Best Employment Lawyers in Alexandria

FAQs

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

  Non-emergency requests to the Alexandria police can be coursed through the number 703-746-4444.

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

  Police reports in Alexandria can be requested by calling the Information Services Section at 703-746-6200 during regular office hours. The section's address is: Alexandria Police Department Information Services Section 3600 Wheeler Avenue Alexandria, VA 22304

• How are employment law cases usually resolved in Alexandria?

  Mediation is usually the first method of resolving employment law cases brought to the Equal Opportunity Employment Commission (EEOC) or Virginia Division of Human Rights (DHR). When mediation is not preferred or ineffective, an administrative hearing will be initiated by the DHR or EEOC. The Alexandria case will then proceed to trial if the hearing is unsuccessful.

• What are some of the common whistleblower cases in Alexandria?

  Some of the common whistleblower cases in Alexandria involve employer unethical activities such as environmental violations, tax fraud, and workplace health and safety offenses. There are some employees who filed whistleblower claims for workplace harassment and discrimination. Federal and state laws such as the Fraud and Abuse Whistle Blower Protection Act safeguard the civil rights of employees in such cases.

• When should you consult a lawyer regarding an ERISA case in Alexandria?

  When your company in Alexandria pays your retirement funds late or borrows from employees' retirement funds for different reasons, you should consult a lawyer to determine if you need legal action. If your retirement plans offer few options or your retirement benefits have changed inconsistently with no information, you should tell your lawyer. The same goes if you have trouble finding your plan's fees and charges or if inconsistencies exist.

• What are some of the laws that protect Alexandria employees with disabilities?

  For employers with more than 15 employees, the federal law Americans with Disabilities Act is applicable. On the other hand, the Virginians with Disabilities Act (VDA) will be enacted regardless of the workforce size. The VDA provides more consideration to employers in Alexandria, and one of the considerations is waiving disability accommodations if it becomes an undue burden. This is usually given to employers with 50 or fewer employees and for accommodation costs exceeding $500.

• How can you protect sensitive information in an employment lawsuit in Alexandria?

  A lawyer can help a client file a protective order to safeguard sensitive information that may be requested by the other party in an Alexandria employment lawsuit. Such information can be about military, medical, and security matters that could be accessible to the public during the discovery procedure.

• 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.