Best Employment Lawyers in Tampa

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency contact number of the Tampa Police Department is 813-231-6130.

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

  You can obtain copies of police records from the Tampa Police Department by filing a request form at https://cityoftampa.govqa.us/WEBAPP/_rs/(S(blim3jdsj3uljt4doqtyoumu))/RequestSelect.aspx. You will be notified through email when your request has been fulfilled and your files are available for download.

• Under what grounds is firing someone illegal in Tampa?

  In Tampa, it is illegal for employers to fire workers because of their race or color, national origin, age, sex, handicap, or genetic information. They are also not allowed to fire employees for trying to file a workers' compensation claim, complaining about engaging in criminal activities, or complaining about being paid overtime or the minimum wage.

• When should you get in touch with a Tampa employment attorney?

  You should get in touch with an employment lawyer as soon as you encounter a problem at work in Tampa, whether it involves harassment, unequal treatment, a reduction in hours, or termination from employment. This can help you better understand your legal options. If you don't defend your rights, statutes of limitations prevent you from filing your case in court.

• How long will your employment case in Tampa last?

  Your employment dispute in Tampa could take as long as a year or more to be resolved, with a minimum time frame of 180 days. The length of time depends on the nature of the case. In most situations, if you have a discrimination or harassment complaint, you must first submit a claim with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the state's Commission on Human Relations, or a municipal agency.

• In Tampa, what constitutes sexual harassment?

  Uninvited or unexpected touching, romantic advances from coworkers or supervisors, the use of sexually explicit language, and improper comments about your looks are all examples of sexual harassment in Tampa. If you have difficulties due to the sexual relationship of another couple at work, it may also constitute sexual harassment.

• What should you do when you witness sexual harassment at your job in Tampa?

  If you experience sexual harassment in Tampa, you should ask the harasser to stop and then file a formal report with HR or inform a superior immediately. HR will formally look into the complaint and create a strategy for the future. But occasionally, harassment could persist and HR might do nothing or mismanage things. If this happens, it's crucial to get legal advice right away from a qualified attorney to assist you in moving forward.

• 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.