Employment law governs all legal aspects of the employer-employee relationship. This includes the rights, obligations, and responsibilities of both parties while in the workplace. Employment law attorneys must have a good understanding of both federal and state-level statutes that impact workers and employers. Here are just a few examples:
In addition to these, there are various federal child labor, wage and hour, retaliation, and whistleblower laws. Finally, your state’s rules and regulations that govern workers’ compensation benefits also fall under employment law.
You may not realize this, but federal rules determine how and when you can legally file suit against your employer. For this reason, always consult an attorney who specializes in employment law if you think you may have a case. Here are just a few examples of things you can sue your employer for:
However, you must go through all proper steps and channels prior to filing suit against your current or former employer. Only an employment law attorney understands whether you have a claim and how to advise you on potential next steps.
Here’s an example: Let’s say your employer fires you while you’re out on maternity leave. This seems like a textbook case of workplace discrimination, right? However, you must always file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) first. That’s why it’s so vital to consult an employment law attorney as soon as possible about your potential claim!