Best Employment Lawyers in Roanoke, VA

FAQs

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

  You can dial 540-562-3265 to make a non-emergency request to the Roanoke police station or to make a medical or fire request.

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

  You can reach the Roanoke County Police Records Division by calling 540-777-8605 if you want a copy of the police report related to your case in Roanoke. You must pick up the report in person at the police station and be prepared to present picture identification, such as your U.S. passport or driver's license.

• Can an employment lawyer help you determine if your employer in Roanoke owes me unpaid overtime wages?

  Yes, you can check whether you've been the victim of wage and hour violations in Roanoke and recover the money you're owed by hiring an employment lawyer. Your attorney will determine whether you are given a reasonable wage for the number of hours you work. They will then begin looking into whether your employer is wrongfully holding back pay for any work you did beyond your shift.

• Is discrimination at work prohibited in Roanoke? How can you tell if you're a victim of discrimination at work?

  It is against the law for business owners to discriminate against employees, according to a number of federal statutes, including those that apply to Roanoke and other Virginia urban areas. Race, religion, gender, age, disability, and military status are a few examples of traits that are being discriminated against. If you believe that you are a victim of discrimination, you can consult with an employment lawyer to assist you in filing a lawsuit against your company and uphold your legal rights.

• What kind of claim can you file if your Roanoke employer fired you because of your age?

  You may be able to make a claim under the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act or the Age Discrimination in Employment Act if you are a victim of discrimination by your Roanoke employer. If they fired you on the sole basis of your age and hired a younger employee, your claim may be under the ADEA. On the other hand, if you were terminated for being over 40 years old, your employer may be in violation of the OWBPA.

• Is there a time limit in Roanoke for filing an age discrimination-related wrongful termination claim?

  In Roanoke and other locations of Virginia, the Charge of Discrimination must be filed with the EEOC within 180 days of the claimed act of discrimination. If you decide to file a lawsuit, you will have 90 days to do so after the EEOC has finished its investigation and you have been given the notice of your right to sue.

• What should you do if your employer fired you in Roanoke after you reported their unlawful conduct?

  You are entitled to compensation in a Roanoke whistleblower action under the False Claims Act. If you have been fired or threatened by your employer for reporting their illegal actions, you should contact an employment lawyer who can help you advocate for your rights and seek compensation for your claim.

• 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.