Best Employment Lawyers in Jacksonville, FL

FAQs

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

  The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office can be reached at 904-630-0500 for non-emergencies.

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

  Requests can be made by calling 904-630-2209 or sending mail to Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, Attn: Public Records Unit, 501 E. Bay St., Jacksonville, FL 32202. Copies of police reports can be picked up in person at the Police Memorial Building at 501 E. Bay St. or at one of the six JSO substations. These can also be obtained using the online portal Jacksonville Sheriff's Office Public Records Center.

• What do employment lawyers in Jacksonville do for workers?

  Employment lawyers represent Jacksonville employees in taking action against their employer. Legal actions can be for claims involving wrongful termination, harassment, unpaid wages, and contract disputes. These lawyers take employee complaints before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. They handle cases regarding violations of OSHA, ADEA, FMLA, ADA, FSLA, and Title VII.

• Can an employer in Jacksonville fire an employee at will?

  Presumably, yes. Under state laws, employment in Jacksonville is presumed to be "at will." An employer or employee may terminate the employment for little to no reason or warning unless there is a contract stating otherwise. "At will" employment also implies that an employer can decide the employee's salary, benefits, hour adjustment, and position without providing any reason. However, an employer is prohibited to take employment action that violates state and federal laws on retaliation and discrimination.

• How do you prove pay discrimination in a Jacksonville workplace?

  Discuss with your co-workers in Jacksonville matters about salary. Gather data and check if the salary is commensurate to experience, job tasks, seniority, and education. With the data, see if there are differences when it comes to race, national origin, age, and gender. There may be a clear indication of pay discrimination if groups of employees who share the said same characteristics have less pay than those who do not. Document the evidence by saving emails, social media posts, and pay slips.

• What can you do if you have been wrongfully terminated by an employer in Jacksonville?

  Consult an employment lawyer in Jacksonville. Gather documentation about your wrongful termination case and this can be emails, computer files, and text messages. Try to write down details of events in the workplace because it will help you find any pattern of unlawful action from your employer. See if you may be able to file a complaint to the EEOC. Work with a lawyer who may be able to help get your job back or pursue compensation on your behalf.

• Where can you get assistance on affordable lawyer's fees for an employment case in Jacksonville?

  Call the Jacksonville Area Legal Aid (JALA) for assistance on your employment case. The JALA provides free consultations and connects you to lawyers that offer services on a sliding scale basis. To check if you can be eligible, call (904) 356-8371 or visit its downtown Jacksonville office at 126 W. Adams St. If you have a disability and need accommodations, notify the ADA Coordinator of your request at least five days in advance. The number is 904-356-8371 ext. 357 and the email address is Krista.Burby@jaxlegalaid.org.

• 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.