When Can You Take Legal Action Against an Employer? What You Need to Know
In an ideal world, employees and employers would always be on the same page, and everyone would treat each other fairly in the workplace.
Unfortunately, however, that isn’t the case. There are many situations where employers treat their employees unfairly, and in some cases, employees may be able to take legal action against their employers. If you are wondering when you can take legal action against an employer, you’ve come to the right place, as this post will be sharing a few things you need to know. For specific requirements in your state, consult experts such as Larry Pitt’s team of Pennsylvania workers’ compensation lawyers.
If you experience a hostile or toxic workplace
Look, there’s no guarantee that you are always going to see eye to eye with your employer. Sometimes, you won’t agree with each other, and you may even get into arguments. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re in a toxic work environment.
However, if the situation escalates and your employer makes you feel uncomfortable, threatens you, overworks you, or affects your personal life, it may be a sign that you are in a hostile work environment. And if that is the case, you could potentially take legal action against your employer. Experiencing stressful work demands and environments could certainly be grounds for a lawsuit.
If you are being harassed
Naturally, employers tend to be in a position of power when compared to their employees, and the horrible reality is that these employers often take advantage of this power by making their employees feel uncomfortable.
If your employer is harassing you in any way – whether physically, sexually, or verbally – you may want to consider taking legal action against them, especially if they threaten you. It’s also a good idea to take the necessary precautions to ensure that you are safe at home.
If you are being discriminated against
Another issue that many employees face, whether via their fellow employees or their employers, is that they feel discriminated against.
There are many forms of discrimination, such as discrimination based on gender, sexuality, race, religion, age, and more. Discrimination is always wrong, and it definitely has no place in a work environment. Not only will discrimination affect your work life, but it can also affect your personal life and mental well-being. Lawsuits regarding discrimination can be quite difficult, so it’s a good idea to get a lawyer near you to help you build your case.
If you have been wrongfully terminated
Finally, you may be able to take legal action against your employer if you have been wrongfully terminated. Losing your job is a horrible experience, and you need to make sure that you are taking the time to cope with it.
That being said, it’s even harder to deal with this loss if it was unwarranted. If you were let go for unjust reasons, you may have been a victim of wrongful termination, and if that’s the case, you should definitely consider taking legal action against your employer. Again, it is in your best interests to hire a lawyer to assist with this.