Employment Law

Employment law is a general term that encompasses many sub-categories. If you believe you are not being treated fairly on the job, it is crucial that you understand the definition of this discipline, what it covers and a description of your rights.

WHAT IS EMPLOYMENT LAW?

Any business that is more than a sole proprietorship is exposed to employment laws in some form. This legal branch deals with all aspects of the employer-employee relationship. It covers both state and federal laws and is designed to protect the rights of the worker. The goals of this type of law are fundamental and important to all workers:

  • Ensure that wages are sufficient to enable economic support.
  • Prevent harassment and other types of discrimination in the workplace.
  • Facilitate the safety and health of all workers.
  • Provide guidance when disputes arise between employees and employers.

One well-known example of how this branch of law has benefited Americans is a piece of legislation called the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Passed in 1938, it established child labor regulations for some industries as well as a minimum federal hourly wage. Considering that the federal minimum wage back in 1938 was just $.25 and has now risen to $7.25 in 2018, it is clear that laws such as this can be effective safeguards.

WHAT TYPE OF RIGHTS ARE PROTECTED UNDER EMPLOYMENT LAW?

Because this legal discipline is so wide, it is no surprise that it spans a huge range of issues. These include but are not limited to the following:

Due to the complexity of employment laws, most business owners and the people they employ don’t understand the details. For instance, many a small business owner sets up the company and hires employees without giving much thought to surprisingly intricate issues that can occur around employee salaries and breaks. In addition, it is tempting for employers to avoid thinking about workplace safety if they assume that their line of work is inherently free of danger.

Workers are just as likely to be unaware of their rights on the job. If they are injured, discriminated against or not properly compensated, it is highly unlikely that the situation will be corrected unless they take action on their own behalf. This is where employment attorneys enter the picture.

WHY IT IS IMPORTANT TO HIRE THE RIGHT EMPLOYMENT LAWYER TO REPRESENT YOU

As we have described, the scope of this branch of the legal profession is wide. An employment attorney can be your most vital ally if you are involved in a job dispute, are not being compensated fairly, are being discriminated against or targeted for being a whistleblower or are being wrongfully terminated. Attempting to navigate these turbulent legal waters on your own is a mistake that could cause you financial and emotional upheaval and even cost you your livelihood.

An employment lawyer will fight for you, ensuring that you understand the laws that are relevant to your situation and assisting you in getting the recovery of lost time, wages and damages that you deserve.

When you consult with an employment attorney, they will carefully go over all aspects of your situation with you. Ultimately, they will help you to determine if your complaint has merit and will advise you as to the next steps you should take, i.e. whether to settle, pursue litigation or drop the issue altogether. In addition, the lawyer can protect you against any further dispute claims your employer might make in retaliation.

When things get difficult on the job, you need the support of a partner who is 100 percent in your corner. If you believe you require the services of an employment attorney, the Lee Legal Group has the comprehensive experience and in-depth knowledge that you need and deserve. Call us today to schedule a consultation, and our friendly staff will sit down with you and take the time to carefully analyze your unique situation at absolutely no cost to you. At the Lee Legal Group, we work tirelessly to ensure that your rights are protected.