Why Call an Employment Lawyer?
Employment lawyers can be valuable resources for employees facing legal issues related to their employment. Here are some specific situations when it is worth considering calling an employment lawyer.
Discrimination
Discrimination in the workplace based on age, gender, race, religion, or any other protected characteristic is illegal. An employment lawyer can help employees who have experienced discrimination understand their rights and take legal action if necessary. According to a study by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), more than 70,000 employment discrimination charges were filed in the US in 2019 alone.
Harassment
Harassment is another illegal behavior that can occur in the workplace. If an employee has been subjected to harassment by a supervisor, co-worker, or anyone else in the workplace, an employment lawyer can help them understand their rights and take appropriate legal action. Research shows that harassment is a prevalent issue in the workplace, with 54% of women and 25% of men reporting experiencing sexual harassment at work, according to a survey by the National Women’s Law Center.
Employees who believe they have been fired unlawfully, for example, in retaliation for whistleblowing or because of discrimination, can benefit from consulting an employment lawyer. An experienced employment lawyer can help the employee understand their legal options and take action to seek compensation if necessary. According to a study by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), wrongful termination is the second most common reason for employee lawsuits.
Wage and Hour Disputes
Employers are required to pay their employees proper wages for their work, and labor laws regulate issues such as overtime and minimum wage. If an employee has been denied proper pay or believes their employer has violated labor laws, an employment lawyer can help them seek compensation. According to data from the EEOC, wage and hour disputes are the most common type of employment lawsuit, accounting for over 30% of all cases.
Employment Contracts
Employees negotiating employment contracts or presented with contracts to sign can benefit from consulting an employment lawyer. A lawyer can help them review the terms of the contract and negotiate to ensure their rights are protected. A survey by the legal staffing firm Robert Half found that 39% of employees don’t negotiate job offers, potentially leaving benefits and salary on the table.
What If I Can’t Afford It?
If you can’t afford to hire an employment lawyer, there are still options available to you.
First, some employment lawyers offer free initial consultations, so you can discuss your case with them and get advice on your legal options without having to pay anything upfront.
Second, you may be able to find legal aid organizations or non-profit groups that provide free or low-cost legal services to people who cannot afford to hire a lawyer. These organizations may be able to provide you with legal representation or advice at a reduced cost or for free.
Finally, some lawyers may be willing to work on a contingency basis, which means that they will only receive payment if you win your case or reach a settlement. In this situation, the lawyer will receive a percentage of the damages awarded, and you won’t have to pay anything upfront.
It’s important to remember that the cost of hiring a lawyer should not prevent you from seeking legal representation if you believe your rights have been violated. You have legal rights as an employee, and there are resources available to help you protect those rights.
In summary, employment lawyers can be valuable resources for employees facing legal issues related to their employment. Whether an employee is experiencing discrimination or harassment, believes they have been wrongfully terminated, is in a wage and hour dispute, or needs help negotiating an employment contract, an employment lawyer can provide guidance and advocate for their rights.
