Your right to work and earn a living for yourself and your family is a privilege that is guaranteed to anyone who wishes to do so. The laws governing employment, however, are the responsibility of your employer. They have an obligation to uphold your rights. Unfortunately, many employers commit illegal acts masked in legal maneuvers. If you’re facing employment violations, a Pierce County, WA, employment lawyer can help secure the compensation you deserve.
Ferraro Vega Employment Lawyers, Inc., understands how difficult it can be to face legal issues at work, particularly when your livelihood and reputation are on the line. Our Pierce County, WA, Employment Lawyers are dedicated to offering personalized legal support tailored to your specific situation. We believe in open communication, keeping you informed at every step of the process, and fighting aggressively to achieve a positive outcome for your case.
Why You Need a Pierce County, WA, Employment Lawyer
Navigating the complex world of employment law in Washington can be overwhelming and leave you filled with uncertainty. From wrongful termination to hostile work environments, wage disputes, or denial of unemployment benefits, our law firm takes pride in aggressively pursuing employment law cases. We offer clients in Pierce County personalized legal strategies to achieve the outcome you desire.
We handle a wide range of employment law issues, including:
- Wrongful termination. If you’ve been fired illegally or without just cause, we will pursue justice and protect your reputation.
- Hostile work environment. Facing harassment or discrimination in the workplace can severely affect your mental health and productivity. We’ll help you take legal action and hold your employer accountable.
- Wage and hour disputes. Unpaid wages, overtime issues, and misclassification of employees are common violations of Washington’s employment laws.
- Unemployment benefits. If you’ve been unfairly denied unemployment benefits, our attorneys can represent you in appeals and hearings to secure the benefits you’re entitled to.
- Employment contracts. We assist with the review, negotiation, and enforcement of employment contracts, ensuring fair terms and the protection of your rights.
These are just a few of the types of cases that our team can help with. There are many more ways that an employer could violate your rights as an employee. No matter what your circumstances, you deserve to have knowledge and experience on your side.
Employment Law in Washington
Washington is an at-will state. This means that an employer or an employee can terminate employment for any reason, without consequence. Washington employers, however, cannot fire or retaliate against an employee who is protected, or files a complaint, under employment laws.
Washington State advocates for its labor force and often engages the public when drafting new policies, seeking feedback and suggestions that will help the government administration create equitable environments for all workers. Not all employers, however, adhere to the law. With the ever-changing landscape of employment law in Washington, you will need an experienced attorney at your side.
At Ferraro Vega Employment Lawyers, Inc., we are prepared to thoroughly assess your case using our knowledge and experience in employment law. We can help review employment contracts, Employment procedures, and even how to report violations with your employer to develop a legal strategy that helps you recover damages you may be owed. Having the right lawyer can significantly improve your chances of success.
What to Expect During Your Employment Law Case
When you contact an employment lawyer, the first step is a comprehensive consultation to evaluate the details of your case. This consultation helps your lawyer determine if you have a valid claim and what kind of compensation you might be entitled to. During this phase, you should bring any relevant documentation, such as employment contracts, performance reviews, pay stubs, and communications from your employer.
Once your Pierce County, WA, employment lawyer has reviewed your case, they will develop a strategy to protect your rights. In many cases, your attorney will first attempt to negotiate a settlement with your employer to avoid lengthy litigation. If a settlement, however, cannot be reached, your attorney will represent you in court, presenting a strong case to secure a favorable outcome.
FAQs
Q: What Is a Common Law Employee in Washington State?
A: Common law employees in Washington are those that have a traditional employee and employer relationship. There are a variety of types of employees and under common law, the employer has the right to dictate the terms of the employee’s position. This is different than other types of employees such as independent contractors who dictate their own employment standards.
Q: How Much Does a Lawyer Cost in WA?
A: The cost of hiring a lawyer in Washington State can vary depending on the complexity of your case and the lawyer’s level of experience. Most employment lawyers work at an hourly rate or a contingency fee basis. For hourly rates, you can expect to pay between $296 and $500 per hour. For contingency fees, an attorney will charge a percentage of the final settlement.
Q: Can I Make a Claim Against My Employer in Washington State?
A: If your employer has violated your legal rights as an employee, you can make a claim against your employer. Common grounds for suing an employer include wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment/sexual harassment, retaliation, wage theft, and violations of employment contracts. It’s essential to consult with a Pierce County, WA, Employment Lawyer to assess the specifics of your case and determine whether you have a valid claim.
Q: What Is the Washington Employment Contract Law?
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?
A: Washington state has specific laws governing employment contracts outlining the rights and obligations of both the employer and the employee. Employment contracts can cover various topics, including job responsibilities, compensation, benefits, termination clauses, and non-compete agreements. These laws require that these contracts be fair and lawful. Any employment contract you are asked to agree to should be reviewed by an employment lawyer who can ensure you are protected.
Pierce County Employment Lawyer
From poorly made contracts to wage and hour disputes, there are a number of ways that your employer could violate your right to work. At Ferraro Vega Employment Lawyers, Inc., we are dedicated to helping employees throughout Pierce County, WA. With our knowledge and experience, you can get the representation that you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.