Six Reasons to Hire an Employment Lawyer

All employees have rights, and there may be times when you require the help of an employment lawyer to protect those rights. Kansas City lawyers are knowledgeable about Missouri employment laws that can protect the rights and interests of employees, including employees who have been terminated. But what are some specific reasons you may need to hire a lawyer.

Six Reasons to Hire an Employment Lawyer

1. Wrongful Termination

Kansas City employment lawyers are often hired in cases of wrongful termination. There are many circumstances related to wrongful termination, such as discrimination, retaliation, refusal to commit illegal acts, whistleblowing, and breach of the employee contract. You may need legal help when you file a complaint with the State Department of Labor or file a lawsuit if you have been wrongfully terminated.

Although Missouri law mandates that employers can fire employees for any reason, the reasons for termination must still be lawful and must be found in employee contracts. For example, employees cannot be fired for taking medical leave, so if you have taken medical leave and you’ve lost your job as a result, you may have grounds for wrongful termination lawsuit.

2. Discrimination

Discrimination in the workplace doesn’t always mean that you’re losing your job. Many people are discriminated against based on their race, ethnicity, religion, gender, and sexual orientation. Discrimination in the workplace can mean that employees are unable to earn promotions that they are more qualified for than other employees or that employees do not earn benefits.

Discrimination can also be applied to hiring practices, such as employers who are not willing to hire disabled people. Discrimination can even apply to situations such as unequal pay, pregnancy discrimination, and more. For any discrimination matter, you might need the expert knowledge of a lawyer to protect your rights.

3. Final Wages

If you have lost your job, then your employer must provide your last wages on the same day as your termination under Missouri state law. If your employer does not follow this law, then you will be able to file an appeal for your final wages. There may be circumstances where your employer refuses to cut your last paycheck, and in these circumstances, you will need the assistance of a lawyer to secure your final wages.

4. Toxic Workplace Investigation

If you have filed a complaint about a toxic workplace and your employer is currently under investigation for having a toxic work environment, then you may need the protection of a lawyer during the investigation so you don’t lose your job.

A toxic workplace, such as an employer that does not allow adequate breaks, can be detrimental to physical and psychological health. A lawyer can help you gather evidence to prove that a workplace is toxic and can also help you receive full compensation during that process.

5. Worker’s Compensation

If you are hurt on the job, then you are entitled to worker’s compensation. However, not all worker’s compensation claims are approved and some employers refuse to pay worker’s compensation insurance. If you were injured because of your work, then an employment lawyer will help you file a worker’s compensation claim so you can receive monetary benefits for medical bills and treatments.

Your worker’s compensation benefits should cover initial doctor’s appointments, ongoing treatment, wages during recovery, and even the cost of physical therapy. Whether or not your employer is refusing to supply worker’s compensation as outlined by your employment contract, having a lawyer on your side can ensure you can use this benefit.

6. Sexual Harassment

Hiring an employment lawyer after you have formally complained about sexual harassment is a way you can protect yourself from retaliation in the workplace. Retaliation for reporting sexual harassment is unfortunately very common, and some employees may face retaliation such as wrongful termination, demotions, or loss of certain employment benefits.

Having a lawyer on your side protects your rights as an employee and can shield you from consequences like wrongful termination. It may also be necessary to have a lawyer if sexual harassment cases are being investigated. Some employers may accuse harassed employees of being willing participants in their own harassment, so it’s a good idea to have a lawyer on your side to ensure you are being treated fairly.

There are several common reasons why you may need the expertise of a lawyer who specializes in employment rights and laws in Kansas City. For example, if you have been wrongfully terminated, or if you believe your employer is retaliating against you for whistleblower complaints, then you will need a lawyer to file complaints. You may also need help from a lawyer in cases related to a toxic work environment, discrimination, and sexual harassment. A lawyer can help you file a lawsuit so you can be compensated for your damages.