Workplace discrimination is rampant, and yet, many employees in Virginia fail to take action in time. Workers are often unaware of their rights, and in certain situations, they may not know about the legal options they have. There is also the risk of losing their job if they speak up against certain people within the organization. Hiring a Virginia employment attorney is important in such circumstances. If you are wondering whether you need to lawyer up, here are some key things you need to know.
Employment laws are complex
Federal and state laws prohibit workplace discrimination on grounds like age, race, national origin, ethnicity, disability, and gender/sex. As we mentioned, such discrimination incidents are not sporadic. This is an at-will employment state, which means that your employer can choose to fire you for any or no reason as they please. However, if you were wrongfully fired or were discriminated against because of reasons mentioned above, you need to take immediate action. Employment laws are inherently complex and often hard to understand, and without an attorney, you may miss out on available legal remedies.
Your case matters
There are many reasons why you may need an employment attorney. Examples include
– You were wrongfully fired from your position
– Your employer retaliated against you
– Your employer has breached the terms & conditions of your employment contract
– You suffered sexual abuse or harassment
– You are working in a hostile work environment
– You have filed a complaint, but your employer refuses to work on the same
– You were denied overtime and other dues
Each of these circumstances is different, and it is best to hire a lawyer who can represent you and fight for your cause. You would be more open to taking on the legal battle when you have an expert backing you for the moves. Your lawyer can negotiate better, represent you at EEOC hearings, and take the matter to trial when necessary.
You don’t need to pay huge
If your case involves financial recovery, your lawyer will work on a contingency fee. This means that the attorney gets a part of the settlement but cannot charge more than the standard norm. If not, the lawyer may charge an hourly rate, and it doesn’t have to be very high. However, pricing isn’t the only reason to hire an attorney and should be among your last concerns.
Consult an employment attorney today to know more.