By: Eva Zelson
On: April 29, 2024
Wrongful Termination: Fighting Unfair Dismissal
Navigating employment law can be a daunting task, especially when an employer has committed an act of wrongful termination. Hiring an employment lawyer can be your best asset when fighting an unfair dismissal infraction by your employer. An employment lawyer will be able to assess your case and examine the actions of the employer if they have violated your rights in terms of the Equal Pay Act, Pregnancy Discrimination Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, or a host of other laws. There is a great deal of complexity in employment regulations at both the state and federal level. An employment attorney can help determine if you have a case and look for evidence to help you establish a strong case for wrongful termination, such as:
- Suspicious timing
- No cause for termination
- A pattern of discriminatory behavior
A critical reason to hire an employment lawyer is their expertise in Equal Employment Opportunity laws. Also with Pennsylvania’s short time frame (180 days) to file such wrongful termination claims based on discrimination or retaliation, precious time can be lost when without the assistance of an employment attorney.
Discrimination & Harassment in the Workplace: Combating Hostile Work Environments
Unfortunately, mistreatment occurs all too often in the workplace. Securing the assistance of an employment lawyer can mean difference in obtaining a favorable outcome in the event such actions are directed towards you. These cases can be difficult to prove and a knowledgeable employment attorney can help obtain the necessary information to build your case. A hostile work environment is often derived from discrimination and harassment and can take on several forms:
- Sexual harassment
- Racial/Ethnic discrimination
- Bullying
- Age discrimination
- Unfair evaluations
- Disability discrimination
- Gender/gender identity discrimination
Employees are insulated from these actions by being part of protected classes as defined by the law. Hiring an employment attorney can help end the toxicity of your work environment.
Contract Disputes: Navigating Employment Agreements and Breaches
Some employees are hired under the terms of a contract with their employer. Employers sometimes fail to follow the contractual agreement, either with termination or in terms of compensation. When these events occur, hiring an employment attorney can assist you in keeping your employer abiding by the terms outlined in the legally binding agreement. As an ‘at-will employment state,’ employees in Pennsylvania and New Jersey can benefit from an employment attorney’s services; An employment lawyer can determine whether the employer has violated any contractual agreements and help the employee recover benefits and wages.
Wage and Payment Issues: Ensuring Fair Compensation
An area of frequent litigation between employer and employee is with wage and payment issues. Pay structures and benefit packages are the most common discrepancies. Employment lawyers are extremely beneficial in such cases as their knowledge of the Wage and Payment Collection Law (WCPL) can be very helpful in leveraging positive outcomes for their clients. The WPCL coiled with an experienced employment attorney can provide employees a powerful means to overcome obstacles when litigating breaches of wages and benefits by employers. Utilizing the provisions provided by the WCPL is a critical reason to hire an employment attorney.
Whistleblower Protection: Safeguarding Yourself When Reporting Wrongdoing
Whistleblower protection can vary from case to case. It can be taxing to summon the courage to report your employer’s wrongdoings, however, it is critical to understand your protection as an employee in doing so. A key reason to hire an employment lawyer is to be fully aware of these protections whether your employment is in the private or public sector. Within both, whistleblowers are protected from unfortunate events that may follow such as retaliation and adverse employment actions. Unlawful actions include:
- Termination of employment
- Reducing wages or hours
- Taking disciplinary measures
- Failure to promote or Demoting
- Job reassignment
An employment attorney can also be helpful in combating intimidation and harassment that may originate from whistleblowing and also in the prevention of constructive discharge.
Family and Medical Leave Rights: Understanding Your Leave Entitlements
The Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a federal law that provides employees protection in the case of a situation that would require them to attend to a medical condition or family health issue. FMLA protects employees from termination during such life events and allows for up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave. Employees who utilize FMLA are entitled to a continuance of health insurance coverage and protected from adverse employment actions that an employer may use against them. These same employees must return to their same jobs or a nearly identical one with identical wages and benefits. Employers often knowingly or unknowingly commit FMLA violations and present an excellent reason to hire an employment attorney to advocate and litigate the case of the employee. Employment lawyers can recover damages, back pay, and other expenses for their clients in the event of an FMLA violation.
Protecting Your Rights: Contact the Zeff Law Firm
Experience and a deep knowledge of employee rights in a variety of employment situations is a key reason to hire an employment lawyer to assist you. If you believe your rights have been violated by your employer, consult with an employment lawyer. Contact the area’s most experienced employment attorneys at Zeff Law Firm to protect your rights today.