Best Employment Lawyers in Vancouver, WA

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency number of the Vancouver Police Department is 604-717-3321.

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

  To get a copy of a police report for a related incident in Vancouver, you must send a request to the Vancouver Police Records Division. This can be done via phone or email. You can also fill up a request online through this link: https://www.cityofvancouver.us/police/page/police-records-division.

• Can you be fired for any reason in Vancouver if you're an "at-will" employee?

  Even if you are an "at-will" employee in Washington, which is an at-will state, you cannot be fired for unlawful or discriminatory reasons. Wrongful termination means firing an employee who is enacting a protected activity or is a member of a protected class. If you believe you were fired unfairly (for example, for taking medical leave or due to prejudice), you must hire a skilled employment lawyer to represent you.

• When gathering evidence for your employment claim in Vancouver, can you include recordings?

  While obtaining evidence is necessary for building your employment lawsuit in Vancouver, keep in mind that Washington is a two-party consent state, meaning you'll need the other person's consent to record. Thus, if you made a secret recording, this may not be included as evidence. Contacting an employment attorney will help you better understand how to handle your case.

• Can you file a claim in Vancouver if you were paid more than the minimum wage but not for all of the hours you worked?

  In Vancouver, you can file a claim if you were paid more than the minimum wage but not for all hours worked because employers are required to pay employees for all hours worked. If your gross pay divided by the number of hours actually worked exceeds the minimum wage, you may still have grounds to file a wage claim lawsuit to recover unpaid wages, but it is unlikely that you have a minimum wage claim.

• What is the statute of limitations for filing an employment claim in Vancouver?

  The time limit for submitting an employment claim in Vancouver varies depending on the type of action. You have three years from the date you were unlawfully terminated, for example, to launch a wrongful termination action. Meanwhile, you have two years from the day you were damaged to launch a complaint for job discrimination.

• Can you still file a case in Vancouver if you experienced unintentional workplace discrimination?

  You can still pursue an employment case in Vancouver even if the workplace discrimination you experienced was unintentional because all forms of workplace discrimination are illegal, whether direct or indirect, intentional or inadvertent. Some possible unintentional acts of workplace discrimination are neglecting to reasonably accommodate individuals with physical or mental disabilities or making inappropriate or off-color jokes or remarks. To make the best decisions for your case, you should consult an employment lawyer.

• 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.