Best Employment Lawyers in Farmington Hills, MI

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Farmington Hills, Michigan?

  Please call 248-871-2600 for non-emergencies that need police attention in Farmington Hills.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Farmington Hills, Michigan?

  In order to get a police record in Farmington Hills, contact the Records Division. Requests can be made by phone or in person by filling out a Report Clearance Request at https://www.ci.farmington.mi.us/City-Services/Forms-and-Permits/Public-Safety/Report-Clearance-Request.aspx.

• Under Farmington Hills employment rules, is it legal to have an English-only policy in the workplace?

  It depends. There are instances when employers in Farmington Hills can legally require employees to speak English under U.S. Department of Labor guidelines. Examples include talking with English-only speakers, safety-related circumstances and crises when everyone must understand, cooperative work assignments like group tasks or meetings, and during employee performance assessments. However, if a manager or co-worker goes by employees having a breakroom conversation in another language they're familiar with and says, "Speak English," even if they're "just kidding," that's illegal. Any "No Spanish" policy is also discriminatory.

• How does a terminated Farmington Hills employee know if his discharge was legal?

  Indications of an illegal dismissal from employment occur in several different scenarios. The most common causes of wrongful termination are unlawful discrimination (from sex and genetic information to disability and race) and retaliation. Wrongful terminations also occur when employees quit due to a hostile workplace. As a result, Farmington Hills employees can sue their employers for creating or ignoring a hostile work environment.

• What types of actions in Farmington Hills law might a victim of an employment breach take against his employer?

  Farmington Hills employees have the right to file a civil claim against the company and receive compensation for economic and non-economic damages. A breach of employment can occur when an employer fails to uphold his end of the written agreement, which may include work schedule, salary, termination conditions, job description and protocols, and place of work. An employment law attorney can help you assess your claim and if you can pursue legal actions against your employer.

• What are common forms of pregnancy discrimination in Farmington Hills and how are victims protected by employment law?

  Typical examples include being refused employment due to your pregnancy. This happens when an employer may terminate or reassign you due to concerns that you cannot perform your duties while pregnant. The 1978 Pregnancy Discrimination Act prohibits workplace sex discrimination, and this was part of the 1964 Civil Rights Act's amendment banning job discrimination. Therefore, pregnancy-related discrimination and harassment in Farmington Hills are illegal under federal and state law.

• Are class actions related to employment law common in Farmington Hills?

  Yes. Recently, there has been an increase in employees in Farmington Hills pursuing claims for wages and hours under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act. Such claims include incorrect classification of exempt and non-exempt workers, failure to pay non-exempt workers for all hours worked, miscalculation of overtime compensation for non-exempt workers, and illegal salary deductions from exempt workers.

• 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.