Best Employment Lawyers in Waukesha, WI

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency number for the Waukesha Police Department is 262-524-3831.

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

  You can get copies of police reports for incidents related to your case in Waukesha by completing the open records request form, which can be found at https://waukesha.readyop.com/fs/4ck1/08e5. Paper copies cost $0.25 per page.

• What should you do if you are asked to sign a non-compete agreement by a Waukesha employer?

  In Waukesha, you should review the document for overly restrictive clauses, preferably with legal counsel. Non-compete agreements can significantly limit your future work prospects with clauses such as ones setting a period when you cannot work for companies competing against your original employer, terms dictating what kind of work you are allowed to do with other companies, and penalties you may face if you breach the non-compete agreement.

• Can you hold a union liable for mishandling your grievance with your employer in Waukesha?

  Yes, you can hold unions in and around Waukesha liable for their mishandling of your grievance with your employer. Generally, unions have the duty of fairly representing their members in employee-employer negotiations. This duty can be violated if said union acted in bad faith or their actions were performed arbitrarily or with discrimination.

• What are examples of reasonable workplace accommodations for disabled employees in Waukesha?

  Disabled employees in Waukesha may request various workplace accommodations to allow them to continue fulfilling their job responsibilities, ranging from physical accommodations like wheelchair ramps to restructuring an employee's work responsibilities or reassigning them to a vacant position with a lighter workload. Disabled employees may also be allowed to work part-time or with a modified schedule, depending on their job and employer.

• What kind of evidence can you use to prove wrongful termination cases in Waukesha?

  Waukesha courts may accept different kinds of evidence for wrongful termination cases, such as proof of whistleblower retaliation, documents showing the employer's breach of contract terms, and testimonies alleging the employer breached verbal promises of tenure. Evidence proving violations of public policy—such as denial of time off for jury duty—may also be used in wrongful termination cases.

• In Waukesha, what benefits can you negotiate for in severance agreements?

  You or your legal counsel can negotiate with your employer in Waukesha to include various benefits in severance agreements, from an extension of benefits like medical or disability insurance while you look for new coverage plans to severance pay proportional to the work you performed. You may also inquire about company stocks provided to you by your employer while they still employed you.

• 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.