Best Employment Lawyers in Lakeland

FAQs

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

  Non-emergency calls must be made to Lakeland police's number at 863-834-6900.

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

  Police report requests should be made in person at the Records Section located in the Lakeland Police Department at 219 N Massachusetts Ave., Lakeland, FL 33801. Its phone number is 863-834-6936.

• How is mediation in a Lakeland discrimination case carried out at the EEOC?

  Once the discrimination case is filed at the EEOC, the employer and the employee in Lakeland will be informed by an EEOC representative about mediation. Both parties have the right to decide if the case should go to mediation, but if neither decides, the case will be investigated. If both parties agree to the mediation, a professional mediator will then facilitate the process. The agreement made by the parties during mediation is considered legally enforceable.

• What are some restrictive covenants in a Lakeland employment contract?

  Three different kinds of restrictive covenants exist in an employment contract: non-solicitation, non-compete, and non-disclosure agreements. Problems usually arise when employees change their employer to work for another which possibly may be a business competitor. Employees in Lakeland have to take prompt action if an employer warns of a lawsuit for alleged violation of a covenant. This may result in a judgment against the employee.

• How can you file an inquiry under Florida's Whistle-blower's Act against an employer in Lakeland?

  First, go to the website of the Florida Commission on Human Relations and fill out Technical Assistance Questionnaire for Whistle-blowers. You must do so within 60 days after the violation of the Whistle-blower's Act in Lakeland. Once you complete filing, you'll be advised regarding your responsibilities in the inquiry. If you have any concerns, contact the FCHR at 850-488-7082 or send an email to fchrinfo@fchr.myflorida.com. The FCHR is based at 4075 Esplanade Way, Unit 110, Tallahassee, FL, 32399.

• What are some of the reasons an employer in Lakeland may wrongfully fire an employee?

  Some of the reasons an employer may wrongfully fire an employee are being ignorant of the law or prejudiced against others. Some employers may be trying to gain more profits by saving money on an employee while others think they may be able to get away with violating the law. If an employee in Lakeland will not take legal action against the said wrongdoings of the employer, other employees may become victims as well.

• What are some of the reasons an employee in Lakeland may take an FMLA leave?

  Employees in Lakeland may take leave under FMLA provisions if they're about to give birth or have to take care of a newborn. They can also take leave if they'll be adopting or fostering a child or taking care of a family member who got sick. It's important to take note that the FMLA leave is usually without pay. However, an employee may be able to use cumulative vacation or sick leave to receive some form of income while on FMLA leave.

• 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.