Best Employment Lawyers in Westminster, CO

FAQs

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

  You can contact the Westminster Police Department for non-emergency matters at 303-658-4360.

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

  To obtain copies of police reports in Westminster, you have two options. First, you can visit the Records Section of the Westminster Public Safety Center located at 9110 Yates Street and file your request. Alternatively, you can submit a written request to the same address.

  Westminster Police Department Attn: Records Section 9110 Yates Street Westminster, CO 80031

• Who are eligible to apply for unemployment benefits in Westminster?

  In Westminster, individuals not fully employed or earning below the weekly unemployment compensation threshold can apply for unemployment benefits. The upper limit per claim is determined by the lesser of two factors: 26 times the weekly payout or a third of the total quarterly earnings for the base year. This system supports those working under 32 hours a week or those without jobs, ensuring financial assistance is available to those who need it.

• What should a staff manual or employee handbook detail in Westminster?

  In Westminster, a staff manual should detail the company's broad guidelines and anticipations for its personnel, indicating what employees can expect from their employer. According to the Department of Labor's interpretations of the FMLA, a business does not need to possess a staff manual. However, if a company does provide such a document, it must encompass a declaration of the firm's stance on FMLA leave.

• What law in Westminster protects whistleblowers?

  In Westminster, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's Title VII Equal Employment Opportunity law defends those who report wrongdoings. Moreover, the Whistleblower Protection Act was instituted to ensure employees participating in protected disclosure can do so without apprehension of retribution for exposing sensitive information. Both of these measures provide a supportive framework for whistleblowers, fostering honesty and ethical behavior in professional environments.

• Can an employer in Westminster require mandatory overtime from their employees?

  Yes, employers in Westminster have the right to insist on compulsory overtime from their workforce. The Fair Labor Standards Act permits employers to require extra hours from anyone aged 16 or over. This legislation also empowers companies to discipline or even terminate an employee who declines to render overtime work. Nevertheless, the employer must suitably compensate the employee by state and federal regulations.

• Are employees in Westminster legally allowed to discuss their wages?

  Yes, employees in Westminster are legally allowed to discuss their wages. Employers are prohibited from retaliating against staff members who share details about their remuneration. Dismissal due to such discourse is a violation of federal law. If an individual is let go for discussing earnings with colleagues, he or she has the right to lodge a complaint with the National Labor Relations Board.

• 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.