Best Employment Lawyers in Yakima, WA

FAQs

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

  The police in Yakima take non-emergency calls at 509-575-6200.

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

  The Yakima Police Department Record Bureau is reachable at 509-575-6220, while the station is at 200 South Third Street, Yakima, WA 98901.

• Which government agencies in Yakima concern themselves with employees' rights?

  Government agencies in Yakima that cover employment matters include the Washington State Department of Labor and the United States Department of Labor for matters relating to wages and work conditions. The Washington State Human Rights Commission and Equal Employment Opportunities Commission oversee the social and economic rights aspects of the job market.

• If Washington is an at-will state, does it follow that the right to fire employees in Yakima is boundless?

  As with the exercise of every right in the law, there are limitations to the right to fire people in Yakima even if the metro is in an at-will state. An employee cannot be fired for exercising their legal rights, such as the right to raise concerns about wages or work conditions.

• May a worker in Yakima sue an employer who pays the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour?

  Yes, a worker in Yakima may sue an employer who pays the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour. The law applied in the state of Washington, and Takima sets a higher basic pay rate of over $13 an hour. In this conflict of laws situation, the more generous figure given by local authorities takes precedence.

• May a breastfeeding mother in a Yakima-registered company staffed by 10 people demand special accommodations to express milk?

  No, the mother in this case cannot ask the Yakima-registered company for special accommodations. While the state law used in the metro has provisions that cater to breastfeeding mothers for up to two years after birth, these principles only apply once the business has 15 people or more on the roster.

• Is the right of employers in Yakima to impose drug testing processes on employees unlimited?

  No, the right of employers in Yakima to impose drug testing on employees is limited. While the absence of state-level regulations on these medical exams creates broad rights to test for prohibited substances, the usual rules against discrimination apply. A protected class based on race or nationality cannot be tested more often than any other, and the selection process has to leave out room for bias.

• 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.