Best Employment Lawyers in Springfield, MA

FAQs

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

  The phone number for non-emergency reports of the Springfield Police Department is 413-787-6300.

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

  You may file a request at https://springfieldma.mycusthelp.com/WEBAPP/_rs/(S(0cvon1msqrybwa034h3ywupg))/supporthome.aspx to obtain copies of Springfield incident reports online.

• Can a Springfield employer refuse to pay you overtime?

  An employer in Springfield is only permitted to deny you overtime if your duties fall under specified "exempt" classifications and you are paid on a salary basis. If you are considered an exempt employee, your employer has the right not to provide you with overtime pay. Some examples of exempted employees include company administrators and executives.

• Are all Springfield employees covered by the Family Medical Leave Act?

  Not all Springfield workers are protected by the FMLA. The extent of your business and the length of time you've worked there affect whether your leave is paid. Births, adoptions, major illnesses, bone marrow donations, and illnesses of specified family members like a step-parent, parent-in-law, or kid are all eligible for up to two weeks of unpaid leave.

• Can a Springfield employer be held accountable for an employee's deliberate or unlawful actions?

  Yes, a Springfield employer may be held accountable for a worker's purposeful or unlawful behavior. It may be sufficient for the employer to be warned that an employee may commit future wrongdoing if the employer is aware of their prior actions of impropriety, violence, or disorder. An employment lawyer can help employers make ethical hiring decisions. They can also deliver advice on what to do if employers become the target of a lawsuit for negligent hiring.

• What kind of sexual harassment are most prevalent in Springfield?

  In Springfield, the most typical sexual harassment behaviors include:

  • Sexually explicit words
  • Inappropriate or unwanted touching
  • Sexual favor requests
  • Continuous unsolicited compliments on one's looks, attractiveness, or other physical characteristics
  • Sharing or publishing offensive images at work
  • Professional advancement offers in exchange for sexual favors
  • Inquiries into a person's past or current sexual behavior
  • Generating or spreading sexual rumors

• Can businesses in Springfield terminate an employee who has submitted a discrimination claim?

  It is illegal for an employer in Springfield to fire an employee for raising concerns about potentially harmful circumstances, like harassment, pay, discrimination, or hazardous working conditions. Additionally, workers are shielded from retaliation if they seek certain employment-related benefits like workers' compensation or refuse to comply with an employer's unethical or immoral request. Workers should speak with an employment lawyer if they believe they were fired due to discrimination or retaliation after defending their rights.

• 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.