Best Employment Lawyers in Reading, PA

FAQs

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

  Dialing (610) 655-6116 will connect you to the non-emergency line of the Reading Police Department.

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

  To obtain a police report, contact the Reading Police Department at (610) 655-6116 to request your document or visit them in person at 815 Washington St, Reading, PA 19601. The price of a police report generally varies between $6 and $20, depending on the method of acquisition.

• What are the primary legal issues that employees in Reading commonly encounter?

  Employees in Reading encounter diverse legal challenges, which include defamation, Family and Medical Leave Act violations, unlawful background checks, workplace assault, disability benefits, employment contracts or stock option plan negotiations, and retaliation as a result of worker organization or other coordinated activities. Some may lead to wrongful termination when someone is fired or dismissed for reasons that are against the law. Others may lead to improperly withholding payment, which over time add up to a sizable sum.

• What is the value of your wrongful termination case in Reading?

  If you win a wrongful termination lawsuit in Reading, potential recovery includes unpaid wages, owed benefits, and compensation for the salary difference if you accepted a lower-paying job in the interim. Mental distress caused by termination may lead to additional compensation. Additionally, punitive damages may be awarded for intentional or severe employer actions. Your attorney will consider all these factors when calculating the suitable amount to pursue through legal action.

• Will you be terminated for showing support towards a colleague's complaint of harassment in Reading?

  No. Retaliation against employees who support a coworker's harassment claim is illegal and prohibited in Reading. Even if your employer cites poor performance or a more qualified applicant as the reason for your termination or promotion denial, evidence often exists to demonstrate the retaliatory nature of the action. For example, a less competent successor or evidence of your outstanding job performance can highlight the unfairness of your termination or demotion.

• Can you be fired for using medical marijuana at your workplace in Reading?

  No. Possessing a marijuana prescription or testing positive for marijuana while on a prescription are not grounds for job dismissal. However, you may face workplace consequences if you test positive for non-marijuana drugs, bring marijuana onto work premises, work under the influence, or face significant marijuana-related criminal charges like drugged driving. If your employer in Reading discriminates against you based on your medical marijuana patient status, this constitutes a violation of your rights.

• Can your employer in Reading deduct from your income the cost of errors, shortages, or property damage?

  No. According to the Pennsylvania Code, only specific deductions are permitted "for the convenience of employees" in Reading. These include deductions for health insurance premiums, pension plans, and union dues. Mistakes, shortages, or property-related deductions are not listed as acceptable reasons for deductions. However, if you grant your employer consent, whether expressed verbally or in written form, they will likely have the authority to deduct those amounts from your 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.