In Jackson County Missouri, there are many laws related to employment that are designed to make sure employees have a safe and fair experience. If you feel that you have been treated badly by your employer or if you are struggling to get the compensation you deserve from an insurance claim, it may be time to look for a lawyer. Employment rights attorneys are here to help defend your rights and make sure you are not discriminated against at work.
7 Ways Employment Law Attorneys Can Help You Get Justice
1. Employment Rights Attorneys Can Fight Against Discrimination
Discrimination is a common issue that employees face, whether it is because of their race, gender, age, or a disability. In fact, discrimination cases are prevalent in Jackson County Missouri, with 33.5 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in our state. The actual figure is likely to be much higher because many people unfortunately do not take action against such issues.
If you feel uncomfortable at your workplace and someone is targeting you, it may be time to speak to an employment law attorney. We can analyze your case to find out what kind of discrimination is taking place and what actions can be taken against it. In many cases, you can gain compensation or even regain a lost job if you were let go in an illegal way.
2. They Will Resolve Wage Disputes
Sometimes, disputes arise due to the fact that an employer does not compensate workers fairly. The Fair Labor Standards Act regulates factors such as wage standards, the amount of overtime pay you are entitled to, and the hours you can be asked to work. A competent and experienced lawyer will be familiar with this statute and can make sure that you get the compensation you are entitled to.
A very common issue is overtime pay. If you have been asked to work overtime but have not been compensated for this, your employer may be in breach of the law. Similarly, you should be compensated for all or the majority of this extra work, especially if it occurs on a regular basis. Otherwise, you are likely to have a good case and we can help you recover the losses you incurred as a result of your employer’s failure to pay.
3. They Can Enforce Health and Safety Laws
Every employee has the right to feel safe at work, and your job should not impact your health in a negative way. However, this is not always the case, and many instances of health and safety violations go unnoticed because workers do not feel confident standing up against their employer. They may fear discrimination or retaliation as a result.
We can help you at any stage, whether you are worried about a situation currently occurring or have asked for an inspection and been discriminated against as a result. It is your right to request an inspection if you believe that your workplace is currently not safe, so you should not feel afraid to demand this. With a competent employment law attorney at your side, you will be able to speak up for your rights.
4. Your Lawyer Will Ensure Your Rights Are Protected
Aside from health and safety, there are several other aspects of your employment that are regulated, such as your right to adequate breaks for the purposes of eating and resting. According to the FLSA, your employer cannot ask you to work during your lunch break, but you are also not entitled to compensation while you rest. On the contrary, short 20-minute coffee breaks are considered part of your workday and you have to be compensated by the employer.
If your workload is so high that you do not have time to take a lunch break, you may be entitled to overtime pay at 1.5 times your normal rate. This will depend on which sector you work in and what your job title is, so speaking to a professional is the best way to make sure you are correct in your claims. We will help you to gain maximum compensation in case your employer is not giving you adequate time for meal and rest breaks.
5. They Can Clarify Laws Related to Disabilities
There is a number of issues that can come up when it comes to working and disabilities. Your employer is not allowed to terminate your contract simply because you are diagnosed with a disability, as it can be considered discrimination. Another issue that may occur is if you have become disabled, but your long-term disability insurance is not willing to pay out.
When you file your claim, your insurance company may be unwilling to pay out even if you are entitled to compensation. In such a case, an employment law attorney can help you to fight for your rights and receive the monthly payments you deserve. Here at Holman Schiavone, we have experience with a wide range of illnesses and injuries, so we will be able to assess your situation and obtain a favorable result for you.
6. They Will Observe Local Laws in Jackson County, Missouri
Although there are some national laws, such as the FLSA, not every state handles employment law in exactly the same way. In case you’ve moved to a new state and are not familiar with the local regulations, it’s essential that you contact a specialist. You may be surprised at the differences in employment law between your previous home and your new location.
A lawyer who has worked in the local area for a long time will be familiar with all of the federal rules and the state’s individual regulations. In addition, they will stay on top of new developments and changes in the rules so that you can take advantage of the most up-to-date information. When choosing your attorney, check their track record and if they have handled similar cases in the past.
7. Your Attorney Will Help You In Case of Wrongful Termination
Wrongful termination can happen for a variety of reasons, the most common being discrimination and retaliation. In many cases, employees lose their jobs because of factors related to race, sexuality, gender, disability status, or age. This is illegal and can be fought in court, so that you can receive either compensation or your old job back, in case you’d like to return to it.
This is also true in case your employer has let you go as retaliation, for example, if you spoke up against adverse working conditions or requested an inspection related to health and safety. Since these are your rights as an employee, you shouldn’t be penalized for them and your attorney will be able to help you receive the compensation you deserve.
There are many different work-related problems competent employment rights attorneys can help you with. If you’ve been discriminated against, feel that your workplace is unsafe, are not getting enough rest breaks or overtime pay, are having trouble with your disability insurance claim, or have been let go unfairly, we are here to help. Contact Holman Schiavone to schedule your initial consultation and take advantage of our talented attorneys’ experience.
