
- Wrongful termination
- Wage and overtime violations
- Workplace discrimination and harassment
- Health and safety violations
- Breach of employment contract
- Whistleblower retaliation
- Non-compete agreement disputes
- Severance negotiations
- Employee benefits claims
Whether you have been wrongfully terminated or need advice on negotiating a severance package, employment lawyers can provide assistance. Their breadth of knowledge covers virtually any issue that comes up at work.
Navigating Workplace Conflicts
When disputes arise in the workplace, an employment attorney’s guidance can be invaluable. Consider these scenarios:
- Your boss discriminates against you and you want to file an EEOC complaint. An attorney can advise you on the process and build the strongest case.
- You’re wrongfully terminated and want to negotiate a settlement or file a lawsuit. Experienced legal counsel significantly increases your chances of a favorable outcome.
- A coworker harasses you but HR seems disinterested. A lawyer can force your employer to take appropriate corrective action.
The complexity of employment laws means you shouldn’t go it alone. Let an attorney handle correspondence and negotiations for the best results.
Reviewing Employment Agreements
Before accepting a job offer, consider having an employment lawyer review the agreement to identify any potential concerns. Things to look out for include:
- Non-compete clauses that are too restrictive
- No guaranteed severance if you’re laid off
- Waiving rights to sue for discrimination
- Forfeiting ownership of intellectual property
With their trained expertise, attorneys can identify disadvantageous terms and advocate to have them removed or modified. This protects you from accidentally signing away your rights.
Getting Help for Discrimination
If you face any form of discrimination at work, a lawyer can advise you on how to proceed and demand corrective action from your employer.
- For racial discrimination, they can help file an EEOC complaint and build your case with evidence like disparate treatment.
- If you experience sexual harassment, they can conduct an investigation, negotiate a settlement, or bring legal action against the harasser.
- When disabled employees face discrimination, lawyers can request reasonable accommodations like flexible schedules.
No one should have to endure an abusive or hostile work environment. Employment attorneys have the right skills to help.
Understanding Wage and Hour Rules
Employment laws around compensation can be complex. If your employer violates them, a lawyer can get you the wages you deserve.
- If you’re misclassified as exempt from overtime pay, they can file a wage claim or lawsuit to recover unpaid overtime wages.
- If your employer makes improper deductions from bonuses or commissions, they can negotiate a repayment.
- For issues like denial of meal and rest breaks, they can quantify what you’re owed and build your case.
Don’t allow employers to shortchange you – know your rights and seek experienced legal help if necessary.
Finding the Right Employment Attorney for You
Finding the right employment attorney is crucial for getting the best legal support. Look for lawyers who specialize in employment law, not just general practitioners. Check their background and experience handling cases similar to yours.
Meet with a few lawyers before deciding – make sure you feel comfortable with their skills, personality and fees. Ask upfront how they bill and get a written fee agreement. Go with an attorney who listens, answers your questions clearly, and outlines realistic expectations. With the right legal partner in your corner, you can better navigate workplace issues.
Protecting Yourself Before Issues Arise
Beyond handling existing issues, employment attorneys can proactively protect you. Have them review your employment contract and any company policies that affect your rights. Ensure you understand tax implications of benefits, stock options and severance. Verify your classification as exempt or non-exempt from overtime.
Consulting a lawyer before signing any NDA or non-compete agreement is advisable. Knowing your rights from day one minimizes the chance of disputes. With preventative legal advice, you can focus on your job while positioning yourself for the strongest legal footing possible.
Conclusion & Next Steps
Having the right employment attorney can empower you to stand up for your workplace rights. If you believe your employer is acting unlawfully, consult a lawyer sooner rather than later. They can assess your situation, explain your options, and take action to protect you from further mistreatment. With knowledgeable legal help, you don’t have to face these challenges alone.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much does an employment lawyer cost?
The cost varies widely, but you can expect to pay $200 to $500 per hour. Many lawyers offer free initial consultations. For representation, lawyers may charge flat fees or bill by the hour.
When should I hire an employment lawyer?
Get legal help immediately if you’re terminated or experience severe mistreatment like harassment or discrimination. For other issues, consult a lawyer as soon as possible once a dispute arises with your employer.
What results can I expect from an employment lawyer?
Outcomes may vary, but a proficient employment lawyer can empower you to obtain owed compensation, negotiate favorable severance terms, advocate for policy changes in your workplace, take corrective action against discrimination and harassment, facilitate role transfers if necessary, and achieve more positive results. With expert legal help, you can better protect your workplace rights and achieve a positive result.
