Workers throughout the United States afforded legal protections in the form of employment law, which can be mandated at state-level and federal-level. Employment law covers a wide variety of areas and potential concerns that can arise in the workplace and for a typical worker. When one of these problems does arise, it often falls upon an employment law attorney to stand up for the rights of the worker and help stop future violations of law.
Employment law claims and lawsuits commonly arise due to:
- Disability discrimination: Unjust, unfair, or different treatment experienced by an employee or worker with a disability, including both physical and mental disabilities. Discrimination can occur even before a worker is employed by an employer. For example, if someone is not chosen for a job position after an interview because of their disability, it may constitute disability discrimination.
- Pregnancy discrimination: Pregnant women have a right to stay in the workplace, but many face negative treatment due to their advancing pregnancy. Some employers try to “help” pregnant workers by reducing their hours, but this is actually discrimination if the worker did not ask for less hours. Furthermore, employers may need to provide special accommodations for pregnant or nursing mothers, such as a safe, private space for pumping.
- Race discrimination: Employers in all 50 states are not permitted to make decisions or take actions, either negative or positive, based solely on an employee’s race. This type of discrimination may be one of the most common encountered.
- Retaliation: Employees have the right to report unsafe work environments. Any negative action taken in response to such a report constitutes retaliation, a serious employment law offense.
- Sexual harassment: In the workplace, sexual harassment can take many forms. Effectively, any unwelcome action, behavior, or statement with a sexual meaning or root can constitute sexual harassment. For example, inappropriate touching and jokes about sexual preference are both seen as equally unacceptable forms of sexual harassment.
- Wrongful termination: Most employees are employed on an “at will” basis, which means they can quit or be fired at any time. However, termination conducted based on a protected class or due to unlawful retaliation is not permitted.
Have you encountered an employment violation in your workplace in Charleston, West Virginia? Rod Smith Law PLLC and our employment law attorneys can help. For more than 40 years of combined practice experience, we have been standing up for the rights of employees and workers in all sorts of difficult legal situations. It is our goal to quickly resolve your employment issue and obtain fair financial compensation for you, if possible.
Call (304) 406-7076 to schedule your free consultation with our lawyers today.