Best Employment Lawyers in Carmel

FAQs

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

  317-773-1282 is the non-emergency dispatch line in Carmel.

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

  Police and public records are available from the Carmel City Hall at One Civic Square, Carmel, IN 46032. Requests must be formally filed online first using the form at https://forms.carmel.in.gov/Forms/RFI.

• Is it advisable to resort to litigation against a difficult employer in Carmel?

  Yes, because while arbitration in Carmel is a permissible and theoretically cheaper method of dispute resolution, it is possible that the private arbitral body is more sympathetic to the employer, and there is no jury to fall back on. On the other hand, there are times when the odds are in the employee's favor, like when the company is insolvent.

• May a private educational institution in Carmel pay male teachers more than equally ranked females on the basis that the former is a breadwinner?

  No, a private educational institution in Carmel may not pay male teachers more than equally-ranked females on the basis that the former is a breadwinner. The Equal Pay Act mandates that employees who perform the same kind and quantity of work must be paid equally regardless of external factors like gender or sex.

• May an employer in Carmel refuse to promote an employee on the basis that the latter is a single woman and might be a gold digger seeking a rich officemate and an early retirement?

  No, an employer in Carmel may not refuse to promote an employee on the basis that the latter is a single woman and might be looking to date a coworker for financial gain. This is a form of discrimination based on marital status, and at any rate, there is no law that forbids someone from simply harboring personal ambitions.

• Is it wise to consult with a lawyer in Carmel before signing an employment contract?

  It is advisable to speak with a Carmel lawyer before signing an employment contract, yes. Most employees just read the contract's terms and conditions pertaining to pay and hours. The arbitration and dispute resolution clauses, however, are actually just as important, and a lawyer can help ensure that they do not favor one side over another.

• What are the pros and cons of having an employee handbook in Carmel?

  An employee handbook in Carmel works to clearly define the desired conduct and obligations to be met by employees and employers when it comes to matters like wages and hours. But they must be revised periodically by skilled lawyers whenever new legislation or case law arrives that would invalidate any of the entries in the document.

• 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.