Best Employment Lawyers in New Bedford, MA

FAQs

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

  Call 508-991-6350 to report non-emergencies to the local police station in New Bedford.

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

  Get a copy of the police report for an employment-related case in New Bedford at the headquarters located at 871 Rockdale Ave. It is open on weekdays, except holidays, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Alternatively, you may visit https://policereports.lexisnexis.com/ui/home.

• Do employers in New Bedford have the right to fire people based on their social media posts?

  Yes, employers in New Bedford have the right to fire people based on their social media posts. This can occur if the post reveals trade secrets or infringes on copyright laws. However, employers are prohibited from terminating employees who discuss working conditions and raise concerns regarding unpaid wages, sexual harassment, and unsafe working environments in order to seek protection. Individuals who share such posts may be safeguarded under the National Labor Relations Act.

• What should an employee in New Bedford do if they are being threatened by their employer after exposing them?

  New Bedford employees being threatened by their employer after exposing them must record every detail of the incident. They have the option to approach the human resource department or consult a lawyer. Seeking legal representation can provide guidance on whether the situation qualifies as retaliation and has a strong chance of winning a legal case. In the event of a successful case, the employee may be able to recover lost wages, legal expenses, punitive damages, and compensation for mental suffering.

• Do managers in New Bedford have the right to receive overtime pay?

  Yes, managers in New Bedford have the right to receive overtime pay if their salary is under $684 per week. Even if their weekly salary exceeds this threshold, they may still be entitled to overtime pay if they perform tasks such as overseeing the entire business or a significant department, supervising at least two full-time employees, and having authority over employee status. Otherwise, the employer is not obligated to provide overtime pay and may only offer the regular weekly wage.

• What should employees in New Bedford do if they are not receiving overtime pay?

  If employees in New Bedford are not receiving overtime pay, they may write a warning letter to the employer demanding the payment. If the employer refuses to pay, victims may pursue a civil case to seek financial compensation, typically triple the amount of damages owed, along with penalties. Legal and court fees may also be recovered. Employers caught withholding overtime pay are in violation of the Wage Act.

• What actions are considered racial harassment in workplaces in Bedford?

  Actions that are considered racial harassment in workplaces in Bedford include being deprived of hiring, promotion, and tasks, being given unfair evaluation scores, and being denied employee housing. Firing someone, paying them lower salaries, and giving unequal benefits due to unknown or unjust reasons are also signs of harassment in workplaces.

• 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.