Helping Employees Defend Themselves Against Unlawful Actions
As an employee in the workforce, you have rights that are protected by state and federal law. Unfortunately, employers or fellow employees may violate these rights, leading to harassment, retaliation, or discrimination in the workplace. You deserve to feel safe and secure in your job position without being subjected to threats or a hostile work environment. That’s why our team at Riggan Law Firm, LLC, is committed to helping clients who have had their rights violated in the workplace.
Whether you have been facing discrimination in the workplace, been wrongfully terminated, or are already involved in an employment law dispute, our team of attorneys can help you. We will help you understand your rights and protect your position to pursue litigation and get the justice you deserve. No matter what employment law issue you face, our team is confident we can assist you. For more information, call our office today at 314-528-9661.
When Would I Need an Employment Lawyer?
There are many scenarios that may require you to seek help from an employment lawyer. Generally, any situation where you feel your rights have been violated in the workplace is a good time to reach out to our team.
Below are some common reasons why you may need to seek legal advice:
- You were fired for an unlawful reason or due to retaliation
- You are facing discrimination from your employer due to your race, religion, disability, age, gender, or other protected status
- You experienced harassment while working
- You are being deprived of legally mandated pay, like overtime or minimum wage
- You are reviewing your employment contract or severance agreement
Employment law issues can be challenging to pursue, especially if you fear retaliation or further discrimination as a result of your case. Our team can work with you to protect your rights and prevent further harassment as you seek litigation. We can also help you understand any employment contracts, severance agreements, or non-compete agreements to determine if they are written lawfully and accurately.
Every employee deserves the right to feel safe in their work environment. If you are facing discrimination, harassment, abuse, or threats, call our office today. We can help you protect your rights and bring your employers or coworkers to justice.
What Are Protected Classes?
A protected class qualifies for special protection under the law. More specifically, anyone within a protected class cannot be discriminated against or harassed because of any factor within that class.
Under Missouri law, the following factors are protected:
- Race
- Religion
- Gender
- National origin
- Ancestry
- Sexual orientation
- Age
- Disability
If an employer or coworker ever harasses you or discriminates against you due to one of the factors above, that is unlawful and can result in legal action. Harassment can be any unwanted interaction, whether it is verbal or physical, that places a worker in an uncomfortable position. This can include crude jokes, sexual harassment, or unwanted touching. Similarly, it is against the law to terminate an employee on the basis of a protected factor or deny someone employment because of a protected factor.
Employers also cannot retaliate against employees for reporting harassment or participating in a government investigation. Retaliation can include wrongful termination, lack of promotions or raises, or verbal harassment. If you would like to report an employer to the Department of Labor & Industrial Regulations, our team can help you do so. Contact us today for more information.
What Kinds of Cases Can You Help With?
There are many types of cases that fall under the umbrella of employment law. If you are facing any kind of worker’s rights violations, our team is confident we can help you.
Below are just some of the types of cases we can assist you with:
- Employment contracts and non-compete agreements: We can review your contracts to ensure that they are lawful and that you are following their terms correctly.
- Minimum wage and overtime: Employees are entitled to be paid for the hours they work. If your employer is not paying you for your required hours, our team can help.
- Wrongful termination: If you have been terminated unlawfully or due to discrimination of a protected class, contact our team to seek legal action.
- Severance agreements: Negotiating severance packages can help you stay afloat financially while seeking further employment.
- Whistleblowing: Employees who alert regulators about harassment or discrimination are protected by law. Our team can help you maintain this protection to avoid retaliation.
- Leaves of absence: In certain circumstances, taking a leave of absence is protected and cannot result in termination. Our attorneys can help you protect your job if you need to take a leave of absence.
- USERRA: The Uniformed Services Employment and Re-employment Rights Act protects employment for active and reserve military personnel. You may be able to seek legal action if you were terminated due to deployment.
- Sexual discrimination: Employers are not allowed to discriminate based on gender or sexual orientation.
- Sexual harassment: Inappropriate touching, sexual advances, and verbal harassment are illegal in the workplace. You may be able to seek legal action for sexual harassment.
Should I Consult an Employment Law Attorney?
Being discriminated against or harassed in the workplace can be an overwhelming and isolating experience. As an employee, you have the right to a safe work environment that does not subject you to harassment, discrimination, retaliation, or abuse. If you are facing difficulties in the workplace, our team can help. Our employment law attorneys at Riggan Law Firm, LLC, have years of experience helping clients get the justice they deserve in workplace discrimination and harassment claims. No matter what employment law matter you are going through, our team can assist you. Call our office today at 314-528-9661 for more information.