Common Types of Cases That Labor Lawyers Handle

There will come a moment when you’ll need a labor lawyer to handle specific tasks for both the employee and the employer when it comes to labor difficulties. Dealing with legal issues can be challenging and exhausting. No matter how wonderful a job may be, problems or circumstances may still arise that require legal advice. If a matter involves the law, you should think about speaking with a legal expert. 

The following advantages and more are assured when you seek professional assistance. You may already be aware of this, but hiring a lawyer will ensure that you receive the best possible result. In addition, you will receive the help you require to prevent long-term troubles.

When either federal or state rules governing the work relationship are violated, an employment law attorney offers representation. Here are the common types of cases that labor lawyers handle.

Pay and Hour Conflicts 

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which guarantees that employees are paid fairly for their labor, is explained by the Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division. Employers who underpay employees, neglect to pay overtime, misrepresent the number of hours worked, or refuse to compensate workers for work done while they are not clocked in frequently face legal issues. If you feel that you are not being paid in full or if you have not yet received your final paycheck following a termination or resignation, contact your employer immediately.

Conflicts Over Anti-Discrimination 

There are both federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination, such as the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act (ADEA). Employees are not allowed to be fired because of their advanced age, their disability status, including any disabilities brought on by pregnancy, their race, their country of origin, their religion, or their gender. These categories are all thought of as protected statuses. An anti-discrimination claim may be made if employers discriminate in the hiring, firing, or terms and conditions of employment based on protected status. 

Lawsuits for Wrongful Termination 

In situations when employees feel their termination was unlawful, an employment law attorney can offer representation. Employers are prohibited from firing employees for becoming whistleblowers, using FMLA leave, getting hurt at work, or any other discriminating grounds based on the employee’s protected status. 

Claims of Harassment or a Hostile Work Environment 

Employers are not permitted to tolerate harassment or a hostile work environment based on a worker’s protected status. It is possible that the employer is to blame for these unlawful workplace practices if an employee experiences poor treatment, including from colleagues, or is offered quid pro quo (job advantages in exchange for sexual harassment). Whether an employee reported the harassment and whether the company had a suitable workplace protection policy and promptly took action will determine whether the employer is responsible for a hostile work environment caused by coworkers. Workers can get assistance from an employment law attorney in determining if they are subject to actionable harassment at work. 

Key Takeaway

These are only a handful of the many cases that an employment law attorney can take on. Get a lawyer to analyze the law, take into account the specifics of your situation, and help you understand your alternatives whenever you believe that your rights are being violated. You could be entitled to reinstatement, back pay, and other damages depending upon the nature of your dispute and the extent of the loss.