Do You Need An Employment Law Attorney?
Employment law exists because employers feel like they can exploit their employees. If you are the victim of any of the following, then consulting with an employment law attorney should be your next move:
- Discrimination in the workplace
- Harassment in the workplace
- A violation of the Equal Pay Act
- A violation of overtime payment laws
- Wage theft
- Breach of contract
- Wrongful discharge
Gregory A. Hall – Denver Employment Law Attorney
People work for one reason: to get paid. When an employee begins working at a business, they are doing so under the assumption that they will receive fair compensation for their labor and that their employer will follow the federal and state labor and employment laws. These labor and employment laws in the United States of America and Colorado require that:
- Employees are paid at least minimum wage.
- Employees are provided with a break for every four hours worked.
- Employees are paid for every hour of work.
Despite the clarity of these laws, employers often attempt to circumvent them, leaving you with less money in your pocket. No one wants to be taken advantage of, which is why Gregory A. Hall will fight for you to recoup your lost wages. Common means of wage theft include:
- Servers that are having their tips stolen by employers
- Illegal calculations of commissions
- Employers illegally exempting ineligible truckers from overtime
- Forcing nurses and other health care employees to skip their rest breaks
- Refusing to pay laborers for all of their worked hours
- Refusing to pay minimum wage for all employees
- Taking advantage of students and interns by not paying them at all
Gregory A. Hall represents workers that are victims of wage theft. If you believe that your employer may have been circumventing the federal and state labor employment laws of Colorado contact Gregory A. Hall today. These are the questions that we receive most often during our consultations with clients. Every case varies, so some of these answers may change depending on your case.
How much will it cost to hire a Denver employment law attorney?
Before we can discuss the cost, we recommend taking advantage of a free initial consultation. During this consultation, we will be able to better understand your case, the value of your claim, and how exactly we can help you.
Ultimately, the cost will depend on the compensation you receive as a result of the case. You will be charged on a contingency fee basis, which means that the cost of our legal fees will be based on a percentage of your compensation. If we cannot successfully win you the compensation you deserve, we will not charge you anything.
What forms of compensation can I receive in a Labor and Employment law claim?
As mentioned above, this varies on a case-by-case basis. However, some of the most commons forms of compensation are:
- Damages for discrimination
- Damages for harassment
- Wages lost as a result of a violation of the Equal Pay Act
- Wages lost as a result of a violation of overtime payment laws
- Wages lost as a result of non-payment
- Wages lost due to a breach of contract
- Wages lost due to a wrongful discharge
- Punitive damages that are instated as a means of punishing the guilty party
How long will it take to reach a settlement?
This will ultimately depend on you. As is common in these types of cases, the violating party will offer a small amount of money in an attempt to settle quickly. In most cases, it is better to not accept this offer until you consult with a lawyer. However, should you accept this offer, your case would end.
If you choose not to accept, your lawyer will build a case proving that you lost wages or were the victim of discrimination/harassment. During this time, it is likely that your employer will continue offering you settlement amounts. Although it is recommended that you continue to be patient, you may accept any of these offers.
The important thing to remember is that you are in full control; you may accept or reject any offer. Attorneys do not exist to control your money. Hiring an attorney for an employment law case is done to ensure two things: that you understand your legal rights and that you have a position of power in the negotiation process.
Do I need an attorney for an employment law case?
While hiring an experienced attorney is never a necessity, it is highly recommended. You are legally allowed to discuss your claims with your employer and work out a settlement on your own. Although this option exists, it is not the best course of action if you want to receive a reasonable amount of compensation.
The lack of legal experience for a normal worker can make it difficult to figure out how much you are owed. This, coupled with the fact that the business you are making claims against will be using an experienced lawyer, makes it likely that you will be tricked into accepting an unfair amount of compensation. By hiring a labor and employment law attorney, you are guaranteeing that you will have someone who is experienced in dealing with businesses and their strategies regarding these matters.
How does an attorney help me with employment law violations?
Your lawyer will take over the case for you. In doing so, they will:
- Develop a legal strategy
- Manage the details of your claim
- Assume control over communication with your employer on behalf of you
- Investigate your claim and obtain evidence
- Negotiate to ensure you receive a fair amount of compensation
Is there a time limit for filing an employment lawsuit?
Statute of limitations exists for various employment laws. Because of this, it is recommended that you file a lawsuit as soon as you are wronged. For example, in Colorado, you have up to 180 days from the occurrence date to file a discrimination claim. If you are unsure whether your claim has passed the statute of limitations, contact Gregory A. Hall for advice on your next step.
Frequently Asked Questions
What steps can I take to prepare for an employment law case?
To prepare for an employment law case, there are several steps you can take to strengthen your position and support your claims. First, document any incidents of discrimination, harassment, or wage violations by keeping detailed records, including dates, times, and descriptions of the events. Gather any relevant documents, such as employment contracts, pay stubs, performance evaluations, or emails, that may support your case. Additionally, consider seeking support from witnesses who can corroborate your allegations. Finally, consult with an experienced employment law attorney who can provide guidance on the legal process, assess the strength of your case, and advocate on your behalf throughout the proceedings.
What role does an attorney play in handling employment law violations?
Hiring an attorney for an employment law violation can significantly benefit your case. Your attorney will take charge of developing a legal strategy, managing all aspects of your claim, communicating with your employer on your behalf, and gathering evidence to support your case. Additionally, your attorney will negotiate with the opposing party to ensure you receive fair compensation for your losses. By entrusting your case to an experienced attorney, you gain a knowledgeable advocate who will fight to uphold your rights and achieve a favorable outcome.
Is there a time limit for filing an employment lawsuit?
Yes, there are statute of limitations for filing employment lawsuits, which vary depending on the specific laws governing your case and the jurisdiction where the incident occurred. For example, in Colorado, discrimination claims must typically be filed within 180 days from the date of the alleged discrimination. It’s essential to act promptly and consult with an attorney if you believe your rights have been violated, as missing the deadline could result in losing your right to pursue legal action. An experienced attorney can advise you on the applicable statutes of limitations and ensure that your claim is filed in a timely manner.
