Knowledgeable, Experience-Backed Employment Law Help
Fair conditions for both employees and employers are an essential part of the workplace. However, employment law is a delicate, sometimes complicated area of the law. Both employees and employers deserve to be treated fairly, and both may need the help of an employment lawyer at some time during their careers. For matters involving harassment, discrimination and more, it’s important to have an experienced employment law attorney on your side.
Attorney Schottenstein of Schottenstein Legal Services, in Columbus, Ohio, has over 50 years of legal experience. He can help people navigate these matters efficiently and effectively.
Employment Matters Are Complex
Being paid fairly and treated well at work is essential. But this does not always happen in all situations. And in cases where there is harm caused, by either employee or employer, it’s important to have the right legal help. Mr. Schottenstein is a tough adversary and compassionate ally. As an employment lawyer, he will attend to your case personally and is not afraid of litigation if necessary.
Schottenstein Legal Services assists businesses and individuals with respect to employment claims for discrimination, retaliation, Family and Medical Leave Act, Wage & Hour Laws, Wrongful Termination, Consumer Fraud, Employment Contracts, Severance Agreements and Sexual Harassment.
The firm of Schottenstein Legal Services represents both individuals and small and large companies in discrimination and harassment cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s natural to have questions when disputes arise. Below are a few that the firm hears most often:
How do I know if I have a valid employment law claim?
There are many different reasons for a valid employment law claim, so it simply depends on whether your rights as an employee have been violated. This could happen due to:
- Wage and hour violations such as not being paid the correct amount for overtime
- Workplace discrimination based on a protected class
- Harassment in the workplace such as quid pro quo sexual harassment
These are just a few examples of common reasons for a claim, but they all present instances when employees’ rights are violated. In some cases, employers do it intentionally such as an employer who tries to save money by paying a standard wage for overtime hours. But it can also happen accidentally such as when an employer thinks they have the right to fire and replace a pregnant employee without realizing that pregnancy is a protected class.
What are my rights as an employee in the workplace?
Employees have a right to fair treatment, and this should apply to everyone. For example, a dress code should apply equally to workers of any gender, race or religion. Employees cannot be discriminated against based on these protected classes or others such as pregnancy status, age or disability status.
Employees also have a right to fair pay under current wage and hour laws, whether they are hourly employees or earning a salary. If an employee takes certain steps such as filing a whistleblower claim or a workers’ comp claim, employers cannot retaliate by firing them or reducing their pay.
Can I be fired for reporting workplace violations or misconduct?
No. As noted above, this would be a form of illegal retaliation. Employees do have the right to freely report violations and misconduct. Other forms of retaliation include cutting pay, cutting hours, refusing promotions or raises and much more.
How do I file an employment law claim, and what are the steps involved?
The first step is to meet with an employment lawyer to go over your case. You should also gather any documents that you may have such as email messages, text messages, witness statements or official memos and notices. You can then determine the next steps to take, which may include filing a claim with the Department of Labor to protect your rights.
Get More Information
If you’re an employee facing unfair treatment or an employer facing a claim, turn to an experienced employment law attorney for help. Mr. Schottenstein is ready to assist you. Call 614-321-1226 or use the online contact form to get in touch and learn more about what the firm can do for you.