4 Signs That You Need An Employment Lawyer
Whenever you are undertaking any kind of legal action, you should always have a lawyer on your side. Unless you yourself are intimately acquainted with the legal system, proceeding without a lawyer is a recipe for disaster. An employment lawyer is there to assist clients who are undertaking legal action against their employers, or employers facing litigation from employees.
Here are four surefire indicators that it’s time for you to consult with an employment lawyer.
You Have Been Harassed Or Discriminated Against By An Employer
Discrimination against employees on the basis of federally protected characteristics is one of the fastest ways that your employer can land themselves in serious legal trouble. Needless to say, no one should be subjected to harassment or discrimination in their professional lives, and if you believe this is happening to you, it is important that you address the issue as soon as possible.
Speaking to an attorney who specializes in employment law beforehand will enable you to establish whether you are likely to be successful or not before you have sunk money into legal proceedings.
You Believe That You Have Been Illegally Fired Or Terminated
Just as an employer cannot discriminate against you on the basis of a protected characteristic, they are also forbidden from firing you because you belong to a protected class. If you believe or know that an employer has terminated your contract because of your gender, race, sexuality or other protected characteristic, then you can take the issue up with the courts. It is always worth checking with an employment lawyer to verify the merits of your case before you begin.
You Were Coerced Into Signing A Contract Waiving Your Rights
In many states, there are certain rights that employees have that they can opt-out of should they wish. However, employees can only agree to opt-out of their rights if they give informed consent. This means that they have to sign a document waiving their rights and must do so of their own free will.
If you are forced or otherwise coerced into signing a document that you don't want to sign, or which is misrepresented to you, you should consult with an employment lawyer as soon as possible. If your employer has acted unlawfully in obtaining your signature, the document you have signed can be voided by the court.
Your Employer Is Breaching Their End Of Your Contract
When you sign a contract with your employer, it doesn't just stipulate what is expected of you, it also stipulates what responsibilities your employer has towards you. Whenever you take on a new job, it is vital that you read your contract properly so that you are always aware of what your rights and obligations are within the business.
If at any stage of your employment you feel that your employer is no longer meeting their end of the bargain, you should consult with an employment lawyer. In cases where your employer is found to be in breach of their contract, the potential remedies can range from financial compensation to punitive damages.
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