Do you have a legal concern that could be aided by an employment attorney in Ft. Lauderdale? Employment lawyers represent clients dealing with a wide range of troubles, and they can help you understand the legal puzzles presented by many career issues. Employment attorney’s represent clients in a variety of situations, consisting of contract matters, job terminations, harassment, and discrimination. Even if you are an employer looking for guidance in issues involving your business, an employment attorney in Ft. Lauderdale can help you comprehend your obligations and rights.
Sexual harassment statute protects employees of both sexes from relentless, unwanted abuse based on sex. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 sets up a framework of protected classes, including gender, and these safeguards are further outlined in the regulations of the State of Florida. To be considered “harassment,” the advances do not need to be sexual or romantic, only qualified by a gender element.
Sexual harassment is one of a number of forms of criminal discrimination. Office environment discrimination on the basis of race, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, citizenship, pregnancy, bankruptcy, military status, HIV\/AIDS status, or genetic information, is prohibited under federal and Florida state regulation. Other types of job discrimination are commonly legal, but not discrimination based on the fact that a worker belongs to any of these groups.
Under the federal Age Discrimination Employment Act of 1967, along with the Florida Civil Due Act of 1992, businesses can’t discriminate on the basis of age. Title VII of the federal Civil Due Act, together with the Florida Civil Rights Act, outlaws discrimination based on nationality, religion, gender or national origin. The Americans with Disabilities Act and the Florida Civil Due Act both protect handicapped employees, while Florida statute protects employees with HIV\/AIDS. Florida law provides some additional anti-discrimination protections beyond those provided by federal law. For instance, in Florida employers can’t discriminate on the basis of marital status. If you are affected by discriminatory actions, a qualified Ft. Lauderdale employment attorney can explain your dues based on the interpretation of these statutes.
In order to go ahead with a lawsuit of wrongful firing or discrimination, a staff member must first file a grievance with the FCHR or the EEOC. Because these two agencies have different standards and filing timelines, it is recommended to consult a Ft. Lauderdale employment law firm for guidance when dealing with these departments. Once the relevant agency wraps up its investigation, assuming it finds evidence of unlawful discrimination, you have two options: You could either address the issue further with that agency or you could file suit in civil court. While the agencies may be able to solve your circumstances to your full satisfaction - through re-hiring, back pay, or the payment of damages - the courts can provide you a chance at higher settlement depending on the severeness of your situation.
Breach of contract suits don’t happen very often in employment situations, at least outside of union workers and executives. This is due to the fact that the lion’s share of employees are employed at will, with no obligation to remain on for any reason, and no obligation on the part of the employer to maintain their employment (except for reasons of a legally protected nature). Most breach-of-contract situations happen from circumstances where an employer case “professional cause” in terminating a worker, as required by the terms of their contract, while the worker refutes that case and insists there was no good cause. Should you discover yourself in a position where a company has breached contract, you may find it beneficial to contact a qualified Ft. Lauderdale employment attorney who can talk about your choices.
So-called non-compete clauses are prevalent in Florida, where they’ve been embraced by the state courts as a legal way to inhibit employees in highly competitive fields from leaving their businesses to work for the competition. While these may seem unethical, the law does see the right of an individual to make a living, and in many circumstances will “blue-line” unfair or unenforceable, vague contracts. Still, non-compete clauses present thorny problems and can make life very complicated for a newly jobless individual. A Ft. Lauderdale employee looking for work but faced with the terms of a non-compete clause should discuss with an employment attorney in Ft. Lauderdale.
Both workers and employers can find employment regulations confusing, and knowledge is key. Finding a reputable Ft. Lauderdale employment attorney can help you understand out your rights and obligations, and get on with your working life.