Best Employment Lawyers in Honolulu

FAQs

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

  808-529-3111 is the Honolulu Police Department's phone number for non-emergency cases.

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

  A police record can be obtained in person at the Records and Identification Division of the Honolulu Police Department, located at 801 S. Beretania Street, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96813. The Records Division is open from Monday through Friday, except official holidays. The majority of police reports can be released after the investigation has been completed and the case has been resolved.

• Who are ineligible for unemployment insurance benefits in Honolulu?

  Employees in Honolulu are not entitled to unemployment insurance benefits if they voluntarily leave their position without a reason, reject a genuine job offer of suitable work, are unable to work due to a physical disability, are directly influenced by a labor dispute at their place of employment, are fired by their employer for misconduct, or have committed fraud to obtain benefits.

• How can a company in Honolulu prevent whistleblower allegations from their employees?

  Honolulu companies can prevent whistleblower claims by tightening their compliance standards in the first place. They can also avoid whistleblower suits by being proactive, for example, by undertaking their own investigation if a report of misconduct is made. If a situation cannot be handled, the company can speak with an employment lawyer who can assist with internal investigations and court hearings.

• Can you sue your employer in Honolulu for wrongful termination if they created a situation that led to your resignation?

  Yes. If your employer in Honolulu created a hostile or unjust work environment that forced you to resign from your position, it might be considered "constructive termination," and you can sue them for wrongful termination. It is advisable to seek the assistance of an employment lawyer in Honolulu because you only have 30 days to file a claim against your employer. Your case will be disregarded if you fail to meet this deadline.

• If you've been approved for unemployment insurance benefits in Honolulu but are continuing to work freelance jobs, will the money you make from your side jobs impact the amount of the unemployment insurance benefits you'll receive?

  Yes. Any earnings you make while working in Honolulu that do not go over the cap of your unemployment insurance weekly benefit can reduce the payments you will receive. Every time you certify your weekly benefits with the state unemployment office, you must include your earnings from your side job otherwise you may be charged with unemployment insurance fraud.

• How long must a company in Honolulu preserve payroll records?

  Honolulu employers are required to preserve records for a minimum of six years. The employee's name, residential address, occupation, social security number, pay rate, and hours worked each day must all be included in the employer's records. The payroll data must also include the employee's date of payment, total straight time and overtime pay, additions and deductions from wages, total wages paid each pay period, date of hire, and date of termination.

• 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.