Best Employment Lawyers in Philadelphia, PA

FAQs

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

  The Philadelphia Police Department can be reached through 311 for non-emergency reports. People can also contact the Police Commissioner's Office via 215 686 3280 or by email at police.commissioner@phila.gov.

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

  Copies of Philadelphia police reports can be obtained from the Department of Records at 215 686 2262 or via email to records.info@phila.gov.

• When should you hire an employment lawyer in Philadelphia?

  Philadelphia employees must hire an employment lawyer to protect and fight for their rights in the event of disputes and claims against an employer who has practiced unlawful actions. Employment lawyers handle issues on wage and hour, discrimination, hostile work environment, and retaliation. They also ensure that federal regulations are followed, including the National Labor Relations Act and the Family Medical Leave Act.

• What cases are considered wrongful termination in Philadelphia?

  Philadelphia follows the at-will laws set by Pennsylvania, which means employees can be laid off without cause or any legal reason unless they are part of a union or have a specific employment contract. However, wrongful termination may be considered if the employer violates the existing anti-discrimination statute that prohibits termination due to pregnancy, race, age, gender, disability, or religion. Though employers are allowed to terminate without cause, lawyers can help determine if there is a case based on suspicious timing and discriminatory behavior patterns.

• How long can employees file wrongful termination claims in Philadelphia?

  Employees in Philadelphia have up to two years to file claims on wrongful termination with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission; this also follows the regulation set forth by the Fair Labor Standards Act. Reaching out to a lawyer as soon as possible is essential since claims can be dismissed once the period has passed.

• How are employment discrimination complaints filed in Philadelphia?

  Employment discrimination in Philadelphia workplaces can be filed using the employment discrimination intake form found at https://www.phila.gov/documents/employment-discrimination-intake-form/. Individuals who have experienced discrimination from former, current, or potential employers may file a complaint if they have been laid off because of their race, age, medical condition, or disability. There are also employment lawyers who can help assess claims and obtain rewards for victims of workplace discrimination.

• Is there a law on paid overtime in Philadelphia?

  Yes, Philadelphia employers must follow Pennsylvania laws on paid overtime compensation for work done over 40 hours of straight work per week. The payment for overtime is one and a half times the hourly regular rate of pay of the employee. However, there may be exemptions for other employees based on the Fair Labor Standard Act. An employment lawyer can help advocate for employees who are being treated unlawfully and fight for back overtime wages.

• 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.