Best Employment Lawyers in Federal Way

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Federal Way, Washington?

  You can call 253-835-2121, the non-emergency line for the local police department in Federal Way.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Federal Way, Washington?

  You can obtain a copy of a police report in person at the police department at 33325 8th Ave. S., Federal Way, WA 98003. You can also mail your request to the Civilian Operations Manager at: Attn: Public Records Request 33325 8th Ave. S. Federal Way, WA 98003.

  Furthermore, you can contact them by phone at 253-835-6700 or by fax at 253-835-6898.

• What is the statute of limitations for a breach of an employment contract in Federal Way?

  Under Rev. Code of Wash. 4.16.030, the statute of limitations for a breach of a contract in Federal Way is generally six years. In Washington, when contract problems arise, the first thing to consider is the age of the contract. Contracts in writing have a maximum period of six years, but verbal agreements have only a three-year term.

• What are the rights of employees in Federal Way?

  Federal Way adheres to the labor laws of Washington, wherein employees have the right to fair wages, paid sick leaves, and overtime pay. They are also entitled to a 10-minute paid break for every four hours of work and a 30-minute unpaid meal break for shifts over five hours. They also have the right to a safe and healthy work environment free from harassment and discrimination. Additionally, they must not be discriminated against based on age, sexual orientation, disability, race, and national origin.

• What are the cases most employment lawyers deal with in Federal Way?

  Employment lawyers in Federal Way deal with cases involving unpaid wages, wrongful termination, and hostile work environments. They also handle employment law issues, such as sexual harassment and discrimination based on age, gender, race, and disability. Additionally, they represent workers in administrative law disputes, including an insurance agent or agency's dispute with the Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner or an employer's dispute with the Washington Labor and Industries, through the OAH appeals process and, if necessary, in Superior Court.

• What constitutes wrongful termination in Federal Way?

  Wrongful termination occurs when an employee in Federal Way is fired for unlawful causes, such as discriminatory or retaliatory reasons. Under Washington's labor laws, it is illegal to fire employees for discussing or filing complaints about violations of their rights. Furthermore, you have three years from the date of your termination to consult with a lawyer and file a complaint with the Washington State Human Rights Commission or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission if your employment is terminated for this reason.

• What behaviors can be considered workplace harassment in Federal Way?

  In Federal Way, the following behaviors are considered workplace harassment, such as inappropriate touching, unwanted advances, sexual comments, and insults. Explicit remarks about an individual's gender orientation, verbal abuse, and sharing sexually suggestive information are examples of harassment in the workplace. It can also take the form of unwelcome conduct based on pregnancy, nationality, religion, disability, or age.

• 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.