Best Employment Lawyers in Overland Park, KS

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Overland Park, Kansas?

  To reach the Overland Park Police Department, you can call (913) 895-6300.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Overland Park, Kansas?

  To obtain a police report from the Overland Park Police Department, you can call the office at (913) 327-6881 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and wait for further instructions.

• Are there any forms of workplace discrimination in Overland Park that are not commonly known?

  Yes, there are other forms of workplace discrimination apart from the common ones we hear about, such as gender, religion, age, race, and disability. Some workers in Overland Park may not be aware that they can invoke laws that protect them from discrimination against their genetic information (for example, your employer conducting a search of your family's medical condition and history), military status, and national origin.

• If Overland Park follows Kansas' at-will employment doctrine, can you be fired for any reason at all?

  This is not quite true. While "at-will employment" does mean that you can get dismissed at any time as an employee, it does not allow your employer to fire you for reasons that are considered illegal. These include firing you based on your gender identity, race, and religion or for whistleblowing. If you find yourself in this situation, your best bet is to find an employment lawyer in Overland Park who can represent you through the ordeal.

• If you're an at-will employee in Overland Park, does this mean you can also leave your job at any time?

  Yes, you can. As an at-will employee, you don't have to submit a two-week notice when resigning or give a good reason for your departure to your employer. However, working under an at-will arrangement can leave employees in Overland Park vulnerable to sudden cutbacks in pay and benefits or put them at risk of getting fired without warning.

• How do you file a whistleblower claim in Overland Park?

  To begin the process, it would be in your best interest to contact an attorney in Overland Park who can help determine if you have a case. If you do, they will help you file a claim which must be done within two years of the retaliatory act. You also have the option to go to the Kansas Human Rights Commission within six months of the incident.

• Can children in Overland Park be legally employed?

  Yes, this is possible, but they must be at least 14 years old in order to work. Some exceptions apply to children employed by their own parents or child actors. Furthermore, children in Overland Park under 16 years are allowed to work for up to 3 hours on a school day or 8 hours on a non-school day.

• 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.