Best Employment Lawyers in Athens, GA

FAQs

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

  Dial (706) 613-3345 to report non-emergencies to the Athens-Clarke County Police Department.

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

  You can request a copy of a police report in Athens using the Online Open Records Center. You can also download a request form from the Online Open Records Center, complete the form, and submit it in person or by mail to the address below.

  Athens-Clarke County Police Administration Physical/Mailing Address: 3035 Lexington Road, Athens, GA 30605 Phone Number: (762) 400-7000 Fax Number: (706) 613-3348

  Online Open Records Center: https://accpd.govqa.us/WEBAPP/_rs/(S(syygafkviuyvr3fsrwotxm3h))/SupportHome.aspx

• What actions are considered workplace racial harassment in Athens, GA?

  Harassment can be physical or verbal conduct, including racial slurs, jokes that convey your race negatively, or derogatory comments about your race. A case of harassment can elevate into a case of hostile work environment if the harassment is pervasive or severe to the point that you are struggling to perform your work functions. It is advised that you consult an Athens employment lawyer and file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission if you are experiencing harassment.

• Can working mothers in Athens take breaks at work to pump milk for their babies?

  The Fair Labor Standards Act allows nursing mothers to take breaks from work whenever there is a need to pump milk. This accommodation also applies to teleworking mothers in Athens and should be available one year after the mother gives birth. The employer should also provide a private nursing space where other people cannot accidentally enter. The FLSA also indicates that nursing spaces should not be in bathrooms or comfort rooms.

• What circumstances allow Athens employees to take Family and Medical Leave?

  The Family and Medical Leave Act entitles eligible employees in Athens to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave in a one-year period for the following situations:

  • Birthing, fostering, or adopting a child
  • Caring for self in serious health situations, such as surgery or chemotherapy
  • Caring for an immediate family member with a serious health condition

• What constitutes workplace sexual harassment in Athens?

  The law categorizes workplace sexual harassment into two: hostile work environment sexual harassment and quid pro quo sexual harassment. The first type is when severe harassment creates an abusive environment that reduces the employee's work performance. Harassment may include sexual assault, jokes, touching, visuals, and unwelcome comments. Quid pro quo happens when the Athens employee suffers an adverse employment action like termination as a result of refusing sexual advances.

• What is the minimum wage for workers in Athens?

  The minimum wage in Athens is $5.15 per hour according to the Official Code of Georgia (§§ 34-4-1 — 34-4-6). This is applicable to employers with more than five workers. However, if the employer is also subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act, the employer should use the higher amount between the state and FLSA minimum wage. The minimum hourly wage under FLSA is $7.25.

• 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.