Best Employment Lawyers in San Antonio, TX

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in San Antonio, Texas?

  To contact the San Antonio Police Department for non-emergency situations, dial (210) 207-7273.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in San Antonio, Texas?

  You can obtain a copy of the police report for your case in San Antonio through the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) Records Office. There are three ways to request a copy: -Online: Visit the city's Open Government Portal at www.sa.gov and search for "Police Open Records Requests." -In-person: Bring the completed form to the SAPD Records located at 315 S. Santa Rosa, San Antonio, TX 78207. -Through the mail: Download the request form on the website or request it in person at the SAPD Records Office. Please fill out the form and mail it to the SAPD Records Office.

• What happens if weather conditions in San Antonio prevent employees from reaching their workplace?

  According to Texas law, salaried employees in San Antonio who are prepared and able to work must receive their usual weekly pay despite inclement weather. Some employees, however, are typically paid only for hours worked. The dynamics may change if the employee has the capacity to work from home, barring any utility interruptions.

• What considerations should San Antonio businesses make about compensation during extreme weather events?

  For businesses in San Antonio, deciding on remuneration during extreme weather requires a balance between legal responsibilities, financial impacts, and maintaining employee satisfaction and loyalty. Alongside fulfilling pay obligations, companies must weigh the potential financial consequences of losing and replacing staff and the effect on team morale. Transparent communication with employees is vital to help them adapt to changes in a timely manner.

• How can one apply for unemployment benefits in San Antonio?

  For those in San Antonio requiring unemployment benefits, the journey begins with creating an account with the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). Once the application has been filed, the ex-employer is given two weeks to respond with any additional or opposing details. Subsequently, TWC assesses all submissions to determine the applicant's qualification for unemployment benefits.

• How can a San Antonio resident challenge an unemployment benefits decision?

  If a person in San Antonio disagrees with the TWC's ruling on their unemployment benefits, an appeal can be filed. The process involves a phone hearing with the Appeal Tribunal, a review by The Commission, and potentially, an appeal to the Civil Court. Given the complex nature of the process, it's advisable to consult a legal expert.

• Can unwritten company policies be enforced in San Antonio?

  Yes, unwritten company policies can be enforced in San Antonio, Texas. While there's no legal obligation for policies to be documented, employers must ensure employees are fully aware of them. Such policies are critical to guiding workplace behavior. Violations can lead to disciplinary action, including termination. However, note that promised benefits based on unwritten policies might not always materialize, underscoring the value of written documentation.

• 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.