Labor law is one of the complex areas that cover numerous cases of disputes. Different matters related to employment, remuneration, work conditions, trade unions, and industrial relations are its focus areas. In the USA, both state labor laws and federal employment laws regulate the employer-employee relationship. Likewise, in Kansas City, federal employee rights and state worker protections are applied to solve employment disputes. The labor law attorneys from Potts Law and other reputed law firms represent clients who face unfair treatment at the workplace.
- What is Labor Law?
Labor law or employment law is a specific section of the law that mediates the relationship between employees, employers, trade unions, and the government. The elements of labor law vary from the laws of contract, tort, or property. In addition to the individual contractual relationships, labor law also includes statutory requirements and collective relationships to promote healthy work culture.
Across the United States, all the employees, employers, and labor unions have certain rights and duties set by the United States labor law. Anyone suffering from a physical, mental, or financial injury caused by employment disputes can seek legal help by consulting a labor law attorney. The labor law attorneys in Kansas City are dedicated to representing employees and other individuals to ensure fair treatment.
- Types of Employment Law Claims:
Labor law is a vast area that can solve different matters of disputes within the workplace. Based on the nature of disputes, there can be numerous types of employment claims. The four common types of employment law claims are explained below.
- Discrimination (Age, Gender, and Race):
Discrimination in the workplace can take multiple forms. The labor law attorneys are the legal professionals, who can solve matters of discrimination in workplaces. The labor law attorneys can help take legal action against all forms of discrimination.
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 states that all employing entities and labor unions should treat employees equally. The law prohibits any discrimination based on the age, gender, or race of the employees. The attorneys represent them through all stages of litigation of employment claims and help the clients get justice.
Some common employee harassment damages include:
- Compensatory Damages
- Punitive Damages
- Liquidated Damages
- What is Age Discrimination?
Age discrimination occurs when an employer makes a decision or takes action based on an employee’s age, either young or old. Promoting, hiring, or firing employees based on their age is punishable by law.
- What is Gender Discrimination?
Employees of every gender deserve equal treatment in the workplace. Gender discrimination in a workplace occurs when an employer takes action or makes a decision based on an employee’s gender.
- What is Race Discrimination?
Race discrimination in workplaces occurs when an employer takes action or makes a decision based on an employee’s race or ethnicity.
- Salary / Overtime Disputes:
The Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 created guidelines for employers to guarantee salary and overtime rights for employees. According to the law, employers should provide a specific wage and overtime pay or more to the workers during seven days. However, these laws are not always in practice as many laborers remain underpaid or underpaid by their employers. Many law firms in Kansas City, such as Potts Law provide free-of-cost first consultation to the laborers, who believe they are deprived of their salary or overtime payment.
Some common recoverable damages of salary or overtime disputes include:
- Unpaid overtime wage from the employer
- Liquidated damages in an amount equal to the unpaid overtime hours
- Attorney’s fees from the employer
- Wrongful Termination:
The federal law states that an employer can terminate an employee for any reason. However, an employee can still seek justice based on other employment discrimination laws. The labor law attorneys investigate every case to see if the employer has violated the employee’s rights based on age, gender, and age. If proven, the victim can claim compensation or a fair settlement. Hence, if anyone feels that the person has been wrongfully terminated by the employer, consulting a labor law attorney can be the best decision. It is the responsibility of a labor law attorney to ensure fair treatment across all professions and at all employment levels.
Some common wrongful termination damages include:
- Lost wages and benefits
- Future wage loss and future benefit loss
- Compensatory damages
- Emotional harm damages
- Punitive damages
- Attorney’s fees and costs
- Sexual Harassment:
Unfortunately, the cases of sexual harassment in the workplace are rising at an alarming rate. To ensure the victims get justice, there are different forums organized in corporate offices. However, not all cases get resolved easily as EEOC and courts have special requirements before an employee can file a complaint about sexual harassment. In such cases, the best way to move further is by consulting a labor law attorney. Potts Law and many other law firms in Kansas City can help the victims navigate their claim for sexual harassment against their employers.
For the following sexual harassment damages, legal remedies are possible.
- Future wage loss and future benefit loss
- Compensatory damages
- Emotional harm damages
- Punitive damages
- Attorney’s fees and costs
- What constitutes sexual harassment at the workplace?
The law sees sexual harassment as sexual discrimination. Requesting or demanding sexual favor, unwelcome sexual advances or commands, offensive verbal or physical gestures, and more can be forms of sexual harassment at the workplace.
- Conclusion:
Labor law is an extensive area that covers numerous cases of employment disputes. Fighting with authority is not easy and therefore, it’s always a wise decision to seek legal help. As labor law attorneys specialize in employment disputes, they know the ins and outs of it. Potts Law and many other reputed law firms in Kansas City have experienced legal law attorneys. Many of them provide free-of-cost first consultation for those, who believe they have been wrongfully treated at the workplace. After investigating the legitimacy of the case, the attorneys can help the victims through the legislation phases. The most complex disputes can be easily handled and solved when a labor law attorney represents on behalf of the victims.