Best Employment Lawyers in Erie

FAQs

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

  Erie Police Department's non-emergency contact number is (814) 870-1125.

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

  You can get a copy of police reports for incidents related to your case in Erie by completing a Right to Know Request Form. A written request must be sent to the Erie Police Department's Right to Know Officer. The department accepts requests during regular business hours of 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday (except holidays).

• When should you contact an Erie employment lawyer?

  If your employment rights have been violated, especially if you have faced discrimination, harassment, or retaliation, you should seek the advice of an Erie employment lawyer. In most cases, claims must be made within 180 days of the incident. Lawyers can advise you on your legal options and facts you should include in your claim.

• How can you prove workplace discrimination in Erie?

  To prove workplace discrimination, you need to keep a complete written record of everything that has happened. You also need legal counsel from an Erie employment lawyer who will represent you in court to fight for your rights. They can also assist you in filing complaints with the Pennsylvania Bureau of Equal Opportunity and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

• Can you sue an Erie company for unfair pay practices?

  You can sue an Erie company if you are not paid the minimum wage per hour. Employers' compensation is governed by the Fair Labor Standards Act. Even if you work for a small business, they must pay you in accordance with the FLSA. A skilled employment lawyer will help you understand Pennsylvania's wage, hour, and overtime rules and advise you on which course of action would be best for your case.

• What legal options do you have if you are a retired government employee in Erie who has been refused full retirement credit for your service?

  If you have been refused full retirement credit for your government service, you need an experienced Erie employment attorney to help explore your legal options. For instance, they can assist you in negotiating settlements and attending mediation. They can also represent you in court proceedings, ensuring that you receive the complete retirement benefits that you deserve.

• Are you qualified in Erie under the Family and Medical Leave Act?

  The Family and Medical Leave Act applies to you if you have worked for an Erie company with 50 or more employees for at least one year or a minimum of 1250 hours in the previous year. Employers must give you up to 12 weeks off if you are ill or caring for a sick family member. They must also reinstate you in the same job when you return from leave.

• 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.