Everything You Need In A Jacksonville Employment Attorney
Have you recently been terminated and require an employment attorney in Jacksonville? Or maybe your career hunt is being hindered by a non-compete clause you signed with your past job. Whatever your problem, a great employment lawyer can shepherd you through the legal puzzle you 'll likely be enduring.
Jacksonville employment attorneys handle a wide array of claims, from contract regulation and wrongful termination lawsuits, to harassment and whistle-blower cases. Whether you are the worker seeking shelter from your workplaces prohibited acts, or a company requiring advice in an employee dispute, you can find the help you need.
There are several state and federal protections for employees in cases of discrimination. Some forms of discrimination, including discrimination based on character differences, facial hair, weight, and other variables, are allowed in most places. But discrimination that is based on a worker's membership in any one of several protected groups-- race, national origin, sex, religion, age, citizenship, disability, pregnancy, military status, bankruptcy, HIV\/AIDS status, or genetic information-- is prevented in Florida by federal and state regulation.
The Age Discrimination Act of 1967 prohibits discrimination against any individual based on age. Discrimination based on race, sex, national origin or religion is banned by the Florida Civil Rights Act and Title VII of the federal Civil Rights Act. Handicapped persons are safeguarded from discrimination under both Florida state laws, and certain federal protections. Different protections exist for those affected by HIV or the AIDS virus.
In addition to the above-described federal protections, Florida also bans discrimination against any employee because of marital situation. A quality employment attorney in Jacksonville is equipped to steer you through these laws.
The EEOC and the FCHR are two offices that handle complaints for unlawful firing based on State and federally-protected classes. An staff member claiming discrimination must record a grievance with either of these agencies ahead of taking any steps in court. A Jacksonville employment attorney can be helpful in traversing these departments, which have specific timelines and bureaucratic procedures.
Once the department has ended its examination, the applicant can pursue a case, or seek remedy directly from the involved office. Both avenues can lead to hirings, back pay, reinstatements and monetary damages, but unlike the two agencies, the civil courts can award unlimited damages.
If you are subjected to unwanted, repeated harassment or abuse by another staff member based on your gender, you are shielded under the regulation. These types of behaviors are banned under both state and federal regulations. Even if the conduct to which you are subjected is not openly sexual in nature, if you are being targeted based on your sex, you are entitled to protection and reparation under the regulation.
Jacksonville employment attorneys also tackle breach-of-contract concerns. Most Florida staff members don't work under contract, with the exception of executives and union staff members. In most suits, however, staff members are considered "at will" - which means either side can end the working arrangement for any cause not banned by regulation.
Breach of contract concerns come up when the job and former staff member disagree on the cause for the firing, or the legitimacy of the cause. When you are faced with a contract issue on the job, it is in your best interest to find a qualified Jacksonville employment attorney to review your case.
Florida law allows the institution of non-competition contracts, which may keep a worker from seeking other work in their field after they have terminated employment with their present company. Although Florida courts have instructed that these clauses not be too far-reaching or too hard to impose, they've embraced the general concept more than most other state courts. A reputable attorney will be able to review your contract, and shepherd you on its enforceability and legality.
Employment regulation can be confusing, regardless of whether you're a job or worker, and knowledge is important. Your best step in grasping your function and obligations is to find a Jacksonville employment attorney to review your case.