Best Employment Lawyers in Appleton, WI

FAQs

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

  You may call 920-832-5500 to request non-emergency services from the Appleton Police Department.

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

  Requests for accident or incident reports can be made in person or by mail to the Appleton Police Department, Records Unit – Records Request, 222 S. Walnut St., Appleton, WI 54911-5899. The Records Unit is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

• What services do Appleton employment lawyers provide employers?

  Appleton employment attorneys assist employers with the following:

  • Internal investigations and training
  • Personnel policies and employee handbooks to ensure they are legally compliant
  • Job-related contracts, including employment, severance, and deferred compensation agreements
  • Non-competition agreements and trade secrets
  • Leaves and accommodations
  • Compliance with immigration regulations

• Should you still hire an employment attorney in Appleton even if you have already filed a complaint against your employer?

  Yes. An employment law attorney in Appleton should still be consulted even if you have already lodged a complaint with the Equal Rights Division or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. The lawyer can review your complaint, thoroughly analyze your claims, and even represent you in your fight for a fair settlement.

• What can you expect to receive if you win your job discrimination case in Appleton?

  In an Appleton job discrimination case, the damages that may be awarded to you include back pay and reinstatement, as well as legal fees and costs. At the federal level, you can ask for both compensatory and punitive damages. If you have been handling the matter on your own and your employer has contacted you to arrange a mediation or discuss a settlement, consider getting an employment attorney to represent you.

• What should you do if your Appleton unemployment claim is rejected?

  If your Appleton unemployment claim is rejected and you disagree with the decision, your initial action should be to file an appeal. As soon as you've submitted your appeal, contact an employment lawyer to schedule an appointment to review the events leading up to your termination. Remember that you need to prepare for a hearing before the Administrative Law Judge once you file an appeal, and a lawyer can guide you through the process.

• To demonstrate employment discrimination in your workplace in Appleton, is it necessary to prove that your employer made a prejudiced statement?

  No. Although direct proof is undoubtedly essential in demonstrating discrimination at your Appleton workplace, the law acknowledges that many employment discrimination cases can only be shown through indirect or informal evidence of discriminatory intent. Such evidence may include the following:

  • A person who is not a member of a protected class takes the employee's place.
  • A worker who is not a member of a protected class received preferential treatment.
  • The employer adopted additional unfavorable measures against workers who belong to a protected class.

• 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.