What Are the Most Common Employment Law Claims in Massachusetts?
Unfortunately, discrimination and harassment claims are two of the most common employment law claims we see at our firm.
Employers may treat people unfavorably because of their:
Employers may also use their authority to demand sexual favors or create a hostile workplace for people who do not conform to unfair expectations.
Other common issues that our employment law team addresses include:
- Minimum wage violations: Failing to pay employees at least the minimum hourly rate required by state law.
- Overtime disputes: Refusing to pay required overtime wages for hours worked over the standard full-time limit.
- Unpaid wages: Delays or failure to provide compensation for work performed.
- Misclassification of employees: Incorrectly labeling workers as independent contractors to avoid providing benefits or overtime pay.
When employers do not pay their employees fairly, our attorneys step in. We utilize our extensive knowledge of state and federal regulations to advocate for fair wage practices and proper employee classification to ensure our clients receive rightful compensation.
We also handle problems involving the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), wrongful termination, workplace safety, and employment contracts. Our legal team is committed to providing comprehensive support, focusing on both immediate solutions and long-term strategies that protect employees against future violations.
Please note that you always have the right to speak up about problems at work. If your employer demotes or fires you for voicing your concerns, you can sue them for retaliation. The Boston employment law lawyers at Davis & Davis, P.C. can help. Navigating these complex legal areas can be daunting, but having experienced attorneys on your side can greatly increase your chances of a successful outcome.
Experienced Labor Law Attorneys in Boston, MA
Davis & Davis, P.C. is comprised of seasoned legal counsel and trained support staff. Our employment law team has presented in countless employment law and civil rights seminars, including guest lectures at the prestigious New England School of Law.
These seminars are designed to teach other lawyers, HR personnel, and community leaders on a variety of employment law matters happening in Boston, such as:
- Sexual harassment in the workplace
- Discrimination claims
- Noncompete agreements
- Wage & hour disputes
- Contract and severance package matters
- Tort claims in employment law
- How to manage a successful employment law firm
Our legal insights shared at these seminars have enhanced the understanding and practices of many professionals in the Boston area. We strive to lead the conversation around employment law and continuously seek innovative solutions for common workplace challenges. Our dedication to legal education not only benefits our clients by keeping our practices cutting-edge, but also strengthens the greater Boston legal community.
Clients seeking help with complex labor law matters benefit from our thorough approach and in-depth understanding of both Massachusetts and federal regulations. As labor law attorneys, we assist employees and employers with issues such as collective bargaining, disputes governed by union contracts, and compliance with wage and hour obligations. Our familiarity with decisions issued by the Suffolk County Superior Court helps us provide clear guidance tailored to each client’s needs.
How a Labor Attorney in Boston Can Safeguard Your Workplace
Many businesses and individuals in the Greater Boston area face confusing and rapidly evolving regulations around workplace rights. Whether you are dealing with union negotiations, employee discipline, or the adoption of new workplace policies, consulting a labor attorney in Boston can offer strategic benefits for both management and staff. These legal professionals are able to interpret current labor statutes, offer guidance on regulatory updates, and devise compliant procedures specific to your organization or situation.
Massachusetts state law and local court practices, such as those in the Suffolk County Superior Court, frequently set precedents that can directly affect how workplace disputes are handled. Our attorneys help proactively address those issues through policy drafting, reviewing employee handbooks, and providing conflict resolution strategies that align with state and federal guidelines. With these tools, employers and employees are better equipped to prevent costly disputes and foster a collaborative work environment.
A labor lawyer can prove especially valuable in high-stakes situations like collective bargaining sessions, grievance hearings, and investigations of alleged misconduct. Their local knowledge of Boston's legal landscape and connections with state bodies like the Department of Labor Standards means your case is handled with awareness of relevant precedents and the most efficient route to resolution.
When to Contact a Labor Law Attorney
Recognizing when to seek counsel is important for protecting your rights and minimizing risk. Consider reaching out to a labor law attorney if you:
- Face contract or union negotiation challenges
- Need help complying with a new employment regulation or Massachusetts wage law
- Are involved in a dispute regarding overtime, wage payments, or employee classification
- Require advice on disciplinary actions or workplace investigations
- Experience pushback on creating or updating workplace policies
Taking these proactive steps with trusted legal guidance ensures your organization or employment situation stays ahead of compliance requirements in Boston and throughout the state.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Filing Employment Law Claims?
The statute of limitations refers to the time frame within which an employee must file a legal claim after experiencing an employment-related issue. In Massachusetts, this period varies depending on the type of claim and the laws that apply. Missing this deadline can result in the loss of the right to seek legal remedies.
For claims involving workplace discrimination, such as those based on race, gender, disability, or age, employees must file a complaint within 300 days of the alleged discriminatory act.
For cases involving wrongful termination, retaliation, or breach of contract, the statute of limitations may vary based on the specific claim. For instance, breach of contract claims often have a six-year deadline under Massachusetts law.
Understanding these deadlines is crucial, as they dictate when legal action can be initiated. Consulting an experienced Massachusetts employment law attorney promptly ensures that your rights are preserved and that your case is handled effectively within the applicable time limits. It's imperative for both employees and employers to be aware of these critical timelines to appropriately plan and execute any necessary legal actions.
What Are My Rights as an Employee in Boston?
If you work in Massachusetts, you have the right to fair wages, a safe workplace, a workplace that is free of discrimination and harassment, paid family and medical leave, and workers’ compensation.
Visit the Commonwealth of Massachusetts website to learn more. Being well-informed about your rights empowers you to take necessary action against violations. Our firm provides detailed consultations where we discuss your specific workplace situation and outline steps that can be taken to safeguard your rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Does Massachusetts Define Workplace Discrimination?
In Massachusetts, workplace discrimination occurs when an employee is treated unfavorably due to characteristics like race, gender, age, or disability, as protected under the Massachusetts Fair Employment Practices Act. Discriminatory acts can include biased hiring practices, unequal pay, or unjustified dismissal. This state law provides more comprehensive protections than federal laws, addressing nuanced forms of discrimination that could arise in diverse work environments like Boston's. Our legal team at Davis & Davis, P.C. is adept at identifying these issues and guiding you through the appropriate course of action.
What Steps Should I Take if I Face Harassment at Work?
If you're experiencing harassment at work, it's important to document incidents meticulously, including time, date, involved parties, and any communications or actions taken. Report the harassment internally according to your company's policy and retain a copy of your complaint. Should internal resolution prove ineffective, consult an employment law lawyer promptly. At Davis & Davis, P.C., we support you in understanding your rights and evidentiary requirements, working to build a robust case if legal action becomes necessary.
Is it Legal for My Employer to Deny My Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Request?
The FMLA entitles eligible employees to take unpaid, job-protected leave for specified family and medical reasons. However, eligibility hinges on a variety of factors, including length of employment, number of hours worked, and size of the employer. If you believe your employer unjustly denied your FMLA request, it is crucial to consult legal counsel to assess the merits of your case. Our attorneys at Davis & Davis, P.C. have extensive experience managing FMLA disputes and can help determine if your rights have been violated.
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Protect Your Rights as an Employee
As an employee in Massachusetts, it's important to understand your rights and protections under state and federal employment laws. Our team of experienced employment law attorneys in Boston is dedicated to helping you navigate the complexities of labor laws and ensure that your rights are upheld in the workplace.
Common employee rights in Massachusetts include:
- Protection from discrimination based on race, gender, age, disability, and other factors
- Entitlement to fair wages and overtime pay
- Right to a safe and healthy work environment
- Protection from retaliation for reporting workplace violations
- Entitlement to medical and family leave
If you believe your rights as an employee have been violated, don't hesitate to reach out to our team for legal guidance and representation. Understanding how these rights translate into everyday work situations is crucial. We provide actionable advice and representation designed to address your unique circumstances and advocate for appropriate redress and remedies when your rights are infringed upon.
Labor Law Compliance Is Not Always Intuitive for Employers
Our Boston employment lawyers primarily represent employees, but we also have a strong, growing base of corporate clients. We will interview small to mid-size corporations that need assistance complying with the myriad employment laws and will help resolve employment-related claims by employees.
Our lawyers make effective communication a necessity in fostering a good work environment and unified goals. This is the cornerstone of all of our attorney-corporate client relationships. While our goal is to keep our corporate clients out of the courtroom, if litigation is unavoidable, we will provide zealous representation in the courtroom. We also offer compliance training, policy reviews, and day-to-day legal advice to help businesses maintain fair and lawful environments, reducing the risk of costly legal disputes and promoting a positive workplace culture.
Employer Rights in Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, employers have many rights and responsibilities. As long as you maintain a safe, conscientious workplace that abides by all applicable employment laws, you have the right to demand hard work and quality and protect your business.
Massachusetts is an at-will employment state, which means you and your employees can end your employment relationship at any time for any reason (that isn’t discriminatory or retaliatory) with or without notice. Nevertheless, union employees are held to different standards, and employment contracts override the state’s at-will provisions.
If you have any questions about how to best protect your business, do not hesitate to contact our Boston labor lawyers. Employers must navigate complex legal landscapes to ensure they protect their operational interests while remaining compliant with laws that affect their workforce. Our legal team assists employers in ensuring they are well-informed and equipped to handle these responsibilities. We offer strategic counsel on proactive measures businesses can take to safeguard against potential legal challenges.
Contact us online today or give us a call at (978) 228-2262 your initial consultation from our Boston employment lawyers.
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