Best Employment Lawyers in Wichita, KS

FAQs

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

  Call the Office of the Chief of Police at (316) 268-4158 in case of non-emergencies in Wichita.

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

  Walk-in requests are accommodated by The Records Bureau at the police station from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Go to the Wichita Police Department at 455 N Main, 5th Floor, Wichita, KS 67202. Requests can also be phoned in at (316) 268-4186.

• What can employment lawyers do for employees in Wichita?

  Employment lawyers can represent employees in Wichita in the negotiation of settlements and litigation of cases involving race discrimination, sexual harassment, and unpaid wages. They can also help employees seek compensation for wrongdoing committed against them and these can be for back pay, punitive damages, and compensatory damages. They prepare strategies to pursue the favorable resolution of severance agreement disputes, employment contract breaches, and retaliation cases.

• What can you do if your employer in Wichita has not paid your wages?

  Fill out the Claim for Wages form (K-ESLR 105) and send it by mail addressed to the Kansas Department of Labor, Employment Standards, 401 SW Topeka Blvd., Topeka, KS 66603-3182. Your claim will be reviewed, and a labor conciliator will get in touch with you if they have concerns. Once the review is completed, your employer in Wichita will be notified and has to provide a response in 14 days. Call the Employment Standards at 785-296-5000 ext. 1068 if you have queries about this process.

• What happens after a complaint has been taken to the Kansas Human Rights Commission for a discrimination case in Wichita?

  Once the complaint has been fully reviewed, the Kansas Human Rights Commission offers a mediation program to resolve the discrimination case in Wichita. The voluntary program will be handled by Kansas Legal Services. When the mediation fails or if either party declines mediation, the complaint will proceed to a full investigation. For more information, call 1-888-793-6874 or send an email to khrc@ink.org. The Kansas Human Rights Commission has its office at 900 S.W. Jackson, Suite 568S Topeka, Kansas 66612-1258.

• How can public policy affect at-will employment laws in a wrongful termination case in Wichita?

  An employer cannot terminate an employee under at-will employment if it violates public policy. These can be a Wichita employee exercising their rights by filing a claim, refusing to take part in illegal activity, and disclosing a violation. Some of the public policy exemptions also include an employee joining organized union activities or completing jury duty.

• Are private employers in Wichita required to provide holiday leave?

  No. State laws do not require private employers to provide employees with either paid or unpaid holiday leave. Employers in Wichita are even allowed to require employees to work during holidays without paying the premium pay. However, they still need to follow standard overtime laws when work is rendered on holidays. They also need to follow the policy on leave pay stipulated in an employment contract or company handbook.

• 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.