Throughout the course of employment, hiring an employment lawyer is likely not your first thought. However, anything can happen and it’s often best to be prepared for the unlikely. For example, your employer could lay you off or there could be an issue with your severance package. Perhaps you could experience some discrimination or sexual harassment. Whatever the case, you may need an experienced employment lawyer to advocate for you and your rights.
Common Issues Warranting an Employment Lawyer
There are many reasons you may need an employment lawyer. As a result, you should be aware of these common issues so that you know when to seek help. The following are some labor and employment issues that may cause you to seek counsel:
- Workers’ compensation: In the event that you become injured or contract an illness as a result of employment, an employment lawyer will inform you that you may be entitled to receive benefits or a settlement. By law, your employer or their insurance must cover certain expenses and in some cases, pay for time lost at work due to your injury or illness.
- Sexual harassment: If an employer or a co-worker has sexually harassed you, your employment attorney can make a case for you and argue on your behalf. If your lawyer wins your case, you may be able to receive compensation or damages, depending on the harm your harasser caused you.
- Termination of employment: If you feel that you have been unfairly terminated by your employer, your lawyer may be able to argue this in court. For example, you might feel that your employer has fired you based on discrimination. According to law, your employer can’t fire you because of your race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, genetic information or age. Your employment attorney can argue this case for you and provide proof that your employer discriminated against you, which is grounds for wrongful termination.
Hiring an Experienced Employment Lawyer
Employment law is very complex, which means that no employee should try to argue their case alone. You may not want to spend money on high legal fees, but it’s important not to skip this step in your quest for justice. In fact, some employment lawyers won’t ask for payment upfront. They’ll just take a percentage of your settlement if they win your case.
Dealing with legal issues at your job can be a stressful and scary experience. Luckily, you don’t have to navigate this experience alone.
