Best Employment Lawyers in Springfield

FAQs

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

  (417) 864-1810 is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Springfield.

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

  To obtain copies of incident reports, you can make a request in person or through mail. You need to fill out an information request form for each report you are seeking, which can be obtained from the Headquarters, South District Station, or printed from the online PDF version. A fee of $2 per report will be charged. Springfield Police Headquarters is located at 321 E. Chestnut Expressway, Springfield, MO 65802.

  Information request form: https://www.springfieldmo.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5409/Information-Request-Form-PDF?bidId=

• What are some of the largest Springfield employers?

  Some of the largest employers in Springfield include CoxHealth with 12,178 employees, Mercy Hospital Springfield with 9,214 employees, State of Missouri with 5,411 employees, Walmart and Sam’s Club with 4,981 employees, and Springfield Public Schools with 3,685 employees. In addition to these employers, Bass Pro Shops | White River Marine Group (HQ), O’Reilly Auto Parts (HQ), the U.S. Government, Jack Henry & Associates, Inc., and Citizens Memorial Healthcare are some of the largest employers in the area as well.

• How do you file a workplace discrimination claim in Springfield?

  To file a workplace discrimination claim in Springfield, you need to get in touch with the Missouri Commission on Human Rights within 180 days of the alleged incident of harassment. The MCHR is responsible for addressing claims against Missouri employers that have six or more employees. If you require further support, you can contact the EEOC St. Louis District Office or EEOC Kansas City Area Office for guidance on the process.

• Who is exempt from the minimum wage in Springfield?

  Certain occupations and employees in Springfield are exempt from the minimum wage by federal law. These include executives, administrative workers, learned and creative professionals who are paid on a salary basis and get a minimum of $684 every week, highly compensated employees with an annual salary of $107,432 or more, computer employees who earn at least $684 for each week or a minimum of $27.63 per hour, and outside sales employees. Exemption status is determined by specific criteria, and not all employees in these categories may qualify for the exemption.

• What are the ways to determine if you are an employee or an independent contractor in Springfield?

  To determine if you are an employee or an independent contractor in Springfield, consider the level of control the company has over your work. If you are given a task without specific instructions on how to complete it, you may be classified as an independent contractor. However, if the company provides you with significant supervision and direction, you may be classified as an employee. It's important to revisit your contract regularly to ensure that your job duties and classification haven't changed over time.

• What is the time limit in Springfield for filing a whistleblower case?

  The statutes of limitations for a whistleblower case in Springfield may vary, and some can be as short as two years. The timeline for filing a claim can differ based on the particulars of the situation. To ascertain the specific time frame and any other prerequisites for filing a claim, it is advisable to consult with a lawyer.

• 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.