Best Employment Lawyers in Columbia

FAQs

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

  You can file a non-emergency report to the local police station in Columbia by dialing +1 573-874-7652.

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

  You can request a copy of your report in person by going to the Columbia Police Headquarters at 1 Justice Square (corner of Lincoln and Washington Streets) and asking for it there. If you are unable to pick up the form in person or are out of town, the police department can send the report to your address. Be aware that the department may need a few verifications from you in order to process the request.

• How can you file a discrimination complaint as an employee in Columbia?

  You can pursue a discrimination claim by using the administrative procedure at the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Missouri Commission on Human Rights (MCHR). Taking your case directly to the state court may also benefit you as it will require you to obtain a Right to Sue Letter from the MCHR and/or the EEOC. Consulting with an employment attorney in Columbia can benefit you throughout the legal process.

• What rights under the employment law in Columbia does one have as a reservist?

  In Columbia, if a returning service member leaves their civilian job to join the uniformed forces, they are entitled to reemployment under the Uniformed Forces Employment and Reemployment Rights Act. In addition to having the ability to continue your current employer-provided health care for you and your family for up to 24 months, you have the right to begin employment as a reservist from your company.

• What are some illegal grounds for firing an employee in Columbia?

  Employees in Columbia are occasionally let go for illegal reasons, most often because of discrimination on the part of their employer. These include discrimination due to gender, age, color, or religion, as well as whistleblowing or challenging unlawful business practices. If you are let go for one of these reasons, you can work with an employment lawyer who will analyze your case's facts and advocate for you throughout the proceedings.

• What law in Columbia can protect you from retaliation from your employer?

  A state statute called the Missouri Human Rights Act forbids discrimination and can shield you from retribution if you're an employee in Columbia. This law will prevent your employer from retaliating against you in the workplace if you exercise certain legal rights. Termination, harassment, suspension, and wage decrease are some forms of retaliation.

• What other aspects of employment law can a Columbia lawyer assist you with aside from claims in employment litigation?

  An employment lawyer in Columbia can offer you direction and advice concerning various matters, such as non-compete and confidentiality agreements, management rules, and employee compliance. The Family Medical Leave Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and other anti-discrimination legislation are also subjects an employment lawyer can tackle.

• 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.