The world of work can be a strange and sometimes scary place. It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day tasks and responsibilities of maintaining a job and running it smoothly.
But, like anything else in life, that all comes with its challenges, too. Workplace situations can feel like a maze, and navigating them can sometimes feel like an impossible task. That’s why you might need the help of an employment law attorney.
Here are five situations that would benefit from the support of an employment law attorney.
1. Wrongful Termination
When an employer decides to send in the pink slips, it can be a terrifying experience for anyone. One wrong move and an employer could end up in a situation where they are accused of wrongful termination.
This can happen if an employer fires someone for discriminatory reasons, such as being pregnant or telling them not to take maternity leave. Such a situation needs an employment lawyer from a reputable firm like HMK.
2. Workplace Bullying
Many employers don’t realize the environment they create for their employees. In reality, some of these workplace cultures are just as toxic as bullying, and it can lead to workplace harassment and abuse from coworkers. If you have experienced workplace bullying or harassment by a coworker, you might want to seek out legal counsel.
You might also want to take measures moving forward to protect yourself from experiencing these types of behaviors again on your next job search with another employer.
3. Sexual Harassment
There is no doubt that society has a problem with sexual harassment. While many people think of sexual harassment in terms of unwanted sexual advances, it can also include verbal abuse, offensive remarks, and mockery that includes sexual innuendos. In most cases, many complainants never report these acts because they feel ashamed or as if they are being overly dramatic.
Even though there have been significant strides in the way cases are handled by the criminal justice system regarding sexual abuse and harassment in the workplace, you should still report what has happened to you. After notifying the HR department, you need to speak to an attorney to help you file a lawsuit and get justice.
4. Wrongful Termination Disability Discrimination Claim
According to the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), a wrongful termination claim may result from an employer’s decision that terminates your employment, even if you are the perpetrator and did not do anything wrong. When claiming that you were fired because of your disability, you will need a lawyer to help you prove your case.
5. Hostile and Unsafe Working Environment
Along with sexual harassment, you do not have to be a physical attack or violent assault victim to file a complaint and make your claim. You can file a hostile work environment claim even if no physical violence has taken place and you are the only person complaining.
In this case, you are most likely filing the complaint due to abuse of power, including threats against your job position or affairs by an employer.
Conclusion
Employment law is not something many of us think about very often. But having the right set of legal counsel at your disposal is essential in keeping your sanity when working with difficult people and negative coworkers.
Mistreatment, unfair pay, harassment, and discrimination are all situations you may have to deal with. With the input of an employment lawyer, you can get through all these situations.
