No matter what relationship you have with the people on your job, never lose sight of one fact -- it's business.
Your workplace should be a fulfilling place where your dreams come true, but you must also look after your rights and interests. In doing this, having access to an employment attorney is crucial.
These lawyers are useful in a number of ways, for both employees and employers. To learn how they can help you out, read the points below.
Protecting Your Rights as an Employee
Anytime you step foot on a job, you need to be able to keep your employer honest. Having a quality employment attorney by your side can help you in that regard.
Here are a few core ways in which they can be useful to you:
1. Filing a Wrongful Termination Suit
There are a number of laws in place that protect your rights as an employee.
These rights are covered under provisions like the Equal Pay Act, Pregnancy Discrimination Act, Americans With Disabilities Act, and other matters.
However, when these rights are violated, you'll need the help of a credible lawyer to assist you. They'll use these laws as a foundation to help you when you get fired or laid off unlawfully.
2. You Feel That You're Unfairly Treated or Wrongfully Disciplined
Aside from being terminated unlawfully, there are a number of ways that you can be mistreated while on the job.
There are situations in which you may feel that your boss has it out for you, or is treated you differently than other employees. This can be difficult to prove, which is why building a case with a lawyer and collecting data become so crucial.
You will need to be especially mindful of situations where your rights are violated due to wrongful discipline or bogus performance reviews. Having access to an employment attorney can be just what you need in this regard.
3. Investigations Into a Toxic Work Environment
A toxic work environment isn't just a matter of law, it's a serious health issue. In fact, Standford research studies show that this is the 5th leading cause of death.
If these studies are to be believed, existing in a toxic work environment beats out serious issues like kidney disease and Alzheimer's.
You'll need to have a lawyer on hand that can not only prove that a workplace is toxic but get you justly compensated in the process.
4. Claims of Sexual Harassment, Racial Discrimination, and Other Matters
Issues like sexual harassment and racial discrimination need to be handled vigilantly.
You'll only be able to do this when you have a lawyer documenting these issues with you every step of the way. They'll assist you in figuring out what to say to human resources, will come up with proof that allows you to win your case, and will make sure that you get the proper amount of compensation.
5. You Get Hurt or Sick on the Job
Workers compensation claims are among the most prevalent issues that employment attorneys address.
They'll assist you in filing a claim and getting you paid for the long-term. This includes getting money for initial doctor's visits and handling everything from lost wages to long-term recovery through physical therapy.
Protecting Your Rights as an Employer
Don't think that employees are the only people that have rights. If you have people on your payroll, you and your business can also make use of an employment attorney.
Keeping an eye on corporate law matters will allow you to thrive as a business. These are some of the major ways that such an attorney can be useful to you.
1. Protection Against Wrongful Termination and Other Cases
Having access to an employment attorney can help you out when your employees are filing suit against you.
Even though you may have had every reason to fire someone or lay them off, there may come a time that you have to back this up in court. Getting access to a great lawyer can be useful so that you have the right representation.
2. Putting Together Severance Packages
Though layoffs are an unfortunate reality of doing business at times, you'll want to leave your employees with severance packages that compensate them accordingly.
In this regard, you'll want to create severance packages that allow them to get a one-time payout and other benefits that give them a great landing place. Your lawyer will help you create the right severance package so that your employees are happy, and this can help you avoid litigation for the long-term.
3. Constructing Workplace Policy
You will always want to be on the right side of the law when it comes to your workplace.
Having access to a great lawyer can make this happen. This will deal with everything from vacation days and sick leave to holiday bonuses. When you have your attorneys guidance, you'll make sure that your policies are lawful and ethically sound.
4. Help Crafting Contracts and Benefits Packages For New Employees
It's always important to have another set of eyes when hiring any employees.
A good attorney will help you put together the contracts and offers of employment that are legally sound. They'll also let you know what you can do from a benefits standpoint.
5. Doing Your Due Diligence With Workers Compensation Claims
Finally, you'll need an attorney also when you want to be on the right side of a workers compensation case.
Your lawyer will investigate your employee's situation to make sure it is legitimate and will ensure that you're not overpaying. By having these lawyers on your side, they'll make sure you are protected.
Hire an Employment Attorney When You Need Them the Most
No matter what side of the situation you're on, it's important to have access to a great lawyer. These ten points lay out exactly what these lawyers can do for you.
When you need an employment attorney that is diligent, mindful, and skilled, contact us today!