4 Reasons You May Need an Employment Law Attorney
Employee and employer relations can become strained, when certain issues arise, and those situations can ultimately lead to a legal dispute. In those cases, you may be tempted to try to handle the situation without an attorney. After all, this isn’t a criminal trial. Yet, this can be just as serious and complex, depending on the exact circumstances, and a lawyer may be your best chance for obtaining a positive outcome. Here are just a few ways an employment law attorney can help you.
Evaluating Your Employee Contract
When you’re starting a new job with a new company, they may ask you to sign a contract with them. It may be in your best interests to have an employment law attorney look the paperwork over, particularly if there are non-disclosure or non-compete clauses. Otherwise, you may inadvertently breach the terms of the contract. Understanding those terms in advance can help you determine if this will be the right position for you.
Filing a Discrimination Complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
If you become the victim of discrimination, you’ll have a brief window of time in which to file an official complaint. While you can file the complaint yourself, an attorney experienced in employment law can ensure you meet all of the requirements and file the complaint within the 180-day time limit. An error in filing can prevent you from seeking compensation from the employer.
Hearing and Court Representation
When an employer/employee relationship escalates, it can lead to court trials or administrative hearings. These are complex proceedings in which the expertise of an attorney will be beneficial. Even in instances that only go to mediation, having an employment law attorney working on your behalf can help you present a more convincing case. It can also be helpful to have a knowledgeable attorney assist in a settlement negotiation. This will help ensure you receive adequate compensation.
Evaluation of Your Case
You may want to file a complaint against your employer or file a lawsuit. Even though you may feel victimized, this doesn’t mean your employer can be held liable. An attorney with experience handling employment law cases can evaluate your situation and tell you what you might be able to expect in pursuing the case. While he can’t guarantee a successful outcome, he can use his past experiences to tell you what outcomes are possible.
