Best Employment Lawyers Fall River, MA

Fall River, MA Employment FAQs

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

  The Fall River Police Department can be reached at (508) 676-8511 for non-emergency concerns.

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

  To get a police report copy, submit a written request to the Fall River Police Department. You can also mail or email the request using the addresses below.

  Mailing Address: Fall River Police Department C/O Records Access Officer 685 Pleasant St. Fall River, Massachusetts 02721-4305

  Email Address: publicrecords@frpd.org

  You should get a response in 10 working days. Note that the report copy will be sent in electronic format unless the requested is unable to access or receive electronic files. A paper copy in black and white typically cost $0.05, except for accident reports which cost $5. For assistance, you can reach Records Access Officers at (508) 676-8511 ext. 134 and 135.

• What types of wage deductions are considered illegal in Fall River?

  Illegal payroll deductions are items that are for the employer’s benefit. If you received a deduction for any of the items below at your Fall River work, you may have a Wage Act claim:

  • Background checking
  • Drug and alcohol testing
  • Physical and medical examination
  • Cash register loss, machinery or employer goods breakage
  • Protective or safety clothing and equipment
  • Gratuities
  • Uniforms (if you didn’t sign and uniform deposit waiver)
  • Applicant or employee photography

• Is it legal to make employees work on meal breaks in Fall River?

  Meal breaks should be completely off-duty and allow the employee to step out of the workplace if they choose. Employees in Fall River working at least six hours are entitled to a meal break minimum of 30 minutes. If your employer asks you to work on a meal break, you should be compensated for it.

• Can you use your earned sick leave to take care of family members in Fall River?

  Yes, because Massachusetts General Laws Section 148C a.k.a. Massachusetts Sick Time Law allows Fall River employees to use sick time leaves for the following reasons:

  • Care for their own illness
  • Care for a family member’s illness
  • Go to their own or their family member’s medical appointments
  • Address the effects of domestic violence

  This law covers physical and mental conditions, injuries, and conditions requiring home care. Family members included are the employee’s spouse, children, parents, and the parents of the spouse.

• Is earned sick time paid or unpaid in Fall River?

  It depends on the number of employees in the establishment. “Employees” include full-time, part-time, and temporary workers. If the Fall River employer has over 10 employees, those employees are entitled to 40 hours of paid sick time each year. Meanwhile, if there are only 10 or fewer employees, the employees are still entitled to 40 hours of sick time yearly but unpaid.

• Can you sue your employer directly for wage and hour violations like unpaid wages in Fall River?

  You must first file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Office and indicate that you seek a “private right of action.“ You should receive permission from AGO for the right to sue privately in four weeks. For lawsuits worth $7,000, you can file with the Small Claims Court. Meanwhile, if your unpaid wages amount to $50,000, you can sue the Fall River employer in District Court. Lawsuits involving unpaid wages over $50,000 are filed with the Superior Court.