Best Employment Lawyers in Paterson, NJ

FAQs

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

  If you need to contact the Paterson Police Department for a non-urgent matter, dial (973) 321-1111.

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

  You can obtain a copy of a police report from the Paterson Police Department (PPD) by submitting an Open Records Request. This can be done online via the PPD's website at www.njoag.gov/ppd/, by mail, email, or fax. Alternatively, you can visit or send written requests to the Office of the Paterson City Clerk, located on the 3rd Floor of the City Hall, 155 Market Street, Paterson, NJ 07505.

• What is the Paterson City Paid Sick Time Ordinance?

  The Paterson City Paid Sick Time Ordinance mandates private employers to grant paid sick days to their workers. The mandate establishes a tiered system; businesses employing over 10 individuals must provide a maximum of 40 hours of sick leave annually, while smaller businesses must offer at least 24 hours. Notably, the legislation exempts city employees and the city itself.

• Who is exempted from the Paterson Earned Sick Leave Law?

  Paterson Sick Leave Law exempts the city and its workers. This exclusion extends to all tiers of government employees: local, state, and federal. It also does not apply to staff members in any school district or board of education. Furthermore, individuals involved in construction-related trades or repair work who are part of a union or have completed a registered apprenticeship program are not covered.

• What are the wage protections for hourly employees in Paterson who work beyond their scheduled hours?

  Hourly employees in Paterson are safeguarded by both state and federal labor regulations. Whether they willingly extend their workday or are requested by management to stay past normal hours, they're entitled to compensation for the additional time. As per the U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division, all time spent on duty or at a designated workplace qualifies as hours worked, warranting payment.

• Are there statutes of limitations for employment matters in Paterson?

  Yes. In Paterson, various statutes of limitations apply to employment-related issues. Each type of issue carries a different timeframe within which a claim must be lodged. Failing to meet these deadlines can adversely affect an individual's chance of obtaining restitution for a grievance. It's advised to engage an employment attorney for prompt and correct case handling.

• How is the value of an employment law case determined in Paterson?

  In Paterson, the settlement amount for employment law disputes is not standardized; it varies based on the specifics of each case. If an employee can substantiate their experience of discrimination, they are eligible to receive numerous types of compensation from the employer at fault. These include reimbursement for wages lost, remuneration for psychological harm, and punitive damages. A skilled employment law attorney can estimate a case's worth and vehemently negotiate for equitable remuneration.

• 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.