As an employee, you are entitled to various rights and protections under federal, state, and local laws. These rights include protections against discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, as well as entitlements related to wage and hour laws, family leave, and more. However, understanding and enforcing these rights can be challenging, especially when you're facing an employer who may be violating them. This is where an experienced employment lawyer can help. At Castronovo & McKinney, LLC, we specialize in advocating for the rights of employees and helping them navigate legal challenges in the workplace.

Whether you're dealing with issues related to discrimination, wrongful termination, wage disputes, or workplace harassment, an employment lawyer can protect your interests and help you achieve a fair resolution. In this article, we will explore the key employee rights that employment lawyers help protect and how they can guide you through the legal process.

Key Employee Rights Protected by Employment Lawyers

There are several fundamental rights that every employee is entitled to in the workplace. Some of the most common employee rights include:

  • Protection Against Discrimination: Federal and state laws protect employees from discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, and other protected characteristics. Discrimination can occur in hiring, firing, promotions, pay, or other employment practices. An employment lawyer can help you file a discrimination claim and seek compensation for any harm caused.
  • Wage and Hour Rights: Employees are entitled to be paid fairly for their work, including receiving at least the minimum wage and overtime pay for hours worked beyond 40 hours in a week. If your employer fails to meet these obligations, an employment lawyer can assist you in filing a wage and hour claim to recover unpaid wages or overtime pay.
  • Protection from Harassment: Harassment, including sexual harassment, creates a hostile work environment and is illegal under federal and state law. If you are being harassed in the workplace, an employment lawyer can help you understand your rights and take legal action to stop the harassment.
  • Family and Medical Leave: The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) entitles eligible employees to take unpaid leave for specific family and medical reasons, such as caring for a sick family member or recovering from a serious illness. If your employer denies you this leave or retaliates against you for taking it, an employment lawyer can help you enforce your FMLA rights.
  • Wrongful Termination Protection: If you are fired for illegal reasons, such as retaliation, discrimination, or breach of contract, your termination may be considered wrongful. An employment lawyer can help you pursue a wrongful termination claim and seek compensation for lost wages and damages.
  • Protection for Whistleblowers: Employees who report illegal activities in the workplace, such as safety violations, fraud, or discrimination, are protected from retaliation under whistleblower laws. If you've faced retaliation after reporting illegal conduct, an employment lawyer can help you seek justice.

How Employment Lawyers Protect Your Interests

Employment lawyers play a crucial role in ensuring that your rights as an employee are protected. Here's how they can help you navigate workplace issues:

  • Legal Advice and Consultation: Employment lawyers can provide expert legal advice on your rights and the best course of action in your specific case. They will explain the legal complexities surrounding your situation, helping you understand the full scope of your rights and options for resolving your issue.
  • Representing You in Negotiations: In many employment-related cases, disputes can be resolved through negotiation and settlement. An employment lawyer can represent you in negotiations with your employer to secure a fair settlement that compensates you for damages such as lost wages, emotional distress, and other harm caused by workplace violations.
  • Filing Legal Claims: If your case cannot be resolved through negotiation, an employment lawyer can help you file a formal legal claim. Whether it's filing a discrimination lawsuit, an unpaid wage claim, or a wrongful termination suit, your lawyer will ensure that your legal rights are properly asserted in court or with the appropriate government agencies.
  • Protecting You from Retaliation: Employees are protected from retaliation for exercising their legal rights, such as reporting discrimination or filing a workers' compensation claim. If you believe you are being retaliated against, an employment lawyer can help you take action to stop the retaliation and recover damages.
  • Litigation Support: In cases where negotiation or settlement is not possible, your employment lawyer will take your case to court. They will present your case effectively, gather evidence, and advocate for your rights in front of a judge or jury.

Why Choose Castronovo & McKinney to Protect Your Employee Rights?

At Castronovo & McKinney, LLC, we are committed to protecting the rights of employees in New Jersey and New York. Our team of experienced employment lawyers has a proven track record of success in advocating for employees facing workplace discrimination, wage disputes, harassment, wrongful termination, and other employment-related issues. We understand the complexities of employment law and work tirelessly to achieve favorable outcomes for our clients.

Whether you're facing discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or issues with wage and hour laws, our legal team will provide you with personalized attention and aggressive representation. We believe in fighting for the justice our clients deserve and ensuring that employers are held accountable for violating employees' rights. With a deep understanding of employment law and a client-centered approach, we will help you protect your interests and secure the compensation you are owed.

If you are facing a legal issue in the workplace and believe your rights have been violated, don't hesitate to contact Castronovo & McKinney. We are here to help you understand your options and work toward a fair resolution.

To schedule a consultation with one of our experienced employment lawyers, contact Castronovo & McKinney, Employment Law Attorneys today. We are here to protect your rights and advocate on your behalf.

Contact Us

Visit our offices in Morristown, NJ or New York, NY, or give us a call to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced employment lawyers. We are ready to fight for your rights in the workplace.

New Jersey Office
71 Maple Ave, Morristown, NJ 07960
Phone: 973.920.7888
Fax: 973.920.7924

New York Office
420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 1830, New York, NY 10170
Phone: 646.755.3781
Fax: 646.755.3781