Best Employment Lawyers in Lake Charles

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Lake Charles, Louisiana?

  Call 337-491-1456 to report non-emergencies to the local police station in Lake Charles.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Lake Charles, Louisiana?

  Get a copy of the police report for an employment-related case in Lake Charles at the headquarters located at 830 Enterprise Blvd. It is open on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Requests may also be made by to the following postal code: LA 70601. Call the Records Division at 337-491-1456 ext. 5927 to get incident reports related to a crime.

• Are new employees required to undergo drug testing before employment in Lake Charles?

  No, employees are generally not required to undergo drug testing before employment in Lake Charles. However, there are exemptions for employees of organizations or businesses that receive government grants amounting to at least $100,000. Individuals who work in industries that prioritize safety and security such as transportation and the coast guard may be subject to mandatory drug testing.

• What should a driver in Lake Charles who tests positive for drugs do?

  If drivers in Lake Charles test positive for drugs and the test result is promptly issued, they have the option to undergo a second test immediately. If the second test comes back negative, it suggests there might have been errors during the initial assessment and any sanctions imposed may be invalidated. However, it is important for individuals to review their contracts and understand the potential repercussions of such misconduct. They may also seek assistance from their union or attorney.

• When are people with disabilities required to undergo a medical examination for employment purposes in Lake Charles?

  People with disabilities may be required to undergo a medical examination for employment purposes in Lake Charles if they have been offered the job or if it is a requirement for all employees. They may also be obliged if an assessment is necessary for the employer's business needs. If none of these conditions applies, individuals should not agree to any requests for a medical examination.

• What is the duration of maternity leave allowed in Lake Charles?

  The duration of maternity leaves allowed in Lake Charles depends on the company size. Mothers working in a company with more than 25 employees are permitted to have a maximum of six weeks of disability leave if they are pregnant or have given normal birth. If they experience health issues related to childbirth, they may be eligible for up to four months of leave. Individuals employed in a company with a minimum of 50 employees may take at least 20 weeks of leave.

• Are employers in Lake Charles allowed to fire a pregnant employee who chooses to have an abortion?

  No, employers in Lake Charles are not allowed to fire a pregnant employee who chooses to have an abortion. If such an act occurs, the employee has the right to pursue legal action against the employer for discrimination. Additionally, the Louisiana Pregnancy Discrimination Act prohibits employers from pressuring or forcing pregnant women to undergo an abortion.

• 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.