Terri Ramsey Beavers Not all employment lawyers represent the interests of employees exclusively – some represent employers, and some represent both.
Employment lawyers specialize in protecting the legal rights of employees and ensuring that they are treated fairly; however, employers also have legal rights.
Because the law protects both employees and employers, it’s vital to work with a law firm that focuses on your needs as an employee.
During the various stages of your employment, you will also have to sign legal documents for your employer. These legal documents may include details that could affect you further down the road – that’s why you should hire a lawyer to look them over and ensure your interests are protected.
Here are four other ways an employment lawyer can help employees.
1. Understand Your Benefits, Termination Rules, and Pay Structure
The most common reason employees hire employment lawyers is to review their benefits packages, pay structure, and termination rules.
If you suspect wrongful termination, an experienced employment lawyer will be able to review your situation, determine if your rights were violated, and bring a claim against your employer.
2. Professional Legal Advice Regarding Your Obligations and Rights
Right from when you receive your employment contract, hiring an employment lawyer will ensure your rights are protected in all your legal agreements. If a problem arises later, you’ll have a legal professional who is familiar with the terms of your employment to assist you.
In the changing landscape following the Covid-19 pandemic, employees are encountering legal issues they’ve never seen before. Employees often have questions about the legality of vaccine mandates, rapid testing at work, and their employers’ liability while working from home.
Hiring an employment lawyer right from the beginning of your employment is the best way to get the answers you need before any legal issues arise.
3. Have Someone to Fight for You if You’re Treated Unfairly
If you have experienced wrongful termination, having an employment lawyer on your side will ensure that an experienced professional will be representing you.
An employment lawyer will also negotiate your claim on your behalf – which means less stress, time, and effort for you. If you want to pursue litigation, you’ll already have a professional fighting for you – and you’ll also be sending your employer a strong message that you’re taking the violation of your rights seriously.
4. Get Immediate Help if Your Work Environment Becomes Unsafe
Every employee has the right to a safe work environment – it’s the law.
If your workplace causes you to be exposed to toxic waste, dangerous chemicals, or any other hazards, having an employment lawyer will mean that you’ll be able to get assistance immediately.
Providing a safe work environment for employees is your employer’s responsibility. Negligence on your employer’s behalf is not just hazardous to your health and safety; it also puts your fellow co-workers at risk. An employment lawyer will not just act quickly to pursue your claim and ensure you are compensated for the damages; they will also mitigate the harm to other employees.