Best Employment Lawyers in Troy

FAQs

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

  The Troy Police Department's non-emergency number is 248-524-3477.

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

  You may send an email to policerecords@troymi.gov to request a copy of your incident report.

• How does the Department of Homeland Security protect undocumented workers who are whistleblowers in Troy?

  The Department of Homeland Security protects whistleblowers who are undocumented in Troy by offering deferred deportation benefits intended to encourage them to report labor violations, such as unsafe working conditions and wage theft. It gives them an incentive to report shady business practices without having to worry about the possibility of deportation. The policy aims to hold unscrupulous and predatory employers accountable because their actions are harmful to all U.S. workers and disadvantage those businesses that play fair.

• What reasons should workers in Troy have for blowing the whistle on an employer?

  Workers in Troy should blow the whistle on employers who conduct unethical and illegal activities to help foster a more ethical and safer society and promote positive change in their workplace. By doing so, they protect the public interest by helping prevent the proliferation of dangerous products, financial fraud, or environmental pollution. Blowing the whistle also promotes a culture of workplace accountability and integrity, helps prevent the perpetuation of a toxic working environment, and discourages further dishonest behaviors.

• How do the Age Discrimination in Employment Act and Michigan laws protect employees in Troy?

  The ADEA, or Age Discrimination in Employment Act, forbids employers from taking adverse action and discriminating against workers on the basis of their age, especially those who are 40 years old and older. Michigan law provides employees above 40 with similar protection. In cases of discrimination, employees can file claims in courts and before administrative agencies, such as the Michigan Department of Civil Rights and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

• How many members of the LGBTQ community in Troy experienced workplace discrimination due to their gender identity or sexual orientation?

  A survey conducted in May 2021 revealed that 46 percent of LGBTQ employees in Michigan, which encompasses Troy, have experienced discrimination in their careers and in the workplace. They reported being denied promotions and raises, excluded from functions, made to work additional or reduced hours, or given undesirable shifts. Nine percent reported being laid off, denied employment, or fired due to their gender identity or sexual orientation. Almost 26 percent experienced sexual harassment, while almost 21 percent experienced physical harassment.

• What is Troy’s statute of limitations on filing unfair act or employment discrimination cases?

  Troy’s statute of limitations on filing an unfair act or employment discrimination case, which is set by the MDCR or Michigan Department of Civil Rights, is 180 days. Meanwhile, The United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s statute of limitation is 300 days. Beyond these deadlines, employment discrimination claims are no longer eligible for filing.

• 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.