Employer-employee conflicts are rarely expected, but any issues that arise between you and a worker can cause significant problems for your business. Litigated disputes not only cost your company money, but they can also impede productivity in the workplace.
If you are currently dealing with a conflict or have reason to believe a worker may be preparing to take legal action against you, talk to an Alpharetta employment disputes lawyer as soon as possible. A skilled attorney at Sparks Law can help you understand the relevant state and federal laws governing your case.
The term employment dispute covers a wide range of disagreements about employers’ and workers’ rights and responsibilities. Most disputes arise from arguments about adequate pay, discrimination, and occupational safety. As a business owner, you can benefit from speaking with a local attorney about the actions that may lead to an actionable claim against your company.
Many employment disputes stem from disagreements about compensation. For example, an issue may arise if a staff member claims you failed to pay them the minimum wage or compensate them for overtime. Employees who primarily work for tips may also initiate wage disputes.
Some workers may claim you failed to provide the agreed bonuses or benefits. Depending on the language in your employment contract, they may have a valid claim.
One of the most common types of employment disputes involves accusations of discrimination. Certain employees are legally protected from discrimination based on classes such as:
If a business owner makes a hiring, firing, or advancement decision based on their worker’s status in a protected class, the company could be vulnerable to lawsuits.
Some employment disputes involve complaints related to health and safety code violations. Employees might allege that they are forced to work in dangerous or unclean conditions. Others might allege that the company has violated safety standards by allowing them to come into contact with harmful chemicals or other substances.
If you are running a business in Alpharetta, talking to a seasoned lawyer about employment law can help you avoid conflicts. With knowledge of relevant rules and regulations, you can ensure that your employees’ rights are respected.
In many cases, a supervisor or manager’s actions can also result in legal liability for the company as a whole. This is possible through a legal theory known as vicarious liability.
If a supervisor and violated an employee’s rights while on the job, it could result in a legal claim against the business directly. To succeed in this type of case, the employee must establish the company had the right to control the supervisor and that the at-fault person was acting within the scope of their employment.
Defending against liability claims based on a manager’s negligence can be difficult. Your company might bear responsibility simply for hiring the at-fault supervisor. If you find yourself in this type of situation, it is best to hire an attorney familiar with employment disputes.
An employment dispute does not automatically lead to the collapse of your business. Many conflicts can be resolved swiftly and peaceably. Regardless of the types of conflict, it is always helpful to retain legal counsel.
An Alpharetta employment disputes lawyer can advise you on how to proceed with these claims. To learn more about your legal options, call Sparks Law to set up a consultation right away.
