Best Employment Lawyers in Atlanta, GA

FAQs

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

  For non-emergencies in Atlanta, contact the police at 404-658-6666.

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

  Pick up reports at the Central Records in the Atlanta Public Safety Annex at 3493 Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy, N.W. in Atlanta. Applicable hours are between 8:30 AM and 2:30 PM. Should you have questions about obtaining police reports, contact Central Records at (404) 546-7461.

• What kinds of questions should you ask an employment lawyer in Atlanta during the first meeting?

  During your first meeting with an employment lawyer in Atlanta, you should ask them how many years of experience they have in handling cases similar to yours. You should also inquire how many lawyers or staff will be checking on your case or what kind of documentation is needed to properly evaluate your case. Additionally, ask the lawyer what are the possible outcomes of your case and your legal options.

• Can military service affect the retirement plan benefits of someone currently employed in Atlanta?

  Not really. Under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), an Atlanta employee's period of military service is considered a continuous counted service with the employer. Regardless of the retirement plan type the service member has, these returning employees are treated as continuously employed in the company. However, the accrued benefits reemployed members are entitled to depend on the extent of their contributions to the retirement plan.

• Can an employee in Atlanta be forced to agree that overtime work will not be paid?

  No. There will be no agreement between employees and employers in Atlanta that will violate Fair Labor Standards Act. Therefore, any employee entitled to overtime pay must be paid accordingly. FLSA laws state that employers are required to pay their employees overtime for work exceeding 40 hours per week.

• What does it mean when an Atlanta employer who recently hired you says that you need to complete a W-9 form?

  If an employer in Atlanta asks you to fill out a W-9 form, it means you will be paying taxes on your own and are probably being hired as an independent contractor. The W-9 or Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification Form is usually the document asked from independent contractors to confirm their TINs. Employees will generally be asked to complete a W-2 form as a means to report their salary and wage information to the IRS.

• What can an employee do if their last pay has not been released by their employer in Atlanta?

  You may file a claim with the DOL Wage and Hour Division Office in Atlanta. The WHD Office is located at 61 Forsyth Street, SW Room 7M10 in Atlanta. It can be reached by phone at (678) 237-0525 or 1-866-487-9243. A faster method of getting your last pay is to file a claim at the small claims court of the county where your employer is based. The Small Claims Court of Fulton County is at 185 Central Avenue, Suite TG-100, Atlanta, GA 30303.

• 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.