Whether you are a business owner or an employee, you should know how an employment solicitor can help you. If you have experienced a discrimination in the workplace, a hostile environment, or wrongful termination, you should consult with an employment solicitor to learn how you can protect yourself.
Wrongful termination or wrongful discharge laws vary from state to state
Regardless of your reason for filing a wrongful termination lawsuit, the key to success is to hire an attorney who understands the nuances of state and federal law. If you are fired for an illegal reason, your best hope of winning your case is to prove that your employer committed an act that violates state or federal law.
While wrongful termination or wrongful discharge laws vary from state to state, there are several federal laws that protect workers from discrimination. These include Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on race, national origin, sex and religion. Some states also have laws that prohibit discrimination based on age, sexual orientation or disability.
Whistleblower protections
Several federal and state laws offer whistleblower protections for employees who report violations of laws. These laws protect employees from being fired, retaliated against, and other adverse employment actions. They may also cover employees who refuse to participate in unlawful activities.
The False Claims Act is one of the strongest whistleblower protections in the United States. This law offers whistleblowers up to 33 percent of any damages they collect from the government.
Another law is the Conscientious Employee Protection Act. This law is designed to protect employees who report violations of law or other activities they believe to be unlawful. However, they don’t have to prove that the violations are actual. Instead, they have to prove that they have a reasonable belief that they have been violated.
Age discrimination in employment act
Whether it’s a private or government employer, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) is an important federal law that prohibits age discrimination. The law is enforced by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
The law prohibits discrimination in hiring, compensation, training, promotions, and benefits. It covers all employees and applicants over the age of 40. The ADEA applies to federal, state, and local governments and private employers with 20 or more employees.
The law is interpreted under the “deferential standard of review,” which means a court will examine whether an action is justified on a more limited basis. If the age factor was a factor in the decision, then an age discrimination claim may be brought.
Hostile working environment
Whether you are suffering from a bad boss, or you are experiencing discrimination at work, there are steps you can take to protect yourself. A good employment lawyer can help you decide whether or not you have a case, and can help you get the compensation you deserve.
The first thing you should do is make sure that your boss has a legitimate reason for making you feel uncomfortable. If you are pregnant, you may experience sexual harassment at work.
Fortunately, there are federal laws on the books that protect your rights. If you file a complaint in good faith, your employer has to investigate the complaint and correct the problem. You also have a right to file a civil suit.
First Amendment rights of employees
Fortunately, there are numerous protections to protect your First Amendment rights as an employee. Generally, you are protected from retaliation for exercising your First Amendment rights, and you can also have your free speech protected by your employer’s policies. For example, if you have a complaint regarding the use of taxpayer money, or you are subject to a violation of the law, you are protected by the law. You also have the right to protest the actions of your employer.
There is a balancing test that judges the validity of government restrictions on speech. It is called the Pickering test and it involves two steps. First, courts have to weigh an employee’s interest in delivering efficient public services against his or her interest as a private citizen speaking on matters of public concern. The next step is to see how narrowly tailored a law is.
Prosper Law handled all my employment law needs. If you are looking for an employment lawyer, give them a call.