Best Employment Lawyers in O'Fallon

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in O'Fallon, Missouri?

  The residents in O'Fallon may reach out to the local police for non-emergency cases at 636-240-3200.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in O'Fallon, Missouri?

  Police reports can be requested by interested parties through the Records Division of the O'Fallon Police Department at 100 North Main Street, O'Fallon, MO 63366. Requestors need to fill out the form available at https://www.ofallon.mo.us/requests-for-public-information, to process the report request.

• What should an employee bring during a consultation with an employment lawyer in O'Fallon?

  An employee consulting with a lawyer in O'Fallon for work-related matters should bring all the necessary communications, documentation, and other relevant information to the case. Contracts, employment policies, email copies, performance evaluations, and payroll records are some of the documents that can be brought to the consultation. In addition, you must provide a chronology or summary of significant events for a legal advisor to determine the type of consultation you require and the best alternatives for you.

• Are there benefits for unemployed individuals in O'Fallon?

  Yes. Workers who lost their job in O'Fallon, through no fault of their own, may apply for unemployment benefits to assist while trying to find a new one. Through the Division of Employment Security of the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, workers may file their claims for the said benefits. Unemployed workers have to remember that there are eligibility requirements to consider.

• What are the common employment cases that lawyers in O'Fallon handle?

  Employment lawyers in O'Fallon work with clients on various types of cases. The most common issues they handle include sexual harassment, wage and hour claims, non-compete and severance agreements, retaliation, whistleblower, and discrimination against disability, religion, race, age, and nationality. If you think your situation was not mentioned above, try to get in touch with a lawyer.

• Why is it better to hire a lawyer when dealing with an employment claim in O'Fallon?

  If a worker in O'Fallon is involved in a dispute with their employer, they will need to make informed decisions and legal guidance. Having a lawyer can help you analyze the situation and provide you with advice on how to proceed with your case. They have the knowledge and experience in handling various employment issues and may help you achieve positive results for your case.

• How can employees in O'Fallon distinguish if they are working in a hostile environment?

  If there is continuous intimidation, oppression, and harassment in the workplace that already affects an O'Fallon employee's ability to perform their job, this is considered a hostile working environment. Actions such as discrimination, retaliation, or harassment may create hostility in the workplace. Your employer and workmates are not required to be nice to you, but the law stipulates that you should not suffer or endure mistreatment.

• What does an employment attorney do?

  Employment attorneys represent workers, companies, unions, and advocacy groups. Their primary job is preventing and resolving disputes related to state and federal employment regulations as well as civil rights. They assist with the development of policies, including laws and employee handbooks, and they represent clients in court and during administrative hearings overseen by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and state-level labor agencies.

• How much should I ask for in a discrimination lawsuit?

  Employment-related claims are among the most complex and time-consuming lawsuits heard in the civil court system. Before workers can file a lawsuit, they must file a claim with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Every year, the EEOC recovers $505 million for victims of workplace discrimination. When cases proceed to court, the average settlement is approximately $40,000. However, roughly 10% of claimants receive at least $1 million.

• How do I prove discrimination in the workplace?

  Discrimination lawsuits are typically based on an established pattern of behavior in the workplace. Employment attorneys who handle these claims generally advise clients to gather evidence and document all instances of discrimination, harassment, or abuse, as they occur. The following documents are often vital for proving workplace discrimination:

  • Personnel files
  • Payroll records
  • Employee handbooks
  • Diary or journal entries
  • Medical or mental health records
  • Reports from witnesses
  • Photos or video footage
  • Physical evidence

  
  

• Can I sue my company for a hostile work environment?

  Yes, offensive or unwelcome conduct that creates a hostile work environment and affects your terms of employment may give you reason to take legal action. However, rude or abusive behavior on its own isn’t illegal. It must also be tied to other legal issues, such as retaliation for reporting harassment or discrimination directed at members of a protected group.

• What is the EEOC?

  The EEOC is the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. It's a federal agency tasked with helping to enforce laws concerning discrimination in the workplace. Not all employers are covered under the EEOC. Typically, you have to work for an organization with at least 15 employees or for a labor union or agency to be covered by EEOC protections.

• How do I report an abusive boss?

  If you believe you're being discriminated against, you have several options. First, follow internal reporting procedures with human resources or other leadership. You can also file a charge of discrimination with the EEOC. Talking to an employment attorney can help you understand your options and protect your interests.

• What laws protect employees from job discrimination?

  • The Civil Rights Act of 1964 provides employees with protection against discrimination based on a wide variety of factors, including national origin, sex, religion, race, and color.
  • The Age Discrimination Act of 1967 applies age to the protected class.
  • The Equal Pay Act of 1963 forbids sex-based compensation discrimination.
  • The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 makes it illegal to discriminate on the grounds of disability in terms of employment decisions.
  • The Civil Rights Act of 1991 adds more protection and power to the federal government to enforce some of these laws.

• How do I file a wrongful termination claim?

  You can file a wrongful termination claim with the EEOC online, via mail, or in person at various EEOC branch offices. You may be able to file a complaint with a state agency. To determine an appropriate plan of action and which organizations you can file with, speak to an employment lawyer.

• What is unfair treatment at work?

  Unfair treatment is not the same as unlawful treatment. There aren't laws against unfair treatment, which can include a boss who generally bullies people into action or someone who doesn't make fair decisions about time off because of nepotism or mood. Such issues may not constitute a claim for a court argument or allegation, unlike unjust judgments made on the grounds of race or age. An employment attorney can clarify if unfair treatment is also unlawful.

• What are some workers\' rights related to injury and illness?

  Employees have a variety of rights related to time off if they're injured or fall ill. For example, in workplaces covered by the Federal Medical Leave Act, workers are allowed to take up to 12 weeks off without losing their position in a company. The leave is unpaid unless PTO time can be used to cover it. Employees may also have rights to file a workers' comp claim if they're injured on the job. All of these laws cover different situations and types of employers, and an employment attorney can help you understand what rights you have.

• Can an employer force you to work?

  This is a gray area in some cases, which is why it may be a good idea to consult an employment lawyer if you have concerns about your workplace. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration , workers have a right to refuse to work in dangerous situations. But the burden of proof that this is, in fact, the case, can weigh heavily on the employee.