Best Employment Lawyers in Jackson

FAQs

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

  Police-related non-emergencies in Jackson are sent to 601-960-1234.

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

  Records requests to the police in Jackson are sent by phone to 601-960-1341.

• Are employers allowed to take the tips of employees in Jackson under the pretense that the latter's hourly rates exceed the minimum wage?

  Employers are not allowed to take the tips of employees in Jackson under the pretense that the latter's hourly rates exceed the minimum wage. This practice of tip skimming is stealing because the tip is a separate gift intended for the worker. While there are situations where the worker makes enough tips to justify a reduction of basic salaries, management is never allowed to pocket customers' gratuities.

• When may an employee claim leave benefits under the applicable laws in Jackson?

  Under the applicable laws in Jackson, an employee can claim leave benefits after working in the same company for twelve months, covering 1,250 hours or more. The benefits are due to any federal, local, or state government worker. For the private sector, the business has to have at least 50 people on the payroll who are within 75 miles of the workplace. The entity has to also engage in interstate commerce.

• Since Jackson is in an at-will state, can an employer fire an employee who refuses to embezzle funds?

  No, even if Jackson is in an at-will state, a person may not be fired because of refusing to embezzle funds. It is against public policy to allow a company to fire an individual for having a moral compass and refusing to steal. The exercise of a legal right to refuse to commit a crime cannot be taken against anyone.

• What are the disadvantages of forced arbitration clauses in employment contracts signed in Jackson?

  Employment contracts in Jackson that have forced arbitration clauses constitute a waiver of the right to go to court, and conversely that to a jury trial. A neutral arbitrator may be detached from the reality on the ground and be disconnected from the emotional stakes at play in a case. This creates a scenario where the odds are skewed against the employee.

• What are the cases in Jackson that fall under the jurisdiction of Mississippi’s Department of Employment Security?

  Mississippi’s Department of Employment Security covers cases in Jackson that involve sexual harassment. Additionally, discrimination matters are within the agency's scope and cover unfair treatment due to religion, national origin, race, or gender. Wage and hour violations also fall within the ambit of the department and extend to the misclassification of 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.