Most of the time, we landed on a job out of desperation and not because of passion. Perhaps you are currently working as a newbie or a pioneer employee. No matter what the case is you should always be mindful of your rights as a laborer.
Even if the salary is good, there are many instances where a company cannot protect its own people. There are only a few of them which can build a strong and healthy company culture. As experts say, many attributes could describe a company’s environment. One of the most obvious ones is the way the organization treats its people.
Here are the 7 reasons why employees should be provided a lawyer:
Discrimination Against Disability
The law, known as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), prohibits companies from discriminating against employees with disabilities. This is applicable in situations such as the hiring process, salary, promotion, firing, and so on. This act can secure employees from retaliation in case they fight for their lawful rights.
ADA demands employers to give reasonable assistance to workers with disabilities, as long as it won’t be the reason for the employer’s undue hardship. If you are a disabled employee and experience discrimination, even though your performance at work is good, you may consider hiring a lawyer.
Personal Injury and Accidents
This commonly happens when the nature of work is physically hazardous. A personal injury takes place when a person has suffered a considerable form of injury because of an accident due to another’s negligence. On the other hand, certain cases can result in psychological damages.
An employee who has suffered an injury, whether physical or psychological, can file a case against their employer. It is applicable as long as the accident happens at work or during the execution of an employee’s duties. Medical insurances and other forms of the same won’t dismiss their act of negligence. You may consult Schmidt & Clark for more details.
Harassment Due to Sexual Orientation
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, or LGBT community experience a lot of unimaginable discrimination at workplaces. Sometimes it is the most common issue inside a company that is not open with this type of sexual orientation in the first place. The victims are usually given negative employment action and harassment. Some are even denied to have certain benefits because of their sexual orientation.
If the events are already intolerable and it already affects your job status, the law has the power to intervene. All you have to do is ask for advice and assistance from a lawyer.
Unfavorable Treatment because of Race, Color, & Religion
We are living in a diverse world, mostly in terms of race, color, and religion. Some companies can’t just accept the fact that skills are based on a person’s ability. Most will still prioritize their own kind in terms of promotion and benefits. When you are degraded because of your color, religion, and race, it is advisable to check the governing laws if there are acts that protect your right as an employee.
This usually happens if you have Asian or Black American blood. In terms of religion, most Sikhs, Jews, and Muslims experience a lot of discrimination worldwide. If an employer or organization does not take responsible action to eliminate these events, you can file a complaint against it.
Unequal Pay
This is one of the most important things every employee should know. Most are overworked and just rant their confusion on social media posts. If you work more than your signed duty and work hours, you must demand a salary increase. Equal pay for equal work as the law demands.
Inequality in wages has different forms. There are those cases wherein the victim is the only person that experiences a low pay rate compared to other co-workers of the same level. Moreover, other companies employ workers who are all underpaid. If there is a clear inequality in wages, it’s lawful to file a case against your employer.
Unreasonable Treatment Due to Medical Condition
A medical condition is broad. Some illnesses can be present before and during employment. Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) allows the employee to file for medical leave in certain circumstances. Covered employers are required to give reasonable financial and moral support to their employees. They can’t just dump you onboard or discriminate against you afterward.
Broken Confidentiality of Medical Information
In case you disclose your disability or certain condition with your employer and ask for its confidentiality, the latter should never spread a word about it inside or outside the company. This is highly applicable, especially when you perform the essential functions of your job without the intervention of your illness.
If a company broke this promise, you can sue the organization when you experience financial loss or personal injury because of unmaintained confidentiality.
Conclusion
Employees are usually treated unfairly. This means that the employer does not meet the basic expectations of their people, to be treated with dignity and to be shown some respect. If pay raises, promotions, benefits, and other opportunities are not given when they are already due, your organization abuses your innocence. It’s time to know your rights and fight for them!
Interesting related article: “What is a lawsuit?”