Workers in Seattle enjoy strong protections when it comes to workers’ rights. If your employer failed to pay you overtime or committed another employment law violation, you can hire a Seattle employment lawyer to represent you. With strong legal representation, you can be compensated for your lost wages or reinstated in your former position.
Ferraro Vega Employment Lawyers, Inc. brings many years of experience representing employers and employees, so we understand both sides of employment law disputes. We will work tirelessly to make sure that you receive fair compensation for your losses at work.
Why Choose Ferraro Vega Employment Lawyers, Inc.
Employment law violations in Seattle are serious matters. If your employer has violated your fundamental employee rights, you need a law firm that is well-versed in the state’s employment laws. Our attorneys have extensive knowledge of the Washington Labor Code, the Fair Labor Standards Act, and other critical regulations that protect workers.
Our founding attorneys bring valuable experience from working with large corporations. This gives our legal team important insight into both sides of employment disputes. We offer high-quality legal representation and strategic litigation tailored to your specific needs.
Investigating employment law violations in Seattle requires meticulous examination of extensive records. We leverage the latest technology available so your claim is backed by solid evidence. This can greatly improve your position when seeking a settlement.
Common Employment Law Violations in Seattle
Employment law violations in Seattle can take many forms. One common violation involves wage and hour violations. Employers are required by law to pay the state’s minimum wage or higher.
Wage theft can also occur when the employer fails to pay overtime to hourly, contract, or salaried workers. Most workers have the right to overtime. These types of workers are known as nonexempt, meaning they are not exempt from receiving extra pay for any time they put in beyond eight hours within a day and 40 hours in a week.
Workplace harassment is another common violation that can provide legal grounds for an employee to seek compensation from the at-fault parties. Sexual harassment and racial discrimination are two common types of workplace misconduct that fall under harassment. Simply working in a toxic work environment can lead workers to feel harassed at work.
Wrongful termination can lead to the need to hire an attorney. Employers can fire someone without notice for work-related issues, but they cannot violate the terms of an existing contract with the employee. An employer cannot fire someone due to the worker’s protected characteristics. Age, race, gender, and sexual orientation are considered protected characteristics in the state.
How an Attorney Can Help
Washington’s Wage Payment Act provides strong protections against wage theft, which could include violations of overtime, unpaid travel expenses, unauthorized deductions, and other situations. An employment law attorney will often begin by reaching out to their client’s employer to find a resolution to the employment law violation. If the employer fails to offer a fair settlement or similar remedy, your attorney can file a complaint with the state.
The process of filing a complaint can be complicated, which is why having an experienced attorney is critical. Any errors in the form could lead to a delayed or rejected claim. With the help of a Seattle employment law attorney, you may be compensated following an investigation by the state’s Department of Labor & Industries.
If the administrative complaint process fails to resolve the matter or fully compensate you for your lost wages, your lawyer can pursue the possibility of taking the matter to court. Civil court cases are typically resolved through a settlement. During the court case, your attorney can gather evidence that strengthens your claim.
FAQs About Seattle, WA Employment Laws
What Constitutes a Hostile Work Environment?
In the state, a hostile work environment occurs when an employee is subjected to unwelcome conduct based on characteristics such as race, gender, age, religion, disability, or other protected categories.
To legally qualify as a hostile work environment, the behavior must be severe or pervasive enough to create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working atmosphere that affects the employee’s ability to perform their job. A pervasive hostile work environment can provide legal grounds for workers to sue their employer.
Can You Get Unemployment If You Are Fired in Washington?
You may still be eligible for unemployment if you were fired in the state, but the Washington Employment Security Department may investigate the cause of your termination to determine if you are eligible for state benefits. Dishonesty and rampant absences at work may disqualify you from obtaining unemployment after you are fired.
Can You Get Fired Without a Written Warning?
Yes. You can be fired without written warning in the state. Some companies have written policies that require workers to be notified about work-related issues before they are terminated.
Violations of these contractual agreements may be grounds for a wrongful termination claim. If you’re fired without a written warning and believe it was unfair or illegal, you may want to consult with an employment attorney to explore your options.
Can You Sue Your Employer?
Yes, you can sue your employer in Seattle under certain conditions. Common reasons for legal action include wrongful termination, workplace discrimination, and workplace harassment. Your attorney may seek to remedy the workplace dispute outside of court first. They may start by working to negotiate a settlement with your employer.
Schedule Your Employment Law Consultation in Seattle Today
Employment law violations are unacceptable in Seattle or anywhere in the state. Workers have the right to fair compensation for the time they put in, and they enjoy protections against discrimination and workplace retaliation.
If you experience workplace harassment or another employment law violation, you can count on Ferraro Vega Employment Lawyers, Inc., to provide robust and comprehensive legal representation. Our ultimate goal is to undo the damage that was caused by your employer. We will take the time to fully understand your case before seeking legal remedies that can lead to a fair settlement agreement. To schedule your free consultation, contact our office today.