Best Employment Lawyers in Providence, RI

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Providence, Rhode Island?

  401-272-3121 is the non-emergency dispatch line of the local police station in Providence.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Providence, Rhode Island?

  If you require a police report for an incident related to your case in Providence, you may contact the Records Department of the Providence Police Department (PPD) at (401) 243-6416. The report can be obtained in person during the hours of 8:15 AM to 2:45 PM. Alternatively, if you were involved in an accident, you can easily purchase a copy of the report online through LexisNexis.

  LexisNexis: https://policereports.lexisnexis.com/ui/report/search?state=RI&jurisdiction=North%20Providence%20Police

• Are minors allowed to work in Providence?

  Yes, minors between the ages of 14 and 17 are permitted to work in Providence. However, specific rules and requirements are in place to ensure their safety. The Child Labor Laws define the rules and regulations that apply to minors in the workplace. Minors are permitted to work in a variety of settings, including office and clerical work, cashiering, selling, and kitchen work. Hazardous occupations, such as coal mining, saw milling, and excavation and roofing operations, are, however, prohibited for all minors under the age of 18.

• Is it possible to pursue a claim against your employer in Providence after signing a separation agreement?

  In most cases, no. In Rhode Island, if you sign a separation agreement, you give up your right to sue your former employer. You may waive certain rights depending on the terms of the agreement. However, you may be able to convince your employer not to file any claims against you if you negotiate a provision to that effect. If you want to know what your rights and responsibilities are in a separation agreement, you should read it thoroughly and negotiate its terms before signing.

• What kinds of employers or businesses in Providence are subject to the provisions of the FMLA?

  The FMLA regulations in Providence apply to all employers, public and private, with at least 50 employees who have worked for at least 20 workweeks in the current or previous calendar year. This includes joint employers and successors of covered employers, as well as public agencies like local, state, and federal employers and local education agencies (schools).

• What is the minimum wage that tipped workers in Providence are entitled to receive?

  Workers who rely on tips to supplement their income must be paid a minimum of $3.89 per hour in Providence, Rhode Island. The employer is responsible for making up the difference between the employee's base salary and tips if the total is less than the federal minimum wage. If you want to be paid fairly, you should keep track of the hours you put in and the tips you earn.

• What should you do if you have been the victim of workplace sexual harassment in Providence?

  If you are a victim of sexual harassment in Providence, you can take the following steps: document each incident, obtain copies of written materials demonstrating your good work record, ask the harasser to stop, inform the harasser in writing, identify supporters or witnesses, and write a letter or email to the designated person or company responsible for handling sexual harassment complaints. If no action is taken, file a complaint with the RI Commission for Human Rights or the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

• 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.