Best Employment Lawyers in Waterbury

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Waterbury is (203) 574-6911.

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

  You can obtain a copy of a police report in Waterbury by visiting the Waterbury Police Department's Records Division located at 255 East Main St. It is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. You may also call the Records Division at (203) 574-6933.

• How much is the minimum wage for minors under the age of 18 in Waterbury?

  The minimum wage for minors under 18 who are working in Waterbury and across the state of Connecticut is 85% of the regular minimum wage, or $12.75. On June 1, 2023, the Governor's office announced that the minimum wage had increased from $14.00 to $15.00, in accordance with Public Act 19-4, which requires the state to increase the minimum wage five times in a span of five years starting in 2019.

• Can an employer terminate you in Waterbury for no reason at all?

  The state of Connecticut observes an "at-will" employment statute, which stipulates that an employer has the right to terminate you for no reason at all in Waterbury. However, there are certain exceptions when a wrongful termination can be filed. These include getting fired based on your gender, race, and religion, as well as getting terminated for being a whistleblower.

• Can you file a leave in Waterbury if you need to take care of your newborn?

  Yes, you can file for leave if you need to take care of your newborn child in Waterbury. According to the Family and Medical Leave Act, an employee is entitled to a 12-week unpaid leave if you have a valid medical reason. Take note that in order to qualify, you must have been with the company for 12 months or have worked at least 1,250 hours in a 12-month span.

• If your employer forced you to sign fake financial documents in Waterbury, can you file a lawsuit?

  You can file a lawsuit if your employer is trying to coerce you into signing fake financial documents in Waterbury. Under the state laws, Sarbanes-Oxley Act, Title VII, and OSHA, an employer is prohibited from retaliating, providing a hostile work environment, and showing unjust treatment to employees after a whistleblower case has been filed.

• If your employer in Waterbury has made up false statements against you, what can you do?

  If your employer has given damaging and false statements about you in Waterbury, you can file for a defamation case. State laws prohibit employers from crafting and sharing any personal and false information regarding you with other employees. Important to note that there is a difference between an opinion or a mere expression of criticism and defamation.

• 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.