In 2021, there were approximately 2.6 million private industry injuries and illnesses. It’s not uncommon for employees in situations like these to take legal action. However, there are other scenarios where workers have grounds for a lawsuit against an employer.
It’s crucial to understand when you should hire an attorney, and we’ve put together a brief guide with key details you should know. Let’s explore some of the most common reasons why people take action against their employers.
Wrongful Termination
This is one of the most common reasons why people hire an employment lawyer. Wrongful termination occurs when an employer fires someone for a discriminatory reason. In context, they might fire somebody based on their race, age, sex, ethnic background, or gender.
Workplace Discrimination
Workplace discrimination is similar to wrongful termination. The main difference is that the discrimination is ongoing since the victim is still employed.
A common situation where discrimination occurs is when a worker is treated unfairly based on certain characteristics. For example, a female employee might notice that only male workers are promoted to managerial positions. Even though female workers at the firm are qualified, the firm never considers them for open positions.
Wage Theft
As the name implies, wage theft occurs when an employer fails to compensate workers properly. This can happen in many different forms. An employer might illegally modify timesheets to pay a worker less money.
They might also come up with an arbitrary excuse to not compensate employees correctly. Paying a worker less than minimum wage is also a form of wage theft.
Each state has different wage standards, and it’s important to understand which laws apply. For instance, the scenarios when somebody hires an employment lawyer in Los Angeles may differ from when somebody hires one in Atlanta.
Workplace Harassment
Workplace harassment is unwelcome conduct that occurs in a professional setting. This is a blanket term that covers various actions, such as offensive jokes, intimidation, and sexual harassment. These are all serious scenarios that need immediate legal attention.
Finding an Attorney
Working with a reputable attorney will give you the best chance of success. When searching for a lawyer, look at their past reputation.
See what other people have to say about their experiences. Prioritize attorneys who specialize in employment law.
Just because an attorney says they can help doesn’t mean they have the necessary experience. Those who focus on employment law will better understand the nuances of your case.
Ask how they charge their clients. Some lawyers charge hourly, while others charge on a contingency basis.
The latter refers to a situation where the lawyer takes their compensation from the money you’re awarded. If you don’t win your case, you don’t pay anything.
Don’t Overlook the Grounds for a Lawsuit Against an Employer
Understanding the grounds for a lawsuit against an employer can dictate whether you get the compensation you deserve. The information in this guide will ensure you take action when appropriate. From here, you’ll get your life back on track as soon as possible.
Looking for other useful legal information that can help you in the future? Check out the rest of our blog today!
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