Both federal and state laws are in place to protect your rights in the workplace. These could still be a frustrating and confusing time if you are wronged by your employer. You may be unsure of your rights as an employee, whether you may sue your employer, and how to proceed with a claim.
A Prince William County employment lawyer understands the power your employer has over you. Your job allows you to provide for your family and maintain your financial security. The experienced attorneys at the Spiggle Law Firm are familiar with a wide variety of employment-related cases, ranging from discrimination and harassment claims to important contract negotiations with your employer. They could provide information and support while helping you decide your next step.
Bringing Legal Claims Against an Employer
A Prince William County employment attorney could help evaluate the behavior and wrongful actions of an employer. They could handle potential legal actions arising from various circumstances, could include:
- Discrimination
- Retaliation
- Sexual harassment
- Violation of employment-related contracts
There are both federal and state laws in place to help protect employees. It is unlawful for an employer to discriminate against employees based on their membership in a protected class. Under Virginia Code Section 2.2-3901, employers cannot discriminate in the workplace based on pregnancy. Your employer cannot fire or otherwise demote you because of a pregnancy. Other classes, such as sexual orientation, race, religion, and age, are also protected from discrimination.
Other situations could lead to actions against an employer. When an employer retaliates against an employee because of protected activity, the employer’s actions may be illegal. Protected activities may include filing complaints or a refusing to discriminate against another employee. It is valuable to have a focused Prince William County attorney to assess the employment situation and determine the potential for a legal claim.
Employment Contract Negotiations in Prince William County
Taking or departing a job could lead to paperwork and employment contracts. When an employer asks you to sign agreements related to your job or benefits, it may be beneficial to an employment attorney from Prince William County on your side both in the initial negotiation and eventual enforcement of work contracts.
One common type of agreement is non-compete agreements, which are viewed unfavorably in the Virginia court system and must be drafted narrowly to be enforced. Since a non-compete agreement could restrict your ability to earn a living, a lawyer could work to negotiate the terms of any such agreement. This could help ensure agreements are narrow in geographic scope and appropriately limited in duration.
In Prince William County, employees may wish to understand the details of a severance agreement. These employment contracts govern the compensation you could receive when you leave. Aspects to consider in a severance include tax consequences, confidentiality provisions, and consequences for violating the agreement. It may be crucial for an employee to consider all the terms of a contract before signing the agreement.
Reach out to a Prince William County Employment Attorney
During the employment relationship, a legal team will likely represent your employer’s interests. Whether you seeking to file an action against your current employer or require assistance with contracts or negotiations, an experienced and reputable Prince William County employment lawyer could assist you.
Facing legal issues related to your work situation could be frustrating but allowing a legal advocate to provide guidance in employment-related matters may lead to a favorable outcome. If you are facing an employment issue, contact the Spiggle Law Firm today to schedule a case consultation or use the free Case Assessment Calculator to learn more about a potential claim.
