Collinsville, IL

Collinsville Employment Law Attorney

Protecting Your Rights as an Employee

Every employee in the United States has rights that are protected by law. Harassment, discrimination, and retaliation are not legal in the workplace, whether by an employer or fellow coworkers. Unfortunately, some workplaces create hostile environments where workers do not feel safe enough to advocate for themselves. That’s why our team of attorneys is committed to assisting our clients in protecting their rights and getting justice for discrimination and harassment.

Whether you are already involved in an employment law dispute or are interested in pursuing an employment law lawsuit, our team at Riggan Law Firm, LLC can help. Our attorneys will review your case and assist you in understanding your rights under state and federal law. We can help you file a complaint with your local labor board or even file a lawsuit against your employer to get the justice you deserve. If you are facing an employment law issue, don’t hesitate to reach out. Contact our office today by calling 314-528-9661 for more information.

When Should I Contact an Employment Law Lawyer?

Any situation in which you feel your rights have been violated in the workplace is a good time to contact an employment lawyer on our team. There are many reasons why you might need to seek legal counsel from our office, but there are some common scenarios that our team sees often.

Below are some common reasons you may need to reach out to us:

•  You’ve experienced physical or verbal harassment at work
• You were wrongfully terminated
• You are facing discrimination due to your race, gender, sexual orientation, or disability
• Your employer has not paid you for overtime or minimum wage
• You would like legal guidance when reviewing your employment contract or severance agreement

Employment law issues like the ones above can be complex and may be difficult to pursue on your own without a legal team on your side. Many employees also fear retaliation from their employers in the form of continued harassment, lack of promotions or raises, or even wrongful termination. Our team can help you protect your rights while holding your employer and coworkers accountable for any violations they have committed.

We can also help you review your employment contract to ensure it is lawful and legally valid. Similarly, if you have been presented with a severance package, we can help you negotiate with your employer to adjust the terms so they are in your best interest. If you have questions about your situation and whether our team can help, contact us today to speak with a member of our team.

What is a Protected Class?

A protected class is a factor that allows a person special protection under state and federal law. Anyone who is in a protected class cannot be discriminated against due to being in that class.

The following factors are protected by law:

• Age
• Sexual orientation
•  Race
•  Religion
• Gender identity
• Ancestry
• National origin
• Disability

Protected classes are named as such because they are protected by law. By definition, harassment can include both verbal and physical unwanted interactions, including inappropriate touching, crude jokes, or inappropriate questions. Employers cannot terminate or refuse to hire employees due to a protected factor. If you have faced harassment or discrimination due to one of the factors above, you deserve to seek legal counsel.

Similarly, employees who report employers are protected from retaliation under the law. Management and higher-ups are not allowed to terminate an employee or treat them differently from other employees because they have reported a person or persons to the labor board. Retaliation can include verbal harassment, lack of promotions, lack of raises, and more. If you have faced any harassment or hostility in the workplace due to a protected factor, seek legal counsel from our team immediately.

What Kinds of Cases Do Employment Law Lawyers Help With?

Generally speaking, any case that involves workplace relationships and dynamics falls under the umbrella of employment law. In most cases, our team assists our clients with harassment and discrimination suits to get justice on their behalf.

Below are some of the kinds of employment law cases we can help with:

• Wrongful termination: Employers cannot terminate employees due to a protected factor or because of retaliation. If you have been wrongfully terminated, you may be able to file a lawsuit against your employer.
• Sexual harassment: Sexual advances and unwanted touching are illegal in the workplace. If you have been sexually harassed at work, our team can help you seek justice.
• Leaves of absence: Employees are allowed to take extended leave in certain circumstances without losing their jobs. Your employer cannot deny you this leave if you are eligible for it.
• Severance agreements: Negotiating a severance package is your legal right. Our team can help you adjust the terms so they are favorable to you.
• Whistleblowing: Employees who report their employers are legally protected from harassment and discrimination. Our team can help protect your rights if you want to report your employer.

Do I Need an Employment Law Lawyer?

If you have been harassed, discriminated against, or retaliated against in the workplace, it can be a very stressful experience. Employers who neglect to uphold the rights of their employees deserve to have action taken against them. Our team of employment law attorneys will advise you of your rights and help you determine the best legal path forward so you can get justice for what you have experienced. At Riggan Law Firm, LLC, we are committed to helping our clients through any employment law issue they are facing. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about our services, don’t hesitate to reach out. Call us today at 314-528-9661.