Best Employment Lawyers in Brockton, MA

FAQs

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

  (508) 941-0200 is the non-emergency contact number of the Brockton Police Department.

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

  You can get a copy of your police report at the Brockton Police Department. You can contact its Record Division at (508) 941-0208.

• What is the statute of limitations for wrongful termination claims in Brockton?

  If you believe you were unlawfully fired in Brockton, you have 300 days from the day you were unjustly fired by your employer to submit a claim with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. You must also provide convincing proof that your employer fired you improperly.

• What kinds of damages are you entitled to for wrongful termination in Brockton?

  Employees and workers in Brockton, Massachusetts are entitled to receive compensatory damages for wrongful termination, including economic and non-economic damages, including back and front payments, attorney's fees, emotional distress, and punitive damages. Examples of wrongful termination include terminating an employee for refusing to engage in illegal activities.

• How long do you have to file a breach of contract employment claim in Brockton?

  According to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 260, § 2, you generally have six years from the date the contract was broken to file a breach of contract claim in Brockton. If you fail to file a claim on time, you may lose your right to recover compensation, such as wage and employment benefits. Some agreements or contracts may have a 20-year statute of limitations such as bank-issued notes of debt, promissory notes signed before a witness, and expenses owed by inmates in prison.

• What is the statute of limitations for unpaid wages in Brockton?

  Generally, the statute of limitations for unpaid wages in Brockton is three years. Failure to file a claim before the deadline means that you will no longer be able to sue your employer and get employment and compensation benefits. The three-year window for filing a lawsuit following a violation does not include the time you have to wait for the Attorney General's Office to respond to the complaint.

• Can I still recover compensation if I don't have a written contract in Brockton?

  You can still recover wage and hour benefits if you don't have a written contract in Brockton. A verbal agreement between an employee and an employer is considered a valid contract and is just as enforceable as a written contract. Under Massachusetts employment law, you have six years after the contract was broken to file a breach of oral contract claim in Brockton.

• 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.