Best Employment Lawyers in Colorado Springs, CO

FAQs

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

  To reach the Colorado Springs Police Department, call (719) 444-7000.

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

  To obtain a police report from the Colorado Springs Police Department, click the link below to sign in or register (if you still don't have an account).

  https://tinyurl.com/p2tk46jm

  Please be informed that the basic cost of a report is $7.50 and may increase based on the size of the record and the time it took to process the request.

  You can also call (719) 444-7463 for more information.

• What are examples of damages that you can win in an employment case in Colorado Springs?

  An individual can hope to receive the following damages in a Colorado Springs employment case:

  • Positive changes in the workplace environment, which include the improvement of working conditions and the implementation of sanctions for discriminatory behavior.
  • Reinstatement to their previous position.
  • Financial compensation for pain and suffering, lost wages, and missed promotions.
  • Back pay and/or benefits.
  • Punitive damages, if the court deems it applicable.

• How do you know if you're eligible for medical leave in Colorado Springs?

  The Family and Medical Leave Act protects employees in Colorado Springs from getting sanctioned at work for taking a leave of absence because of an illness or a sick family member. You become eligible if:

  • You work with at least 50 employees
  • You have worked a minimum of 1,250 hours under the same employer within the last year
  • You have been employed for at least 12 months by your employer.

• Are salaried individuals in Colorado Springs exempt from overtime pay?

  This is not true all the time. If your employer specifies that you can work for more than 40 hours per week, this means that you are entitled to receive additional pay for hours in excess of 8 hours a day based on one and one-half times your regular hourly rate. The employees who are exempt from this are the managers, high-level administrators, executives, and professionals in certain industries.

• How much is a tipped minimum wage in Colorado Springs?

  The tipped employee minimum wage as of January 1, 2023, is at $10.63. Employers in Colorado Springs who are covered by the federal and state minimum wage laws must pay their employees that amount in compliance. In the event that the employee's tips combined with the wage they receive from their employer do not equal the minimum hourly wage, then their employer must make up the difference.

• Can you be fired at any time in Colorado Springs?

  Colorado Springs follows the state's "At-Will Employment" which means that an employer can dismiss an employee at any given time. However, this does not mean that they can terminate employment because of race, age, gender identity, etc. An employee who was fired for reasons that are discriminatory in nature are encouraged to seek the legal aid of an attorney who can help them seek justice or restitution.

• 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.