Labor and employment laws exist to govern the relationship between employers and workers. There are a variety of different laws that set the rules for these important relationships. The Fair Labor Standards Act, for example, establishes requirements for hourly wages and overtime pay. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, along with the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, establish protections for employees so they will not be victimized by discrimination. Finally, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) establishes workplace safety rules while state workers’ compensation laws guarantee that an employee injured on the job receives benefits.
Whenever there are many different laws governing a relationship between individuals or between companies and people, legal issues can arise. There may be questions on how to interpret the law, or on what rights and obligations a law bestows upon someone. Employers may want guidance on how to comply with the law, while workers may want to get advice about whether their rights have been violated. Employees or employees may also need help in litigation if a lawsuit has been filed alleging a violation of the law or a breach of duty.
The job of an employment lawyer is to represent employers or employees on all matters related to employment law. Sepahi Law Group, APC is here to help with resolving disputes and litigating issues related to employee rights and employer obligations. Call today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how you can get help from a San Diego employment law professional.
What Does an Employment Lawyer Do?
An employment lawyer may represent workers who wish to sue an employer for violations of worker protections. For example, an employee could sue if he or she was the victim of discrimination of any type, including sexual harassment or hostile work environment discrimination. California law actually goes further than federal laws in protecting workers from discrimination because workers may not be treated differently in the state on the basis of their sexual identity or homosexuality. Federal laws prohibit discrimination on the basis of age, race, religion, gender, national origin, disability status or color.
If an employer is sued for discrimination, he may be obligated to compensate the victim for the financial loss as well as resulting emotional distress. Employers may also be sued for a violation of wage and hour laws and workers may be entitled to receive back pay as well as penalties.
In addition to representing workers, an employment lawyer can also represent employers. When representing a company, an employment lawyer can provide advice on policies and practices that can reduce the risk of litigation. An attorney can also defend an employer against any accusations that workers have made.
While employment law attorneys may take disputes to court or defend employers in trial, an attorney can also represent clients in mediation, in making complaints before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or in negotiating an out-of-court settlement to resolve disputes. Sepahi Law Group, APC has helped many clients both inside and outside of a courtroom. Call today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can assist with your case.