Best Employment Lawyers in Newport News, VA

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Newport News, Virginia?

  Call the Newport News police at (757) 247-2500 for non-emergencies.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Newport News, Virginia?

  Reports can be obtained at the Customer Service Unit in the Police Headquarters Building at 9710 Jefferson Ave., Newport News. Call the Records Unit at (757) 928-4100 for more information.

• How does the unemployment insurance process work in Newport News?

  File the initial claim online by calling 1-866-832-2363 from Mondays to Fridays during regular office hours except for state holidays. Register for new work within two weeks following the filing of the claim. Failure to do so can result in the claim being rejected or delayed. Finally, file the weekly claim by calling the automated phone system at 1-800-897-5630. An individual in Newport News can claim unemployment insurance benefits by following these steps.

• How can workers in Newport News find out if their employers have Longshore insurance coverage?

  A worker can ask their employer if they have Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation insurance. They can also check the local Longshore district office near Newport News for further details. The nearest one is Longshore District Office 5, Norfolk, which is in the Federal Building, Room 212 at 200 Granby Mall in Norfolk. District Office 5 can be reached by phone at (757) 441-3071.

• How does the Virginia Human Rights Act protect employees in Newport News from discrimination?

  The Virginia Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination against employees for individual characteristics such as race, marital status, age, disability, and skin color. The VHRA laws in Newport News are applicable to employers with 15 or more employees. Under the same laws, employers with six or more employees should provide disability accommodations reasonably unless it results in hardship for the employer.

• Can teenagers work in Newport News?

  Individuals aged 14 can start working in Newport News, however, work permits or employment certificates are needed for teenagers 14-15 years old. To obtain work permits, individuals can get in touch with their school's guidance counselor. These counselors have permission forms that need to be signed by parents or guardians.

• How can you file a wage claim in Newport News?

  To file a wage claim in Newport News, complete the Statement of Claim for Unpaid Wages form and submit it by mail to the Division of Labor and Employment Law Virginia Department of Labor and Industry 600 East Main Street, Suite 207, Richmond, Virginia 23219. Take note that forms sent by fax or email will not be accepted. In addition, you cannot file a wage claim at Virginia DOLI and pursue a civil lawsuit against your employer in Newport News at the same time.

• 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.