Employees have many rights designed to protect them from abuses committed by employers. When your employer violates your rights, you can file a lawsuit against them to recover compensation. The first thing you should do when pursuing compensation is to retain the services of an experienced employment and labor attorney.
At Duddy, Goodwin & Pollard, we know how difficult it can be to stand up to your employer. Our team is dedicated to ensuring our clients get the compensation they deserve without having to worry about retaliation from their employers. Contact us today and set up your free case evaluation with one of our Boston labor and employment lawyers.
Steps to Take Before Pursuing a Lawsuit
Before you file a lawsuit against your employer, you should consider your other options. You should first reach out to your employer or HR department to see if you can resolve the dispute internally.
If that doesn’t work, you should identify the state agency that handles the issues you are having and file a complaint with them. After you have reached out to the appropriate agency, you should gather evidence to support your claim and reach out to an experienced labor and employment lawyer to learn more about your legal options.
For a free legal consultation, call (860) 999-9394
Find an Employment and Labor Lawyer
Attempting to pursue a lawsuit on your own is unlikely to yield positive results. Finding an experienced attorney to handle your case can make all the difference. When you hire a lawyer, they will handle all aspects of your case, freeing you up to focus on your career.
When you hire an attorney, they will explain your legal rights and your options for pursuing damages. They will answer any questions you may have about the case and let you know the process they will follow to get you the money you deserve.
If you have not filed a complaint with the appropriate government agency, your lawyer will assist you in identifying the right agency for your case and help you through the filing process. Filing a complaint is a required step in the majority of employment disputes.
The Steps of an Employment Lawsuit
Once you have filed your complaint with the appropriate agency, you can begin the litigation process. Your lawyer will start by collecting evidence that supports your claim. They will then evaluate your damages and calculate how much your case is worth.
After that, your attorney will complete and file all the required documents for your lawsuit and begin building your case for court. While preparing for a trial, your lawyer will also be engaged in negotiations with the other party, attempting to reach a favorable settlement deal that can get you the money you need more quickly than by going to court.
If a settlement deal can’t be reached, your attorney will argue your case in court and attempt to win a verdict in your favor.
Click to contact our labor & employment lawyers today
Filing a Lawsuit to Resolve a Variety of Employment Disputes
Many different employment disputes can lead employees to file lawsuits against their employers. Some of the most common employment disputes involve:
- Discrimination
- Wrongful termination
- Sexual harassment
- Refusal to pay workers’ compensation
- Failure to pay a fair wage
Discrimination
Workplace discrimination is a common problem despite many efforts to eliminate it. If an employer discriminates against you based on your age, race, sex, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or classification as a member of a protected class, you have the right to file a lawsuit against them to recover compensation.
Employment discrimination can keep people from finding work, prevent them from advancing in their careers, and make it difficult for them to keep a job.
Wrongful Termination
Other than Montana, every state in the country is an at-will employment state. What this means is that your employer can fire you from your job at any time for nearly any reason. However, there are certain restrictions to this. For example, your employer can not fire you as an act of discrimination.
Furthermore, they can not terminate your employment as an act of retaliation for protected activities. Some of the most common reasons employers seek to retaliate against their employees include situations involving:
- Reporting workplace discrimination
- Missing work to attend jury duty
- Blowing the whistle on company misconduct or other illegal activity
- Using legitimate medical leave
- Filing a workers’ compensation claim
Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment remains a common problem in the workplace, with many employers using their positions of power to try to coerce their employees into sexual acts. Sexual harassment in the workplace can take many different forms. If you were victimized, you have the right to pursue legal action.
Refusal to Pay Workers’ Compensation
Most of the time, when employees are injured on the job, they must file a workers’ compensation claim rather than suing their employer for damages. However, if your employer fails to pay your workers’ comp claim, you can file a lawsuit against them to recover the money you are owed.
Failure to Pay a Fair Wage
There are many regulations regarding the pay you should receive from your employer. Some of the rules your employer must follow include meeting the minimum wage requirements, paying overtime hours at the appropriate rate, and not making unlawful deductions from your paycheck. Any violations of these or other payment laws open your employer up to litigation.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Get Help from an Experienced Employment and Labor Attorney Today
The best way to improve your odds of recovering the money you need after a labor dispute is by securing the services of an experienced attorney. At Duddy, Goodwin & Pollard, we will fight for your rights and build the strongest case possible to ensure you get the money you deserve.
Contact us today by completing our online contact form or giving us a call to schedule your free initial case review with a member of our legal team.
Call or text (860) 999-9394 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form