Fairfax Employment Lawyer

Your Dedicated Employment Attorney

A workplace injury happens all too often, across every type of injury, as an employment lawyer in Fairfax, VA knows. Though many large employers offer worker’s compensation, actually applying for benefits can be a hassle and a complicated process. If you are reporting a workplace injury, there are important steps you should take. If you need assistance filing a worker’s compensation claim, our Fairfax, VA employment lawyer can give you step-by-step directions and legal guidance. 

 

If you’ve experienced discrimination in the workplace, contacting an employment lawyer in Fairfax, Virginia can make the difference between struggling with a hostile work environment and ensuring your work environment is a healthy and happy place to grow and learn. Whatever conflicts you are dealing with at your place of work, you can be assured that you can receive assistance in navigating them when you have a lawyer at your side. You may have heard about discrimination in the workplace – and if you’re really unfortunate, you may have heard of it (or experienced it yourself) at your own workplace. But you should never let workplace discrimination defeat you: You have a way to fight back, and a way to make sure it never happens to anyone else. Discrimination should never be tolerated. Thankfully, there are resources for workers who have experienced discrimination. Meet with an experienced and reliable employment lawyer about possible steps you can take to combat discrimination.

 

Contacting an employment lawyer can be an overwhelming decision, but you should never feel worried about reaching out to correct any wrongs you’ve experienced at work. It might seem like you do not have a lot of options, but you can hope to achieve a positive result from your case outcome with a lawyer’s help. There are a plethora of available resources that a lawyer has access to which can aid in your case. You don’t have to face this battle alone, and fortunately a qualified attorney can walk you through any discrimination-related cases you may bring to their office. Contact our team at May Law, LLP today to schedule a consultation.

 

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About Discrimination in the Workplace

There are many different ways by which an employer can discriminate against employees – and it’s important to remember that discrimination can come from all directions. However, workplace discrimination can be difficult to recognize. Some forms of discrimination are more noticeable, such as when your wages are reduced or you are passed up for a promotion because of factors such as your race or gender. In other cases, it may be more discreet, such as if an employer assigns you a schedule at odd or inconvenient hours. 

 

Another point about discrimination that many workers might not be aware of is that discrimination can be made by co-workers who are part of your team. Discrimination isn’t just the fault of higher-ups: Your coworkers and even your own team of employees can discriminate against you. This discrimination can make life a living hell at work. You have a right to work in an environment that is healthy and conducive to productivity. You shouldn’t be constantly belittled, picked on, or bullied because of something you can’t change – something that’s part of your identity. You shouldn’t be made to feel inferior about anything you’re born with, born as, or grew into, but that’s the sad reality of discrimination suits. This is why it is important that you fight against any kind of discrimination leveled at you and meet with a lawyer for advice.

 

Discrimination encompasses many types of scenarios. When a person is discriminated against at their work, it is often based on age, race or gender. Some examples of grounds for discrimination complaints:

  • Age: You may be older than your colleagues, or you may be younger than everyone else in the office. In either case, your age shouldn’t bar you from reaching any higher positions in the workplace, and you should never be passed over for any opportunities for growth just because of your age. Everyone should be given a fair and equal opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge, growth and skills. 
  • Race: Everyone should be entitled to the same opportunities. Being ignored or sidelined because your employer wanted to hire or promote someone of a different race can be grounds for a discrimination suit. Unfortunately, racial discrimination is all too common, and it often goes unnoticed and unchallenged. If you have been a victim of this particualr form of discrimination it is vital that you talk to a lawyer about your legal rights. 
  • Gender: Employers are required by law to pay the same wages to employees regardless of gender. It is illegal for an employer to pay you less money than a colleague solely because of your gender, but unfortunately, it’s one of the most common types of workplace discrimination.
  • Religious affiliation: It doesn’t take a an employment lawyer in Fairfax, VA to know that anyone should be free to practice whichever religion they choose. Experiencing harassment because of your religion is unacceptable in the workplace. It also shouldn’t be a barrier to promotion or raises, and it certainly shouldn’t be a barrier to extra hours or overtime. Employers are expected to provide a degree of accomodation for your religious practices, and anything that makes you feel like less of an employee on account of your religion could be grounds for a lawsuit.
  • Maternal status/Pregnancy: The Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA) makes it illegal to discriminate against employees on the basis of pregnancy. This means it’s illegal to fire an employee or pass them over for promotion because she’s pregnant. It’s also illegal to exclude pregnant employees from leave and health insurance. If you feel you were discriminated against because of your pregnancy, you should turn to an employment lawyer from May Law, LLP. 

 

These are just a few examples of common types of discrimination that workers face across various positions and industries. There are many other examples of discrimination in the workplace, and they cover a whole range of classifications and considerations. Discrimination can happen to just about anyone, and it’s a severe blow to your personal and professional life if you know you have to clock in to a toxic workplace every day. It can have a significant impact on your ability to thrive at your job and excel in your career journey. If you are not sure if a certain experience you had in the workplace is considered discrimination, you should speak to a lawyer and they can assess your situation. Seek legal help now so that you understand what steps you need to take so that the responsible individual or employer can be held accountable. Nobody should ever have to deal with a discriminatory and hostile work environment, and May Law, LLP is here to help.

 

Discrimination Comes from All Sides

 When people think about workplace discrimination or harassment, they usually think of management exploiting their position to make life miserable for their employees. Most people think about quid-pro-quo sex scandals, or institutional racism perpetuated by managers who refuse to promote or hire people of color. However, discrimination can come from anywhere.

 

It can look like snide jokes or endless talking about you behind your back. And it can also surface at office parties or team meetings. It’s one thing to have banter at the office, but if you’re being purposely singled out for something that you’re unable to change, it’s completely unacceptable, and an employment lawyer in Fairfax, VA can help you get the justice you deserve.

 

If your coworkers are constantly harassing you on account of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or other deep aspect of your personal life, it’s time to put a stop to it. A toxic work environment can make clocking in a living hell, and nobody should have to suffer any more than they have to in the pursuit of stable wages and a happy, healthy work environment. Fortunately, you can contact May Law, LLP to make things right.

 

Cases Our Employment Lawyer Can Assist With

Most people don’t even know the different ways that attorneys specializing in employment law can be called upon to help their clients. There are many different reasons that employees and employers might utilize the services of an employment lawyer in Fairfax, VA. Knowing the different aspects of why you might need an attorney to address any workplace issues will empower you to make the call for legal assistance before any work troubles grow worse.

 

Wrongful Termination

 A common reason an employment attorney may be brought in is to deal with wrongful termination. Clients can trust May Law to help them walk through what happened with their recent termination and determine if having an attorney involved could right any wrongs. There are plenty of situations where an employer may have handled the process of the firing poorly or the entire grounds for termination were faulty or without merit. There may even be situations where you need help obtaining a more fair and just severance package related to your termination. An experienced employment lawyer in Fairfax, VA can help you understand your legal rights as an employee and help you file any wrongful termination lawsuits that may be required.

 

Workplace Related Illness or Injuries

Accidents happen, but sometimes they are due to negligence or known issues that weren’t properly dealt with in the workplace. If you suffered from a work-related accident and your employers didn’t rectify the problem or properly compensate you for your medical bills and lost wages or salary you should look for legal representation. The same goes for if you have developed an illness that is directly related to your work position. An employment lawyer in Fairfax, VA can help you determine if you have a situation that warrants legal representation for what you have suffered.

 

Toxic Office Culture

 The other most common reason people contact May Law for assistance is because of an employee’s toxic office culture. This can range from several types of discrimination that can occur in any office or workplace to unfair working conditions and general bullying by other employees or management. Everyone deserves a safe place to do their job, but sometimes company culture can become dangerous and damaging to the employees. Talking to an experienced employment lawyer in Fairfax, VA can help you set things right in your workplace. With their employment law expertise, you can make sure that nobody in your company has to endure a toxic work atmosphere again.

 

Steps to Proving Discrimination in the Workplace

If you’ve been discriminated against while at work, you may want to seek immediate remediation. However, there are a number of steps you must take before justice – and compensation – can be served. An employment lawyer in Fairfax, VA can help guide you through the process. 

 

  • File a Complaint 

Before you are able to take your employer to court, you must file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Be sure to file as soon as possible, as this part of the process is subject to a statute of limitations. In most cases, you only have six months to file, but sometimes up to a year. 

 

  • Document Every Instance

Take careful notes of all instances of discrimination. Be sure to write down the dates, times, locations, and witnesses. Take photographs using a time stamp app on your phone for easy proof of time and place. Write down words said as direct quotes whenever possible. Screenshot all texts, emails, and other electronically corresponded evidence. It is particularly important that you download all emails sent through the employer’s servers because these emails could be deleted or locked out without notice. Your employment lawyer in Fairfax, VA can help you build your case using your collected evidence. 

 

  • Conduct the McDonnell-Douglas Test

The McDonnell-Douglas test is named for a 1973 Supreme Court discrimination case. Simply put, the test measures the likelihood that discrimination occurred according to the standard set forth by law. If you can answer “yes” to the following four questions, you have a good foundation on which May Law can build your case:

  1. Are you or were you qualified for the opening or promotion?
  2. Are you a member of a protected class? 
  3. Did your employer act negatively or punishingly toward you?
  4. Was the position given to somebody who is not a member of the same protected class as you?

 

  • Build Your Case with Circumstantial Evidence

Interview other current and former employees who are members of the same protected class as you. Have they experienced unjust treatment? Perhaps it is difficult to find other employees in the same protected class, which is noteworthy as well. You might learn your employer’s hiring demographics point to similar discrimination long before you arrived. May Law can help with the research process as you build your case.

 

Fairfax Employment Law Infographic

COMMON HEALTH EFFECTS OF TOXIC WORK ENVIRONMENTS

 

Fairfax Employment Law Statistics

According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), there were 67,448 charges of discrimination filed with the agency in fiscal year 2020. The most common types of discrimination claims filed with the EEOC involve discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, and retaliation.

 

Fairfax Employment Law FAQs

Employment discrimination is a serious issue that can have long-lasting impacts on your career and personal life. If you believe you have experienced discrimination in your workplace, it is important to take action. This may involve documenting the discrimination, reporting it to your employer, consulting with an employment lawyer, and filing a complaint with the appropriate agency. By taking these steps, you can protect your legal rights and work to hold your employer accountable for their discriminatory actions. Reach out to a Fairfax employment lawyer from May Law, LLP today when you need help.

 

What is employment law?

As you can learn from a Fairfax, VA employment lawyer, employment law is an area of law that concerns the rules and regulations of topics that impact the employer and employee relationship. It covers various aspects such as hiring, wages, working conditions, discrimination, termination, and workplace safety. Employment laws are designed to protect the rights and interests of both employers and employees, ensuring fair treatment, equal opportunities, and compliance with labor standards. These laws vary across countries and jurisdictions, and it is important for employers and employees to understand their rights and obligations under the applicable employment laws to maintain a harmonious and lawful work environment.

 

What is the purpose of employment contracts?

Employment contracts serve as legally binding agreements between employers and employees, outlining the terms and conditions of employment. These contracts specify essential details such as job duties, compensation, working hours, leave entitlements, and termination procedures. The purpose of an in-depth and defined employment contract is to provide clear guidelines and policies that both an employee and employer can agree to and abide by. They help prevent misunderstandings and disputes by clearly defining the rights and obligations of both parties. Employment contracts also serve as valuable evidence in case of any legal disputes that may arise during the course of employment.

 

What is the concept of wrongful termination?

As a qualified and trusted Fairfax employment lawyer can explain to clients, wrongful termination is when an employer unjustly terminates an employee. It occurs when an employer terminates an employee’s contract in violation of employment laws or without just cause. Wrongful termination can take various forms, such as terminating an employee based on their race, gender, religion, disability, or for exercising their legal rights, such as whistleblowing or joining a labor union. Additionally, breaching terms outlined in an employment contract, such as firing an employee without proper notice or without following the agreed-upon procedures, can also be considered wrongful termination.

 

What protections do employees have against workplace discrimination?

Employees have many specific protections enforced by workplace discrimination laws which are designed to keep employees from committing unjust actions against them. These protections typically prohibit discrimination based on factors such as race, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, disability, or pregnancy. Laws vary by jurisdiction, but common protections include equal opportunity in hiring, promotion, and termination decisions, as well as protection from harassment or hostile work environments. Employees who believe they have been subjected to discrimination can file complaints with relevant government agencies or take legal action against their employers. It is important for employers to foster inclusive and non-discriminatory workplaces to ensure compliance with these laws.

 

What are an employer’s obligations regarding workplace safety?

Employers have a legal obligation to provide a safe and healthy work environment for their employees. This includes identifying and minimizing workplace hazards, implementing safety protocols and procedures, providing necessary safety training, and ensuring compliance with applicable health and safety regulations. Employers should also maintain accurate records of workplace injuries and illnesses, and provide appropriate compensation and medical assistance to employees who suffer work-related injuries. If you have any questions concerning an issue or legal concern involving employment law, refer to an experienced and dedicated Fairfax employment lawyer from May Law, LLP so that you can obtain the legal services you are searching for and receive timely assistance.

 

May Law, LLP, Fairfax Employment Lawyer

3900 University Dr, Fairfax, VA 22030

 

Contact Our Fairfax Employment Lawyer Today

Unfortunately, not all employment lawyers are created equal. Some only look at their clients like another paycheck, while others only offer cookie-cutter solutions even though every case is different. At May Law, LLP, you’ll have more than just a lawyer – you’ll have an advocate that’s as committed to your case as you are.

 

We understand that experiencing discrimination in the workplace can be frustrating, humiliating, and overwhelming. But you shouldn’t have to suffer through it alone. When you reach out to us, we’ll investigate your case and see how we can get you the justice you need, and with luck we can prevent it from ever happening to anyone else.

 

Don’t suffer in silence through your workplace discrimination. Reach out to a qualified employment lawyer in Fairfax, VA, and see how the professionals at May Law, LLP can help. At May Law, LLP, we know that discrimination has no place in the workplace. It is not acceptable that certain workers are subjected to discrimination because of factors that they cannot control. Fortunately, you can receive legal assistance so that you can hold the party responsible under the law and preserve your rights. Take action now by scheduling a consultation with a skilled and highly experienced employment lawyer. We care deeply for every client that contacts us about potential discrimination, because we understand that a toxic work environment can have a serious impact on the quality of your life and the life of those you love. Reach out to a Fairfax, VA employment lawyer who cares, and contact May Law, LLP, today.

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