Best Employment Lawyers in Kansas City

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency phone number of the Kansas City Police Department is 913-596-3000.

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

  You may request a copy of a Kansas City police report online via https://www.kcpd.org/about/services/report-and-video-requests/.

• What are the types of cases that Kansas City employment lawyers handle?

  Employment lawyers in Kansas City handle a wide variety of cases to help employees assert their rights against opportunistic employers, including wrongful termination, retaliation, wage and hour violations, sexual harassment, and FMLA violations. They also offer legal representation to employees who faced discrimination for their race, gender, age, national origin, or religion in the workplace.

• Can you get fired for complaining about workplace discrimination in Kansas City?

  It is unlawful for your Kansas City employer to terminate your employment because you made a complaint about experiencing discrimination in the workplace. If you got fired for bringing forth a discrimination complaint against your employer, you can file a claim for retaliatory discharge. Keep in mind that you must bring your case within six months from the date of the incident.

• What is the maximum number of hours per day your employer can make you work in Kansas City?

  Technically, Kansas City employers are allowed to make their employees of legal age work for up to 24 hours per day. However, if you are under 16 years of age, your employer cannot make you work more than eight hours on a non-school day and more than three hours on a school day.

• When are you entitled to overtime pay from your employer in Kansas City?

  According to Kansas State laws, you are entitled to receive overtime pay from your employer in Kansas City once you have worked 46 hours in a single week. Meanwhile, federal law requires your employer to pay you for overtime work once you’ve rendered 40 hours within one week. To find out whether federal or state overtime laws apply to your workplace, you may contact the Federal Wage and Hour Division of the Kansas Department of Labor at 913-551-5721.

• Does sexual harassment in the workplace have to be physical for you to be able to take legal action in Kansas City?

  Sexual harassment in the workplace does not have to be physical for you to be able to take legal action in Kansas City. It could be verbal, which comes in the form of lewd comments or even just comments on your sex or gender. Sexual harassment can also be nonverbal, such as unwelcome gawking or staring, or the posting of inappropriate images or statements in the workplace.

• 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.