Best Employment Lawyers in Portland, OR

FAQs

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

  Dial 311 to reach the local police station in Portland for non-emergency concerns.

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

  To obtain an incident report, please make an online request to the Portland Public Records Request Center at https://portlandor.govqa.us/WEBAPP/_rs/(S(1nrnxuymhf34edky44nyyj4a))/supporthome.aspx. You may get information about getting a copy of a police report at this number: 503-823-0041. You may also mail a filled-out Uniform Public Records Request Form to:

  Portland Police Bureau Records Division 1111 SW 2nd Ave, Room 1126 Portland, Oregon 97204

• What are some of the signs of employment discrimination in Portland?

  Some signs of employment discrimination in Portland include the following:

  • Bias against women or gender discrimination, where women cannot access higher positions;
  • Lack of diversity in the workplace, wherein the population consists only or mostly of straight, white male employees in the same income class and age;
  • The employee is given an immense workload that they cannot reasonably do;
  • Promotional challenges, where less eligible employees are repeatedly promoted.

• What are some of the organizations that protect specific classes of workers from employment discrimination in Portland?

  Organizations that protect workers from employment discrimination in Portland include the federal government’s Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and Oregon’s Bureau of Labor and Industries. They assist in enforcing anti-discrimination legislation. The EEOC protects specific worker classes and investigates job discrimination charges in the workplace. BOLI’s Civil Rights Division also hears and prosecutes employment discrimination cases.

• What is at-will employment, and how does it affect workers in Portland?

  At-will employment is a general agreement governing Portland workers and employers, where employers can fire employees for any reason at any time as long as they don't violate federal, state, and local laws, such as laws that ban discrimination. Otherwise, employers can fire workers for the most unfair or ridiculous reasons. An exception to this rule is the presence of an employment contract that makes the doctrine of at-will employment inapplicable.

• What is common law, and how does it relate to Portland employment contracts?

  Common law is the basis of contract law that governs Portland employment contracts. It refers to historical principles whose development arose through court cases based on ideas dating back to England in pre-colonial times. This causes a lot of complications today when trying to determine what the exact rights of workers are. Contract law differs from employment discrimination claims, which are mostly governed by statutes.

• What can Portland employment lawyers do for workers facing issues in the workplace?

  Portland employment lawyers help victims of workplace harassment, discrimination, wrongful termination, and retaliation by prosecuting claims and holding accountable people responsible for unlawful conduct. They can also help clients obtain unemployment benefits and provide coaching on employment applications, interviews, references, and resumes. Employment attorneys negotiate non-monetary concessions, such as agreements prohibiting your former employer from expressing unfavorable comments. They also notify federal and state regulators about employers’ unlawful practices.

• 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.