Vienna, Virginia Employment Law Attorneys
Lawyers for Sexual Harassment and Wage Theft in Vienna, VA
Employees have legal rights designed to protect them from unlawful treatment in the workplace. Unfortunately, not all employers comply with the law, and employees may face issues that can negatively impact their careers, their financial well-being, and their personal lives. If you are dealing with a workplace dispute or believe your rights as an employee have been violated, Freedman Law, LLC can assist you. Our attorneys can help you take steps to protect your rights and work to achieve a fair outcome in your case.
Addressing Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
Some of the most pervasive forms of unlawful behavior that employees may experience involve unwanted sexual advances or other inappropriate actions or comments of a sexual nature. Sexual harassment typically falls into two categories:
- Quid pro quo sexual harassment: A person in a position of power, such as a supervisor, may demand sexual favors from an employee in exchange for employment benefits like a promotion or salary increase. Refusing to comply with these demands may result in threats, demotions, or termination.
- Hostile work environment sexual harassment: People may engage in offensive behavior in the workplace, including inappropriate jokes or comments, touching someone or entering their personal space, or displaying sexually explicit materials. These actions can create a hostile or uncomfortable atmosphere for other employees. This type of harassment can be perpetrated by supervisors, coworkers, or even clients.
If you have been subjected to sexual harassment at work, you have the right to take legal action. You may file a complaint with your employer, but if the proper steps were not taken to address the issue, or if you have experienced retaliation, you may file claims through the appropriate government agencies or pursue a lawsuit against your employer. Freedman Law, LLC can assist you in filing your claim, and we can provide effective representation in legal proceedings related to sexual harassment.
Wage Theft and Recovering Unpaid Wages
Employees may face significant difficulties if they are not paid the full amount they are owed under the law. Employers who engage in wage theft may be held responsible for violating the law, and they may be required to compensate employees correctly. Common examples of wage theft include:
- Unpaid overtime: Employers may misclassify employees or alter time records to avoid paying the additional compensation that is required when employees work more than 40 hours in a week.
- Unpaid final wages: Some employers may delay or refuse to issue final paychecks to employees after they have resigned or been terminated.
- Failure to pay minimum wage: Employees must be paid at least the minimum wage for all hours they have worked. Employers may be held responsible if they pay less than the minimum wage.
If you believe you are owed wages, Freedman Law, LLC can help you file a claim or pursue a lawsuit against your employer. With our understanding of wage and hour laws, our lawyers can make sure you will be able to recover the full amount of compensation you are entitled to receive.
Rights of Disabled Employees to Receive Accommodations
Employees with disabilities have the right to receive reasonable accommodations that enable them to perform the essential functions of their job. Employees may request accommodations such as modified work schedules, adjustments to physical workspaces, or the use of assistive technology. Unfortunately, some employers are reluctant to provide accommodations, and they may force disabled employees to work in conditions that do not meet their needs. In some cases, employers may retaliate against employees for requesting accommodations by demoting them, reducing their hours, or terminating their employment.
If your employer has denied your request for reasonable accommodations, Freedman Law, LLC can help you file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or pursue a lawsuit. Our attorneys can help you negotiate agreements with your employer or pursue compensation or other remedies for any violations of your rights as a disabled employee.
Other Employment Law Issues
Freedman Law, LLC provides legal representation to help employees and employers address employment law matters such as:
- Discrimination: Employees are protected from unfair or unequal treatment based on factors such as age, sexual orientation, gender, or race. If you believe you have been discriminated against in hiring, promotions, pay, or other employment decisions, Freedman Law, LLC can help you take legal action to hold your employer accountable.
- Non-Compete Agreements and NDAs: Many employees are required to sign legal agreements as a condition of employment or as part of a severance package. These agreements can restrict a person's ability to find work in the future. If you have concerns about the terms of these agreements or believe they are overly restrictive, Freedman Law, LLC can help you understand your rights and negotiate favorable terms.
- Wrongful Termination: If you were fired for discriminatory reasons, in retaliation for reporting unlawful conduct, or for exercising your legal rights, you may have grounds for a wrongful termination claim. Freedman Law, LLC can help you seek compensation for your lost wages and other damages.
- Family Medical Leave: People who work for employers of a certain size (generally businesses with at least 50 employees) have the right to take unpaid leave for specific family and medical reasons, such as caring for a newborn child, recovering from a serious illness, or tending to a family member with a serious health condition. If your employer denied you leave or retaliated against you for taking leave, Freedman Law, LLC can help you file a claim to protect your rights.
Contact Our Vienna, VA Employment Lawyer
When addressing employment law issues in Vienna, Virginia, Freedman Law, LLC can provide the legal support you need. Whether you are dealing with sexual harassment, wage theft, discrimination, or other employment law concerns, our attorneys can provide experienced representation to help you protect your rights and seek a fair resolution to disputes between employers and employees. Contact us today at 410-290-6232 to arrange a consultation.