Best Employment Lawyers in Fort Collins, CO

FAQs

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

  Fort Collins Police Services takes non-emergency calls at 970-419-3273.

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

  Records requests in Fort Collins are made online at https://fortcollinspoliceco.justfoia.com/publicportal/home/newrequest. You may contact 970-221-6540 for inquiries and assistance.

• Do employment disputes in Fort Collins have to be resolved using litigation?

  Not necessarily. Employment disputes in Fort Collins do not always have to be resolved by way of litigation. The employer may impose grievance procedures in the employee manual, and contracts may have provisions calling for alternative dispute resolution methods. These range from arbitration to mediation and can cover wage claims, overtime disagreements, and discrimination matters.

• May a female educator in Fort Collins of equal rank to a male counterpart receive less pay under the pretense that males are natural breadwinners and deserve more?

  No, a female educator in Fort Collins who is of equal rank to a male counterpart may not receive less pay under the pretense that males are natural breadwinners and deserve more. This is a form of employment discrimination based on gender or sex. The rule is that there should be no difference in pay for the same amount and kind of work.

• What kinds of evidence are useful in proving workplace discrimination in Fort Collins?

  The kinds of evidence useful in proving workplace discrimination in Fort Collins include witness statements from those who saw the unlawful actions firsthand. Taking depositions is key to preserving the testimonies and refreshing the memory of individuals right before taking the stand. Documents like emails and printed communications are also useful.

• Why is it wise to get a lawyer in Fort Collins to review an employment contract?

  Getting a lawyer in Fort Collins to review documents like an employment contract is wise because they are rife with tricky clauses and provisions such as non-solicitation and non-compete statements. The written words may also serve to waive rights and privileges as established under law, like that to a jury trial in favor of arbitration.

• May a worker who is 35 claim that he is being discriminated against for age reasons in Fort Collins if a co-worker who is 25 apparently receives better treatment?

  No, a worker who is 35 cannot claim that he is being discriminated against for age reasons in Fort Collins if a co-worker who is 25 receives better treatment. Age discrimination laws in the workplace do not apply until the supposed victim reaches the age of 40. Since the claimant here is only 35, he needs to look for another basis to claim bias, like race.

• 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.