Managing Partner
Understanding Workplace Discrimination: Are You a Victim?
Workplace disputes can arise for many reasons and, in extreme cases, they may lead to legal action. Employee discrimination is a serious issue that can lead to such disputes.
Discrimination can occur on the basis of:
- Age: Unfair treatment of employees who are aged 40 or older.
- Gender: Bias or prejudice based on an employee’s gender.
- Race: Discrimination due to the race of the employee.
- Sexual Orientation: Unfair treatment based on an employee’s sexual orientation.
- Disability: Discrimination against employees with disabilities.
- Religion: Bias or prejudice based on an employee’s religious beliefs.
- Ethnicity: Unfair treatment based on an employee’s ethnicity.
- Genetic Information: Discrimination due to the genetic information of the employee.
- National Origin: Unfair treatment based on an employee’s national origin.
- Marital Status: Discrimination due to the marital status of the employee.
- Military Status: Unfair treatment based on an employee’s military status.
- Credit History: Bias or prejudice based on an employee’s credit history.
- Caregiver Status: Unfair treatment of employees due to their caregiver responsibilities.
- Victim Status: Discrimination against employees who are victims of certain crimes.
Such discrimination, when occurring in the workplace, can serve as valid grounds for an employee lawsuit.
Workplace Harassment: When to Seek Legal Advice?
Harassment, including verbal abuse, sexual misconduct, or bullying, is another common reason for employee lawsuits. Employers in New York City have a legal obligation to provide their workers with a safe and harassment-free environment. Any form of harassment can be valid grounds for an employment lawsuit.
Unpaid Overtime: Your Rights and Legal Recourse
Businesses are legally required to pay overtime to all non-exempt workers who qualify. Any employee working more than 40 hours in a week is entitled to an overtime rate for all additional hours. When an employer fails to provide payment at the legal overtime rate, it may result in an employee lawsuit.
Workplace Retaliation: Protect Yourself from Unlawful Practices
Employees are protected by law from retaliation, especially those who report harassment or discrimination in the workplace, or those engaged in whistleblowing activities. When an employer retaliates against employees for these actions, it exposes itself to legal action.
Wrongful Termination: Do You Have a Case?
Wrongful termination occurs when an employee is fired for illegal reasons, such as discrimination or retaliation. Employees who have been wrongfully terminated often have a valid case for an employee lawsuit and may be able to recover significant financial compensation.
Failure to Accommodate: ADA and Your Rights
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), companies are required to provide reasonable accommodations to workers with disabilities. If an employer fails to provide the necessary accommodations, they may be vulnerable to an employee lawsuit.
Wage and Hour Violations: Recognizing Employer Misconduct
Companies can face employee lawsuits if they fail to comply with state or federal laws surrounding employee wages and hours worked. These violations can take many forms, such as failure to provide overtime pay, minimum wage violations, or misclassification of employees. Victims of these violations can seek to recover unpaid income, liquidated damages, and other financial compensation through employee lawsuits.
If you believe you’ve been impacted by any of these workplace violations in New York, securing the services of an employment law attorney can ensure you get the compensation you are rightfully entitled to.
At Woods Lonergan, we understand that employment law is a dynamic field, constantly evolving with changes and new precedents. Our commitment is to keep you abreast of the latest developments in areas such as:
- On-going adjustments to remote work policies in response to societal changes.
- Updates in discrimination and harassment laws to protect employee rights.
- Changes in wage and hour laws to ensure fair compensation.
- Developments in whistleblower protections that shield employees from retaliation.
- Health and safety regulations, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on the workplace.
Consult with an Employment Law Attorney
At Woods Lonergan PLLC, we believe that our clients are our top priority, and we strive to put your needs first in every aspect of our service. We understand that navigating the landscape of employment law can be complex and challenging, but you don’t have to face it alone. If you believe you have grounds for a valid employment lawsuit in New York City, don’t hesitate to reach out to us to Book A Call. Whether you’re embroiled in a complicated legal dispute or simply need guidance on a particular employment issue, our team is dedicated to supporting you every step of the way. We are committed to achieving your goals and providing you with the best possible outcome. Let us put our expertise to work for you, advocating for your rights and interests in the ever-evolving field of employment law.