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Employment Lawyer in Providence, RI

When an employer engages in wrongful conduct, whether it is workplace discrimination based on a protected class or refusal to correct payment mistakes, employees may have grounds for a lawsuit. Various state and federal laws protect employees against such conduct, but unfortunately, it still happens.

If you believe your rights have been violated at work, our skilled Providence, RI, employment lawyers at the Fogelman Law Firm are here to help. We represent employees across Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Maine. If your rights have been violated at work, we’re here to help.

What is an Employment Lawyer?

An employment lawyer is a legal professional who specializes in matters pertaining to the employer-employee relationship. They handle a broad spectrum of issues that affect working relationships, such as wrongful termination or sexual harassment.

This specialty demands an in-depth, nuanced understanding of state and federal labor laws, regulations, and precedents, ensuring they can effectively advocate for their clients’ rights. If you believe your rights have been violated at work, talking to an employment lawyer is a good idea.

Understanding the Role of an Employment Lawyer

When an employee’s rights are violated, an employment lawyer plays a critical role in fighting for and upholding their rights. Whether you’re facing employment discrimination, sexual harassment in the workplace, or unlawful retaliation in varying forms, an employment lawyer can offer invaluable guidance and representation.

In an employment case, your lawyer will:

Conduct a thorough case evaluation, including reviewing relevant documents, contracts, and employment agreements
Provide legal advice and guidance to help you understand your rights and options under state and federal employment laws and regulations
Assist in filing administrative complaints with relevant government agencies, such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
Investigate the allegations to gather relevant evidence, such as security footage or witness testimonies
Negotiate with your employer on your behalf to reach a settlement, if possible, through mediation or informal resolution
Construct a robust case with evidence collected in the investigation
Represent you in formal proceedings, such as arbitration hearings or court trials, if a settlement cannot be reached

The process can seem overwhelming, especially considering the nuances of state and federal employment laws. However, with help from a skilled employment lawyer in Providence, RI, you can fight to uphold your rights and hold the at-fault party responsible for their actions.

Examples of Employment Lawsuits

Employment lawsuits can take many forms, encompassing everything from employment discrimination based on a protected class to workplace injuries. A few examples of common employment lawsuits include:

Employment discrimination based on sex, gender, age, color, race, ethnicity, or another protected class
Sexual harassment
Unlawful retaliation
Wrongful termination
Workplace injury
Refusal to correct payment mistakes

What Evidence is Necessary in an Employment Lawsuit?

Employment lawsuits span a wide range, covering everything from sexual harassment to wage disputes, so necessary evidence can vary dramatically. The types of evidence your lawyer may collect and use in your case may include:

Job description
Employment records
Pay records
Emails and correspondence
A record of formal complaints
Video or audio recordings
Witness testimonies

While you may be able to gather some of this evidence on your own, you may not have access to everything. This is where a lawyer’s help comes in handy, as they can request documentation pertinent to your case.

How Much is an Employment Lawsuit Worth?

The value of an employment lawsuit hinges on factors specific to the case, as every case is unique.

For example, suppose an employee faces workplace discrimination, such as being passed up for a job or promotion due to discrimination. In this case, the remedy the individual receives might include placement in that role or lost wages and benefits they would have received had they gotten the promotion.

Furthermore, the remedy may also include requirements for the employer, such as taking steps to cease discriminatory practices and prevent discrimination in the future. In some instances, such as cases of intentional discrimination based on a protected class, the employee may also receive compensatory and punitive damages.

Or, suppose an employee is injured on the job due to their employer’s negligent actions. For example, let’s say the employer failed to eliminate a known hazard on the job site, resulting in severe injuries to the employee.

In this scenario, the employee may recover economic and non-economic damages from their employer to cover their injuries. Economic damages cover quantifiable financial losses associated with the accident, such as medical expenses and lost wages, while non-economic damages cover non-monetary losses, such as pain and suffering.

Ultimately, the amount you can recover in an employment lawsuit depends on the details surrounding your case. Your lawyer can help you determine a fair amount to pursue based on those details.

Consult With a Providence, RI Employment Lawyer

If you believe your rights have been violated at work, our knowledgeable Providence, RI, employment lawyers at the Fogelman Law Firm are here to help. Whether you’ve been wrongfully terminated or treated illegally at work, we can help you determine your legal options and take the next steps toward upholding your rights.

We focus on helping our clients understand their options and make informed decisions, working with them to develop a strategy and pursue the desired outcome. Our experienced employment lawyers have successfully represented clients in litigation, at trial, and in class actions against numerous employers. We’re here to help.