Best Employment Lawyers in New Orleans, LA

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency contact number for the New Orleans Police Department is 504-821-2222.

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

  You can secure a copy of a police report by submitting a public records request to the City of New Orleans using this link: nola.nextrequest.com. Another option is to submit your request form in person at the Records and Identification Division of the New Orleans Police Department, located at 715 S Broad St, New Orleans, LA 70119.

• What are the signs or indications that you have encountered discrimination in your workplace in New Orleans?

  Workplace discrimination can manifest in various ways, such as being overlooked for employment or advancement opportunities, receiving reduced compensation or benefits, experiencing harassment or an unwelcoming work environment, or being terminated or demoted due to discriminatory motives. If you have reason to believe that you have been the victim of discrimination, it is critical to document any evidence and speak with a skilled New Orleans employment lawyer who can advise you on your legal rights and help you build a compelling case.

• If you win workplace discrimination case in New Orleans, what benefits or compensation are you eligible to receive?

  In New Orleans, if you succeed in a workplace discrimination lawsuit, you could receive different forms of compensation, such as past wages, future wages, monetary compensation for emotional suffering, and punitive damages intended to penalize the employer for their discriminatory actions. The circumstances of your case will determine the precise damages you are eligible to receive.

• Is is possible to take legal action against your employer in New Orleans for unjust termination?

  In general, an employer can terminate an employee without good reason, even if it appears unjust. Nonetheless, if an employee suspects that their firing was based on factors such as age, race, gender, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation, they may have grounds for a wrongful termination lawsuit. For example, an older worker in New Orleans who was fired for violating a policy that younger workers often break without consequences could have a strong case of age discrimination. If an employee is punished for reporting a company's legal violation, it is also considered a valid reason to sue for wrongful termination.

• What are some examples of sexual harassment that occur in New Orleans workplaces?

  Sexual harassment in New Orleans workplaces can take many forms beyond the stereotypical scenario of a male supervisor making explicit comments to a female employee. It can also include sending explicit material to others via email or text, telling inappropriate jokes or stories, using explicit language, making inappropriate physical contact with others, making sounds that target someone's gender, asking inappropriate questions about someone's gender or sexual preferences, and making fun of someone's appearance or gender.

• In what scenarios should an employee in New Orleans think about hiring a lawyer?

  An employee in New Orleans should consider contacting an employment lawyer if they are fired unfairly, not paid properly, harassed, discriminated against due to their membership in a protected class, retaliated against for exercising their rights, pressured to sign away their rights, or denied benefits they are entitled to. Employers in New Orleans may also benefit from consulting with an employment attorney who can advise on employment decisions, analyze contracts and employee handbooks, and represent them in court or administrative hearings.

• 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.