Best Employment Lawyers in Fort Wayne, IN

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Fort Wayne, Indiana?

  Individuals with non-emergency concerns can contact the Fort Wayne Police Department at 260-427-1222.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Fort Wayne, Indiana?

  If you need a copy of the police report related to your case in Fort Wayne, you can visit the Police Desk of the Fort Wayne Police Department at 1 E. Main Street, Suite 108, Fort Wayne, IN 46802, in person. Please note that a valid ID is required to obtain the report. If you have any questions, you can contact the department at 260-427-1222 or 260-427-1340.

• What is the current minimum wage in Fort Wayne?

  As per federal regulations, the minimum wage rate in Fort Wayne is set at $7.25 per hour. For workers who earn tips, their minimum wage is $2.13. However, their employer must guarantee that the combined total of tips and compensation meets the standard minimum wage. Employers must also comply with the rules for tip distribution and pooling.

• What type of leave benefits must employers in Fort Wayne provide to their employees?

  Employers in Fort Wayne are not required by law to offer paid or unpaid leave benefits, such as vacation, sick, holiday, or voting leave. However, if offered, the employer must comply with the terms outlined in the employment contract or leave policy. Employers must allow time off for jury duty and may not take adverse action against employees for fulfilling this obligation. There is no requirement for employers to pay employees for jury duty or grant leave for voting.

• Under what circumstances may a termination in Fort Wayne be considered unlawful?

  A termination in Fort Wayne may be considered unlawful if it involves breaches of good faith, violations of public policy, discrimination, retaliation, defamation, fraud, or violations of written or implied promises. Even in at-will employment, Fort Wayne employees have certain termination rights. If an individual believes their termination was wrongful, they should promptly contact an experienced employment law attorney, as there are time limits for filing a claim.

• What are the regulations for displaying employment and labor posters in Fort Wayne?

  Fort Wayne employers must display state and federal labor and employment posters in a prominent location where workers can easily view and read them. The necessary posters will vary depending on the presence of disabled workers or minors, the primary language used, the number of employees, and the type of business. It is crucial for employers to confirm they are adhering to all relevant labor laws. Neglecting to display the required posters could result in penalties and fines.

• What protections are in place for pregnant and nursing employees in Fort Wayne?

  Expectant and nursing mothers in Fort Wayne have been protected from discrimination by federal law since 1978, with recent amendments providing additional protection. Discrimination can occur during the hiring process or after returning to work. Interviewers are prohibited from inquiring about pregnancy or parenting plans, and employers must provide a private and sanitary area for new mothers to express breast milk. Individuals may consult with a legal expert if they believe they are experiencing discrimination in the workplace.

• 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.