Best Employment Lawyers in Bethlehem

FAQs

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

  For non-emergency situations, the residents of Bethlehem may contact the local police by dialing 610-865-7000.

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

  The residents of Bethlehem may obtain copies of police reports by calling the administrative office at 610-814-6426 or by personally making the request at 4225 Easton Avenue, Bethlehem, PA 18020.

• Does Bethlehem belong to an at-will employment state?

  Bethlehem is a part of the state of Pennsylvania, which follows at-will employment. It means that an employer can terminate a worker with or without reason. The employer is also not obligated to notify or warn the employee about the termination or follow any procedures before firing the worker.

• How can terminated workers file for unemployment benefits in Bethlehem?

  Workers in Bethlehem terminated without cause may seek unemployment benefits from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry. They can file a claim with the agency, which will, in turn, review if the employee is eligible and if their work termination qualifies them to receive the benefits.

• What cases do employment lawyers in Bethlehem commonly handle?

  Employment lawyers in Bethlehem handle various cases ranging from simple to complex. Their most common cases include wrongful termination, harassment, retaliation, family and medical leave, and discrimination. They also assist workers with cases involving unions and labor issues, public and municipal employee matters, and partnership and shareholder disputes.

• How can an employee in Bethlehem identify workplace harassment?

  Insults, stereotyping, derogatory comments, practical jokes, heightened job scrutiny, and any other sort of unfair treatment from their employer or co-workers are forms of harassment that employees in Bethlehem may experience. In some cases, harassment may result in unwanted sexual advances or even assault. Discrimination in the workplace may also make an employee feel harassed.

• Are employers in Bethlehem breaking the law if they do not provide paid leaves to their workers?

  The answer is no. Bethlehem employers are not breaking any law if they do not provide paid leaves because there is no law in Pennsylvania that obligates them. But there are some employers that offer paid leaves to their workers, such as vacation time, holidays, sick days, and paid time off, but this is discretionary.

• 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.