Best Employment Lawyers in Bend

FAQs

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

  Individuals who want to report non-emergency concerns can contact the Bend Police Department at 541-693-6911.

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

  You can get a copy of the police report for your case in Bend by visiting the official city website, www.bendoregon.gov. Go to the "Government" section on the homepage and click on "Police." Look for the "Records Request" option, where you can submit your request online.

• Are employers in Bend required to establish a reasonable accommodation for an employee returning from medical leave?

  Yes. In Bend, employers are required to conduct a reasonable accommodation analysis for employees returning to work after completing a 12-week medical leave under the FMLA. One option is to assess if a temporarily reduced schedule allows the employee to fulfill all essential job functions. Employers also have a responsibility to explore other feasible forms of reasonable accommodation, such as reassigning the employee to a vacant position or modifying work schedules.

• What wage and employment regulations are mandated in Bend?

  In Bend, the regulations mandated by the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries Wage and Hour Division are enforced. These include compulsory rest and meal intervals during a worker's shift and remuneration at or above the Oregon minimum wage, which varies based on county. The Equal Pay Act further stipulates that employers in Bend are forbidden from seeking a prospective employee's compensation history prior to job offer issuance.

• Within what time period should employees in Bend submit a grievance regarding workplace discrimination?

  Employees in Bend who have encountered workplace discrimination should submit a grievance within 12 months of the incident. In certain circumstances, they may receive a notice stating that their claim cannot be pursued by the Civil Rights Division due to the fact that it falls outside the jurisdiction of the laws the CRD implements or that the event happened beyond the permissible time limit.

• What are the prerequisites and benefits for an employee to be eligible for overtime pay in Bend?

  In Bend, an employee is deemed eligible for overtime compensation if they fulfill specific conditions. These include being a non-exempt worker, logging over 40 hours in a workweek, and receiving hourly wages. Upon meeting these requisites, they're entitled to receive a premium of 50% over their standard rate for each additional hour worked beyond the standard workweek.

• How does the Oregon Workplace Fairness Act apply to employers in Bend?

  The OWFA mandates that all employers in Bend must formulate a comprehensive written policy that mitigates and handles instances of harassment and discrimination. The policy must safeguard categories including, but not limited to, physical or mental disability, service in uniform, expunged juvenile record, age, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, sex, religion, color, and race. This statute is designed to promote a diverse and respectful workspace.

• 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.