Employment Litigation Attorneys

Employment litigation involves resolving a wide range of legal disputes that can arise in the workplace. Whether you are applying for a job, currently employed, or a business owner, understanding your rights under both federal and state employment laws is crucial. In the United States, numerous laws govern workplace conduct, from the guidelines set by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to local statutes. If you believe you have experienced unfair or illegal treatment, employment litigation may be necessary to protect your rights. On the other hand, business owners must ensure compliance with these laws to prevent potential claims.

At the Law Offices of G. Martin Meyers, P.C., we specialize in employment litigation, providing knowledgeable and experienced legal representation for both employees and employers. If you need an employment litigation attorney in Denville, New Jersey, or surrounding areas, our team is here to assist you.

Common Employment Law Issues

Employment law encompasses a wide range of topics and disputes that can arise in the workplace. Some of the most common employment law issues include:

• Discrimination: Discrimination in the workplace can occur due to race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, or other protected classes. If you believe you’ve been discriminated against, an employment litigation attorney can help you understand your rights and guide you through the process of filing a claim.

• Wages and Salaries: Disputes over wages and hour laws, including overtime pay, minimum wage violations, and unpaid wages, can often result in litigation. Employers are required to comply with both federal and state laws to ensure fair compensation.

• Benefits: Employee benefits, such as health insurance, retirement plans, and other compensations, can become a contentious issue if they are denied or mismanaged.

• Whistleblower Issues: Employees who report illegal activities within their company may face retaliation. The law protects whistleblowers, but navigating these cases often requires specialized legal assistance.

• Wrongful Termination: If you have been fired for reasons that violate employment laws, such as discrimination or retaliation for whistleblowing, you may have grounds for a wrongful termination claim.

• Contracts: Employment contracts, non-compete agreements, and confidentiality clauses can lead to disputes that require litigation. Understanding the enforceability of these agreements is crucial for both parties.

• Hiring Practices: Discrimination during the hiring process, such as refusing to hire based on national origin or age, can also lead to legal disputes.

• Workers’ Compensation: Injuries or illnesses that occur on the job may qualify for workers’ compensation, but disputes often arise regarding eligibility or the amount of compensation.

• Disability Discrimination: Employers are required to make reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities. Failure to do so can lead to claims under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

In many cases, employment litigation can fall under both federal and state jurisdictions. The laws governing workplace disputes in the United States are complex, and having a knowledgeable employment litigation attorney is essential to navigate these complexities effectively.

Serving Both Employees & Employers

At the Law Offices of G. Martin Meyers, P.C., we proudly serve both employees and employers in northern New Jersey and southern New York. Whether you’re an employee facing discrimination, wrongful termination, or wage and hour disputes, or an employer dealing with accusations of harassment, discrimination, or trade secret theft, we provide comprehensive legal counsel tailored to your needs.

Employee Representation

If you are an employee dealing with sexual harassment, disability discrimination, or retaliation in the workplace, you may have grounds to pursue legal action. Workplace discrimination or retaliation based on race, religion, age, sexual orientation, or other protected classes can create a hostile environment. Our team of employment litigation attorneys will work tirelessly to protect your rights and seek fair compensation for any damages you have suffered.

If you have experienced issues with employee benefits, wage violations, or unfair treatment, don’t wait to take action. Legal guidance is critical in understanding whether your rights have been violated and what steps to take next. At the Law Offices of G. Martin Meyers, P.C., we specialize in employment litigation and are here to guide you through every step of the process.

Employer Representation

For employers, litigation can be a daunting prospect that impacts both reputation and financial stability. Whether it’s defending against allegations of age discrimination, protecting trade secrets, or managing employment disputes over contracts, we provide robust defense strategies. Employers must understand employment laws, including wage and hour regulations, discrimination laws, and the requirements set forth by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

Employment litigation attorneys at the Law Offices of G. Martin Meyers, P.C. help employers navigate these complex laws to ensure compliance and mitigate risk. If a lawsuit arises, we work diligently to protect your business interests, defend against claims, and provide legal counsel for settlement negotiations or courtroom litigation.

Why Choose the Law Offices of G. Martin Meyers, P.C.?

Our firm has decades of experience in handling a wide variety of employment law cases, from age discrimination and disability discrimination to complex trade secret and contract disputes. Our approach is tailored to the unique needs of each client, whether you are seeking resolution through negotiation or preparing for court. We understand that employment litigation can be intimidating, but our experienced attorneys are here to provide clear, practical guidance and skilled representation.

We serve clients in Denville, Wayne, Morristown, Mount Olive, and throughout New Jersey and New York. Contact the Law Offices of G. Martin Meyers, P.C. today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward resolving your employment dispute.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What qualifies as employment discrimination?

Employment discrimination occurs when an employer treats an employee or job applicant unfavorably due to race, religion, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, or other protected classes. It can manifest in hiring practices, promotions, pay, job assignments, training, layoffs, and other employment terms. Both federal and state laws prohibit discrimination in the workplace, and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces these laws.

2. How do I know if I have a case for wrongful termination?

Wrongful termination refers to an employer firing an employee in violation of legal rights, such as firing someone based on their race, gender, age, or retaliation for whistleblowing. To determine if you have a case, consider whether your termination breached any employment contract terms or violated any federal or state employment laws. Consulting an employment litigation attorney is the best way to assess your situation.

3. What is the process for filing an employment discrimination lawsuit?

The process typically begins by filing a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or a similar state agency. After the agency investigates, you may be issued a “right to sue” letter. At this point, you can file a lawsuit in state or federal court. An employment litigation attorney can help guide you through this process, gather evidence, and represent your interests in court.

4. How does the EEOC investigate discrimination claims?

The EEOC investigates by reviewing the claim, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and examining company records. The process can take several months, and the outcome may result in a settlement, mediation, or issuance of a right-to-sue letter if the agency finds merit in the claim.

5. What are the penalties for non-compliance with wage and hour laws?

Employers who violate wage and hour laws may be subject to penalties, including back pay, fines, and damages. In cases of willful violation, employers may face additional penalties. Employees may also be entitled to compensation for attorney fees and court costs if they prevail in a lawsuit.

6. What types of cases does an employment litigation attorney handle?

Employment litigation attorneys handle various cases, including discrimination, wrongful termination, wage disputes, sexual harassment, whistleblower protection, retaliation claims, and disputes over contracts or employee benefits. They represent both employees and employers in these matters.

7. What is considered a protected class under employment laws?

Protected classes include characteristics such as race, religion, national origin, age (40 and over), disability, gender, sexual orientation, and other categories protected by federal and state laws. Employers cannot make employment decisions based on these characteristics without violating discrimination laws.

8. Can an employer retaliate against an employee for reporting discrimination?

No, retaliation against an employee for reporting discrimination is illegal. Retaliation can include any adverse action, such as demotion, firing, or harassment, taken against an employee for filing a complaint or participating in an investigation. Retaliation claims are a common form of employment litigation.

9. What is a trade secret in the context of employment law?

A trade secret is any confidential business information that provides a competitive edge, such as formulas, practices, processes, or designs. Employment disputes over trade secrets often arise when former employees are accused of sharing sensitive information with competitors. These disputes may require litigation to resolve.

10. How can an employment litigation attorney help with disability discrimination claims?

An attorney can help by assessing the facts of the case, gathering evidence, filing claims with appropriate agencies, negotiating settlements, and representing the client in court if necessary. Disability discrimination cases often involve interpreting complex laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to ensure fair treatment and reasonable accommodations for employees.