Best Employment Lawyers in Surprise

FAQs

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

  623-222-4000 is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Surprise.

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

  To obtain police reports related to your case, use the city of Surprise's GovQA system. Visit their website, create an account if needed, and submit a public records request with relevant details. GovQA simplifies the process and centralizes public records requests for various departments in Surprise. Contact the city clerk's office at 623.222.1200 or clerk@surpriseaz.gov for assistance or inquiries.

  GovQA: https://surpriseaz.govqa.us/WEBAPP/_rs/(S(bfrj35l3j2mqicfldmuzgttx))/supporthome.aspx

• How do you file a discrimination claim in Surprise?

  To file a discrimination claim in Surprise, employees should first notify the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and submit a complaint. The EEOC reviews the claim and issues a dismissal and notice of rights or a notice of right to sue. Settlement negotiations can take place if a right to sue is granted. Consulting an employment attorney is advised due to the complexity of employment law cases.

• Do salaried workers in Surprise receive overtime pay exemptions?

  No, receiving a salary or holding a prestigious job title in Surprise does not automatically exclude employees from receiving overtime pay. Even individuals like file clerks, secretaries, or receptionists who receive a salary may still qualify as non-exempt and be entitled to overtime compensation. The crucial determinant for exemption lies in whether the job responsibilities align with the criteria set forth by wage and hour laws established by the FLSA, regardless of job titles or salaries.

• Do employers in Surprise have the ability to terminate employees for any reason?

  Yes, under at-will employment laws in Surprise, employers generally have the ability to terminate employees for any reason as long as it does not violate applicable civil rights or employment laws. However, certain exceptions exist, such as termination based on whistleblowing, discrimination, collecting workers' compensation, or using qualified unpaid leave, which are prohibited by federal, state, and local employment laws. Violating these regulations may result in penalties, investigations, and potential legal action against the employer.

• What is the minimum wage in Surprise?

  The minimum wage in Surprise has different rates for specific categories of workers. Employees under 20 years of age can be paid a training wage of $4.25 per hour for the first 90 days. Full-time students working part-time may receive 85% of the minimum wage, potentially as low as $11.77 per hour. Tipped employees must earn at least $13.85 per hour, including tips. It's important to stay informed about any updates to these rates and exemptions.

• How long do you have to file a retaliation claim in Surprise?

  In Surprise, the time limits for filing a retaliation claim vary depending on the type of claim. For wrongful termination lawsuits under the Employment Protection Act, a claim must be filed within one year of the retaliatory action. Discrimination complaints with the Arizona Civil Rights Division must be filed within 180 days, while occupational safety and health complaints must be filed within 30 days. Pesticide control complaints, on the other hand, must be filed within 180 days.

• 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.