Best Employment Lawyers in Knoxville, TN

FAQs

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

  865-215-4010 is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Knoxville.

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

  To get a copy of police reports related to your case in Knoxville, Tennessee, you can call the Records Unit at 865-215-7231 to confirm the availability and cost of the report. You can visit the Records Unit in person at Police Headquarters, 800 Howard Baker Jr Ave, Knoxville, TN 37915, during their office hours from Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. You can also request the report via mail or online (for accident reports) through www.purchasetncrash.gov for a fee of $10.00.

• What is the cost of hiring an employment attorney in Knoxville?

  The cost of hiring an employment attorney in Knoxville can differ based on several factors, such as the type of case, the level of expertise of the attorney, and the law firm's location. The attorneys may typically charge $290 per hour. Additionally, some attorneys may ask for a part of the total fees as an upfront payment, which is called a retainer. Thus, you must clarify the fee structure and payment options with the attorney before hiring them to prevent unexpected expenses.

• Which agency or organization handles wrongful termination cases in Knoxville?

  Individuals in Knoxville may contact either federal or state entities for assistance with wrongful termination situations. You can file a federal employment discrimination complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's Nashville Area Office. The Memphis District Office oversees the management of the EEOC's Nashville Area Office. On the other hand, the Tennessee Human Rights Commission handles state law complaints.

• How do you file a wage claim in Knoxville?

  Fill out the statement of the wage claim form on the Department of Labor and Workforce Development website to make a wage claim in Knoxville. Include an explanation of the claim, the amount of wages owed, and your signature. An assigned inspector will review the form and contact the employer. The claim will be sent to the Central Office for review and possibly fines if the employer fails to resolve the issue within 20 days. You can be required to appear and make your claim if the employer wants a hearing on a contentious issue.

• What accommodations are employers required to make for pregnant workers in Knoxville?

  In Knoxville, employers with 15 or more employees must provide reasonable accommodations for pregnant workers under the Tennessee Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. These accommodations may include more frequent breaks, modified seating or lifting limits, a private space (other than a bathroom) for expressing milk, and assistance with manual labor. Unless the employer can demonstrate that providing these accommodations would result in significant difficulty or expense, they are required to do so.

• How long will the employment case trial take in Knoxville?

  An employment case trial in Knoxville typically lasts 2 to 3 days but may extend to over a week. Nonetheless, complex cases may take longer, requiring the judge to decide on facts and law in a bench trial. Bench trials allow parties to avoid the expense and stress of a jury trial, with the judge solely responsible for rendering a verdict. This method of dispute resolution is often preferred in cases where the facts and legal arguments are intricate or technical.

• 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.