Best Employment Lawyers in Lees Summit, MO

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Lees Summit, Missouri?

  The Lee’s Summit police department’s non-emergency contact number is 816-969-7390.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Lees Summit, Missouri?

  You may request your police report from the Records Unit of the Lee’s Summit Police Department at: 10 NE Tudor Lee's Summit, MO 64086

  You can submit your online request form at https://cityofls.net/police-department/public-information/police-reports-records.

• What is considered wrongful termination of an employee in Lee’s Summit?

  Missouri law, which is applied in Lee’s Summit, states that a worker is a victim of wrongful termination if they are fired after reporting workplace issues or violations regarding workplace safety. If they refuse to commit illegal activities or act against public policy and are terminated because of them, a claim can be rightly filed. If a worker is fired in violation of their employment contract terms, it is also deemed wrongful termination due to breach of contract.

• Can a Lee’s Summit employee sue their employer if they were fired for no reason?

  Lee’s Summit employees cannot sue their employer if they were fired for no reason, since Missouri is under an at-will statute. Employers cannot, however, fire their workers unlawfully. For example, they cannot terminate an employee who refuses to violate laws in the performance of their job. Employers also cannot violate an employment contract’s terms, such as stipulations that promise work to an employee for a specified time period.

• What compensation can a worker seek in Lee’s Summit for a wrongful termination claim?

  In a wrongful termination claim, a Lee's Summit employee can seek payments for unpaid wages and vacation pay. They may also receive compensation for other issues, depending on their specific circumstances. For example, if they had a negative experience as a result of not receiving their final wages, such as failing to pay their rent or bills, they can seek damages for their pain and suffering and emotional distress.

• What are some of the laws that protect workers’ legal rights in Lee’s Summit?

  Some of the laws that protect workers’ legal rights in Lee’s Summit include the MHRA or Missouri Human Rights Act, the ADEA or Age Discrimination in Employment Act, Title VII or Civil Rights Act, and the ADA or Americans with Disabilities Act. Another law, the FMLA or Family and Medical Leave Act, protects workers’ right to go back to work after taking a leave for various reasons.

• Is it hard for an employee in Lee’s Summit to prove that they were a victim of wrongful termination?

  Yes, it can be hard for a Lee’s Summit employee to prove they've been a victim of wrongful termination. For instance, if they believe they were fired because they recently became a whistleblower, their employer could argue that they were terminated for a different reason. They could say that the terminated employee violated some company rules, such as always being late for work. Thus, employees making a wrongful termination claim must have solid evidence to prove their case.

• 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.