Best Employment Lawyers in Jonesboro

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Jonesboro, Arkansas?

  The Jonesboro Police Department's non-emergency contact number is 870-935-5553.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Jonesboro, Arkansas?

  If you need a police report in Jonesboro, you can obtain it by completing the request form available at https://jonesboropolice.com/foia. Alternatively, you have the option to make your request in person at 1001 S Caraway Rd, Jonesboro, AR 72401, or by calling 870-935-5562.

• What should you do if your employer in Jonesboro denies paying you for working overtime?

  To protect your rights regarding unpaid overtime in Jonesboro, follow these steps:

  • Communicate with your employer: Discuss the unpaid overtime issue and keep records of the conversation and any promises made.
  • Speak with the federal Department of Labor: If your employer refuses to pay overtime, file a complaint with them so they can look into it and potentially take legal action.
  • Maintain accurate records: To back up your claim, keep detailed records of your work hours, including breaks.
  • Consider collective or class-action lawsuits: If other employees are affected, joining a group legal action can be a financially advantageous move.
  • Hire an employment law attorney: Consult a lawyer to learn more about your legal options, get some advice, and, if necessary, get representation.

  Keep in mind that your employer's failure to pay overtime may be a sign that other labor laws, such as misclassification or minimum wage requirements, have been broken.

• Are you eligible for unemployment benefits if you are an independent contractor in Jonesboro?

  True independent contractors in Jonesboro are not eligible for unemployment benefits. However, many individuals are misclassified as independent contractors when they should be considered employees. These individuals who are classified as "independent contractors" are not aware that they are legally entitled to unemployment benefits. Employers contribute to employee benefits through state and federal unemployment taxes. Since independent contractors and their customers do not pay unemployment taxes on their labor, they are ineligible for unemployment benefits. If you suspect that you have been misclassified as an independent contractor, it is crucial to consult with a qualified attorney.

• Is hiring a lawyer necessary when submitting an EEOC claim in Jonesboro?

  It is not necessary, but hiring one when submitting an EEOC claim can provide you with several benefits. A Jonesboro lawyer can:

  • Help you properly file your claim and ensure that the EEOC receives all required paperwork.
  • Clarify the legal procedure and evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of your case while assisting you in understanding your rights and possible case outcomes.
  • Help in settlement negotiations with your employer or their legal representative.
  • Assure fair settlement discussions and defend your rights in the event that the EEOC finds evidence of discrimination or harassment.

• Is it mandatory for my employer in Jonesboro to offer periodic breaks throughout the day?

  Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, employers are not obligated to provide breaks during the workday. In contrast to other places, Jonesboro and the rest of Arkansas currently do not have any rules that are particular to breaks. Numerous employers, nonetheless, still permit their employees to take short intermittent breaks throughout the day. In such cases, employers are obligated to provide compensation for these breaks and include them as hours worked when calculating overtime.

• How are whistleblowers in Jonesboro protected?

  Whistleblowers in Jonesboro receive government protection through the False Claims Act, shielding them from retaliation. This protection ensures that individuals who come forward are safeguarded against harassment, threats, demotion, termination, or any form of discrimination. If you faced unfair treatment for speaking out, you have the option to take legal action against your employer, seeking compensation such as reinstatement (if terminated) and reimbursement for lost wages. It's worth noting that even if your allegations are unsubstantiated, as long as you acted in good faith, you are still safeguarded against retaliation.

• 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.