Workers often fail to report workplace discrimination and other labor law violations over fear of retaliation from their employer. To help encourage employees to come forward, the government has created several protections for workers who speak up. If you were the victim of an employment offense, an experienced Springfield labor and employment attorney can help you.
At Duddy, Goodwin & Pollard, we know the difficulties that mistreated employees often face. We are dedicated to helping people who have suffered workplace violations recover compensation. If you were the victim of an offense, reach out to us today to schedule a free case review with one of our experienced Springfield labor and employment attorneys.
Ensure You Meet All Filing Deadlines With the Help of an Experienced Employment & Labor Attorney in Springfield
When attempting to recover compensation in an employment or labor dispute, you will need to ensure that you file all of the required paperwork on time. The specific filing deadline that applies to your case will vary depending on the type of claim you are pursuing.
The best way to avoid losing your right to recover damages due to an unexpected deadline is by reaching out to an experienced employment attorney serving Springfield, MA, as soon as possible. Contacting a lawyer early has the added benefit of putting them in the best possible position to build a strong case on your behalf.
At Duddy, Goodwin & Pollard, we will quickly determine the deadline for your lawsuit and begin drawing up the paperwork to ensure everything gets filed on time.
For a free legal consultation with a Labor & Employment lawyer serving Springfield, call (860) 999-9394
Workplace Discrimination
Any type of discrimination based on an individual’s race, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability, or classification as a member of any other protected class is prohibited under federal law.
Despite the fact that the government has passed a variety of laws to help minimize workplace discrimination over the past several decades, it continues to be a widespread and enduring problem throughout the country. Workplace discrimination can create challenges for members of minority groups to earn a living while also causing emotional and psychological harm.
Hiring Discrimination
Workplace discrimination can begin before you even start working. Hiring discrimination is a common problem that makes it difficult for many members of protected classes to find employment.
However, proving hiring discrimination is often challenging as applicants often receive no insight into why they were not hired and are unable to observe a company’s hiring process.
If you suspect that you were the victim of hiring discrimination, an experienced employment lawyer in Springfield, MA, can help investigate the company to establish a history of discrimination in their hiring practices.
On-the-Job Discrimination
When employed, you can face a variety of different types of workplace discrimination. Harassment from coworkers and supervisors is common. Additionally, you could miss out on a promotion due to discrimination. When facing a hostile work environment, not only can it be difficult to advance your career, but simply getting through the day can be a challenge.
The good news is that proving this type of discrimination tends to be far easier than proving hiring discrimination. Workers have the opportunity to observe the manner in which they are treated in comparison to the treatment their colleagues receive. Furthermore, they are in a position to collect and document evidence of the discrimination they face.
Firing Discrimination
If you were fired from your job and believe the reason for your termination was motivated by discrimination, an experienced labor lawyer serving Springfield, MA, can help you file a lawsuit against your employer to recover damages.
When dealing with a wrongful termination case, you need to understand that Massachusetts is an at-will employment state. What this means is that an employer can terminate an employee for nearly any reason or with no reason at all and with no warning. However, an exception to this rule is that an employer can not fire a worker for being a member of a protected class.
Unfortunately, proving firing discrimination in an at-will employment state is often challenging. Your employer likely will not come out and say they are motivated by discrimination in their decision to terminate you, so you will need other examples of discrimination you experienced at work, and your lawyer will investigate the company to prove a history of discrimination.
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Wrongful Termination
Discrimination-based firings are one of a few exceptions to at-will employment. Employers are also prohibited from firing employees as a means of retaliation for actions taken by the employee. Some of the most common types of retaliation-based firings include terminating employees who:
- Blow the whistle on company misconduct or other illegal activity
- Report discrimination in the workplace
- File workers’ compensation claims
- Use legitimate medical leave
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Other Types of Employment Disputes
There are a variety of other labor disputes for which you may need to file a claim to recover damages. An experienced labor attorney serving Springfield, MA, can help you take legal action if you are dealing with:
- Unpaid overtime
- Failure to pay the minimum wage
- Unlawful deductions
Unpaid Overtime
In the United States, a standard full-time work week is 40 hours long. If you work beyond the 40-hour mark for a single employer in a week, they must pay you for the additional hours at a rate of 1.5 times your normal hourly pay.
Failure to Pay the Minimum Wage
Federal and state requirements regulate the minimum hourly rate at which employers must pay their employees. In addition, some cities have an additional minimum wage requirement that must be met.
Unlawful Deductions
Whenever your employer pays you, certain deductions will be taken from your paycheck, including deductions for taxes. While other deductions may be applied to your paycheck, they can only be made under specific conditions. Employers can not simply make deductions from your pay at their own discretion. They must comply with all applicable employment laws.
If your employer violates these employment regulations in any way, you have the right to file a lawsuit against them.
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Get Help from an Experienced Employment & Labor Lawyer Serving Springfield Today
Hiring an experienced lawyer is the best way to improve your odds of recovering the money you need in a labor dispute. At Duddy, Goodwin & Pollard, we will do everything in our power to ensure a favorable outcome to your case.
Contact us today by giving us a call or filling out the contact form on our website and set up your case evaluation with a member of our team.
Call or text (860) 999-9394 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form