Regardless of your role and the nature of the job, you deserve to work in a safe and secure environment. Unfortunately, employees often face trouble for various reasons in New Jersey, and in such situations, just knowing details of the employee handbook is not enough. Employees need bespoke legal advice, and if you are in Paramus, consider contacting Law Offices of Usmaan Sleemi for a quick and confidential consultation. In this post, let’s walk through some of the usual circumstances when meeting a lawyer is paramount.
- Discrimination at work: If you belong to a protected class and have faced discrimination, you may have a case against your employer. There are state and federal laws that prohibit any form of discriminatory harassment on grounds like race, age, religion, nationality, and disability, among other things. An experienced employment lawyer can guide you about the next steps and how to protect yourself from further harassment.
- Sexual harassment: In general, sexual harassment cases in NJ and most states are classified into two categories – a hostile work environment and quid pro quo. Whether it is a boss who wants sexual favors for offering a benefit or a colleague who has been passing dirty jokes on WhatsApp, you don’t have to endure such behavior. The first step is to make a formal complaint, but if things don’t move as expected, meeting an attorney is always better. They can guide you on the dos and don’ts and uncover the ways to take legal action.
- Wrongful termination: New Jersey has at-will employment, but that doesn’t mean your employer can fire you for a reason that’s a direct violation of the contract. Also, they cannot fire you for certain things like whistleblowing or announcing your pregnancy. While losing a job can hit hard, you have to check whether your rights were violated, and you can only understand the entire picture when you meet an attorney specializing in employment law.
- Retaliation: It often happens that an employee reports wrongdoing at the workplace, and instead of praising them, the employer takes retaliatory action. That could mean something as simple as demoting someone for whistleblowing or firing an employee for reporting sexual harassment. You have the right to act against your employer’s misconduct, and a lawyer can offer the support and representation you need.
- Severance: Employers are not always obligated to offer a severance package, but when you have to deal with on, it is best to let an attorney negotiate. Severance agreements also mean giving up your right to certain claims, and you want to be sure that the final deal is fair. Your lawyer can advise on the right things, and since your employer already has a legal team, you need support.
- Wage violations: You are entitled to minimal wage and overtime pay, but if there are evident minimum-wage violations, you have to take further steps. You should consult an attorney who has experience with such cases and other laws, such as the Family Medical Leave Act. Don’t let things slip out of your hands.
Finding an employment lawyer in Paramus
While there are numerous employment law attorneys in Paramus, not everyone works for employees and their rights. It is best to choose someone who doesn’t work for both sides to avoid a conflict of interest. Take your time to evaluate what the attorney brings to the table, whether they have a proven track record, and if they have worked on cases that are comparable to your situation. Online listings can come in handy for choosing the right attorney, and you can also refer to reviews online.
Connect with an employment lawyer in Paramus as soon as you think you have a case concerning your job.
