Wage violations happen in every industry. No matter where you work, you have legal rights to fair compensation for your time and employment protections under state and federal law. If your rights have been violated, a King County, WA, employment lawyer can help.
The founding attorneys at Ferraro Vega Employment Lawyers, Inc., spent their previous careers representing large companies in employment disputes. We understand how those businesses think, and we will use our knowledge to fight for your lost wages.
Why Choose Ferraro Vega Employment Lawyers, Inc.
Experiencing employment law violations can feel very personal. If your employer mistreated you and denied your basic employee rights, you need the legal services of a law firm that understands the applicable laws for your case. Our attorneys have a deep understanding of the labor code, the Unfair Competition Law, the Fair Labor Standards Act, and the Fair Employment and Housing Act, among other important laws.
Our founding attorneys bring previous experience working for large businesses, so we understand both sides of the dispute process. Our attorneys are frequently called to speak to business owners on legal matters related to employment law. The focus of our law firm is now on helping workers. We provide high-quality legal representation and strategic litigation.
Investigating employment law violations requires searching through many records. We utilize advanced technology that allows us to comb through data promptly, effectively, and efficiently. The evidence we gather can greatly strengthen our client’s claim for compensation, with specific employment issues such as wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, wage and hour disputes, retaliation, class actions, and more. By providing these services, employment lawyers help employees navigate the complexities of employment law, protect their rights, and seek justice for unfair treatment in the workplace.
Common Examples of Employment Law Violations in King County
There are many reasons that someone may require the services of an employment lawyer in King County. Our law firm frequently hears from clients who were wrongfully terminated. Washington is an at-will state when it comes to wrongful termination, but an employer cannot let someone go due to their protected characteristic.
Age, race, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, and gender are just a few of the protected characteristics recognized in the state. Terminations cannot violate contractual agreements either. If a contract says an employee is allowed to work certain days from home, they cannot be fired for exercising that contractual right.
Wage and hour disputes are another reason that someone may seek the services of an employment law attorney. Workers in the state have the right to earn minimum wage. Any hourly or salaried worker who is nonexempt from overtime has the right to be paid at one-and-a-half times their normal rate if they put in more than eight hours within a day or 40 hours within a normal work week.
Unpaid wages are another common employment law violation. Workers have the right to be reimbursed for work-related travel and expenses. One example would be a salaried employee who works remotely and has to purchase computer equipment and special video equipment to facilitate the at-home work. Any purchases that were made for work purposes should be reimbursed by the employer.
How an Employment Lawyer Can Help
If your workers’ rights were violated, an employment law attorney can negotiate a settlement that compensates you for your lost wages. If you were unlawfully terminated, your lawyer can work to have you reinstated at your former position.
Once you hire an attorney, the first step is to review your case. The lawyer may reach out to your employer or their attorney to find a way to resolve the matter outside of court. If those talks do not yield results, your employment lawyer can file an administrative complaint with the appropriate government agency.
The complaint process can take several months but can often lead to a favorable settlement. If the complaint process does not fully remedy the problem, your lawyer can look into the possibility of taking the matter to court. Each case is unique, but an experienced employment law attorney can find the right source for compensation.
FAQs About King County, WA Employment Laws
Can I Sue My Employer in Washington?
Yes. You can sue your employer in the state under certain circumstances. Wrongful termination, workplace discrimination, and harassment are common reasons someone may take their employer to court. Filing a claim in civil court is typically not the first course of action, though. Once you hire an attorney, they may try to reach an agreement with the other party and explore other options, such as filing an administrative complaint with the government.
What Is the Washington Employment Contract Law?
Washington employment contract law governs the agreements made between employers and employees regarding the terms and conditions of employment. In the state, employment is generally at-will, meaning that either the employer or the employee can terminate the employment relationship at any time and for any reason. The reason must be lawful. Discrimination is one example of an unlawful reason for firing someone.
When Should I Hire an Attorney for a Wage Violation?
You can hire an attorney at any point following a wage violation. The first step is often to bring the matter up with your supervisor or HR department to allow them to resolve the matter. If they refuse to pay you for the time you worked, document the violation and contact an experienced labor law attorney. Your lawyer will then reach out to your employer directly to settle the matter.
What Qualifies as Wrongful Termination?
Wrongful termination is generally considered any termination that is based on discrimination. Someone can also be wrongfully terminated if they are let go under circumstances that violate their employment contract. If you believe you were wrongfully terminated, you can hire an employment law attorney to review your case to see if you can be reinstated or compensated.
Schedule Your Employment Law Consultation in King County Today
If your workers’ rights were violated by your employer, you can seek legal representation from an employment law attorney. Your lawyer can negotiate a fair settlement that compensates you for your financial losses. At Ferraro Vega Employment Lawyers, Inc., our employment law attorneys have successfully helped many clients receive compensation or reinstatement in their former positions following an employment law violation.
Our office serves King County, Washington, and we have a strong reputation for tirelessly fighting for the rights of our clients. To schedule your free consultation, contact our office online. We look forward to speaking with you about your case.