Employment Law
Because it is important to file workplace mistreatment complaints correctly and within a limited time frame, quality, experienced legal counsel is absolutely necessary. Some laws require that a claim must first be made to a state or federal agency before it can be heard in court. In other situations it is very important to consider under which laws (State or Federal, for example) a case should proceed to receive the most effective and efficient result. Williams Law LLC attorneys are experts at navigating the complex details of employment law on behalf of employees.
Contact Us for a free case evaluation. Brief descriptions of the areas of law we practice are provided below:
Discrimination
Discrimination is defined as treating a person or group of people differently at their job because of their race, color, age, gender, or ethnic origin. When this leads to being rejected for employment, being fired, or other harm (such as being overlooked for promotion), then there may be cause for legal action. When an employee is subject to offensive behavior because of their race, color, age, gender or ethnic origin, etc., this conduct is considered harassment. Examples of harassment include racial (or gender, etc.) slurs, offensive jokes and stereotyping.
Sexual Harassment
Sexual Harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature in the workplace. When these advances are made explicitly or implicitly a condition of an individual’s employment (quid pro quo), then there may be cause for legal action. A second type of sexual harassment does not have to involve explicit sexual behavior, but may include slurs, negative stereotyping, denigrating or hostile jokes due to gender. When either of these situations exist as pervasive and/or severe so as to create an abusive working environment, then it is considered hostile environment sexual harassment.
In all cases of harassment, (racial, sexual, etc.) it is very important for an employee to let the harasser clearly know that their conduct is unwelcome, and then let the employer know of the situation, preferably in writing. If the employer ignores the complaint or takes action against the employee for complaining, then there may be cause for legal action.
Retaliation
Retaliation is adverse action taken against an employee because they complained about harassment, discrimination, health and safety violations, or some other violation of workplace law. “Adverse action” can mean several things, including but not limited to demotion, firing, salary reduction, changes in job assignment or hostility. Because this definition can be very broad, and because potential liability for retaliation is similarly broad, it is more important than ever to receive experienced, quality legal advice when pursuing a retaliation claim.
At Williams Law LLC, we work with our clients who are filing discrimination or harassment complaints and their employers to prevent retaliation that an unrepresented employee might suffer.
Employment Law
Wrongful termination, whistle blowing, denial of pregnancy/medical leave rights (FMLA), breach of contract are other areas of law that Williams Law LLC will pursue with the best interests of the employee at heart.
To find out if your situation warrants legal action, use our Contact Us form or call (816) 876-2600 to request a free case evaluation. Our experienced attorneys will answer your questions and asses your case. If we determine that we are not a good fit for your needs, we will be pleased to refer you to a qualified attorney or agency that is!
Other Practice Areas: Insurance Defense