Best Employment Lawyers in Largo

FAQs

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

  727-587-6730 is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Largo.

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

  If you want to get a copy of a Largo police report, you can either visit or write to the police department. The Records Division of the Largo Police Department can be contacted at (727) 587-6717. To receive the report by mail, enclose a self-addressed envelope that bears postage, as well as a stamp, to enable the return of the report. You won't be charged any fee for reports that are under four pages.

• Who is eligible for FMLA leave in Largo?

  In Largo, employees who have worked for their employer for at least a year and have completed a minimum of 1,250 hours within the past year are eligible for FMLA. The Family and Medical Leave Act allows eligible employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for specific reasons, including the employee's serious health condition, caring for a newborn or newly adopted child, or providing foster care for a child. Employees can also take FMLA leave to care for a family member.

• What are some legitimate reasons for an employer to terminate an employee in Largo?

  In Largo, an employer can lawfully terminate an employee without notice for various justifiable reasons, such as being absent or late without an excuse, insubordination, failing to meet deadlines or producing subpar work, or having a negative attitude. As long as the termination does not breach laws that safeguard employees from retaliation or discrimination, an employer in an "at-will" state like Florida has the freedom to dismiss an employee at their discretion.

• What should you do if your employer in Largo is not paying you your wages or overtime?

  In case your employer in Largo is not paying you wages or overtime, you can choose to file a claim with the Department of Labor. Even so, it's crucial to consider that the department may not succeed in obtaining all the remuneration owed to you. Alternatively, seeking legal assistance from an attorney can help you recover your unpaid wages and overtime. Keeping records of your working hours and pay can help support your claim and increase your chances of receiving full compensation.

• How much will it cost to hire an employment lawyer in Largo?

  The typical cost to hire an employment lawyer in Largo would be around $335 per hour. However, this is just an average, and the actual cost could vary depending on the specific circumstances of your case and the attorney you choose to work with. It's always a good idea to discuss the costs and fees upfront with any potential lawyer to ensure that you fully understand the costs involved.

• Does employment discrimination extend to the hiring process in Largo?

  Yes, Largo's laws against workplace discrimination cover the hiring and employment decision-making process. Florida's employment laws prohibit employers with 15 or more employees, labor organizations, employment agencies, and joint labor-management committees from engaging in discriminatory practices. The purpose of these laws is to ensure that applicants are judged based solely on their qualifications and abilities rather than irrelevant factors such as age, gender, or 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.