Best Employment Lawyers in Annapolis, MD

FAQs

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

  The citizens of Annapolis can report non-emergency cases to the local police by dialing 410-268-4141.

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

  Annapolis residents can obtain police reports by mail and in person. Interested parties may download the request form by visiting https://www.annapolis.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1077/Records-Request-Form---Police-PDF?bidId= and drop it by or mail it to the Annapolis Police Department.

  ATTN: Central Records 199 Taylor Avenue Annapolis, MD 21401

  For inquiries, requestors may call 410-268-9000.

• How long do Annapolis employees have to file an overtime pay claim?

  Employees in Annapolis have two years to process and file a case against their employers for unpaid overtime wages. The only reason an overtime pay claim can be extended up to three years is if the worker can prove that their employer had no intentions of paying them for overtime.

• What does the Equal Pay Act mean to workers in Annapolis?

  Under the Equal Pay Act, employees in Annapolis, both men and women, in the same workplace, with the same or substantially equal job responsibilities and roles, should receive the same amount of pay. This act covers various types of compensation, including income, overtime pay, stock options, bonuses, life insurance, and time-offs.

• How do employees in Annapolis know if they are experiencing sexual harassment by their employers?

  Identifying sexual harassment can be tricky unless it's obvious. A sexual harassment lawyer in Annapolis can help analyze or evaluate if a particular action or communication is sexual or not. Hugging or patting are some examples of gestures that can be sexual or nonsexual depending on the situation, and having a lawyer assist you can identify if you have a harassment case or not.

• What does it mean to be an at-will employee in Annapolis?

  Being an at-will worker in Annapolis means your employer can fire or terminate you at any time, with or without a cause or reason. An employee can also quit their job for any reason, anytime. Although the at-will employment rule may seem scary for a worker, they still have rights to exercise under state and federal laws.

• How long does it take to resolve an employment case in Annapolis?

  The time it takes to resolve an employment case in Annapolis depends on several factors, including the lawyers of both parties, your employer, and the court. It can also depend on the decision of both parties to settle or push through with the trial. Generally speaking, an employment case may take two to three years.

• 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.