Melbourne Civil Rights Lawyer

Civil rights laws in Florida and at the federal level protect the of employees in the workplace, ensuring that they do not experience unequal treatment on account of their membership in a protected class. However, many workers are unsure of how the laws work, so they may not know how or when to take action. Likewise, employers can be confused about their own obligations. They may face serious legal consequences, just because of a mistake or uncertainty.

Our Melbourne civil rights lawyers at de Beaubien, Simmons, Knight, Mantzaris & Neal, LLP represent employees who suffer unequal treatment at work, as well as employers who must defend their interests in these types of claims. Because we have experience with both sides of a civil rights scenario, we can provide effective counsel through predicting the opposition’s strategies.

Representing Clients in All Types of Civil Rights Cases

At the core of civil rights matters is the idea of equal treatment for all, regardless of their membership in a protected class. Florida’s Civil Rights Act prohibits employers from engaging in various forms of misconduct due to an employee’s race, sex, religion, disability, national origin, marital status, and other factors.

Our legal team at de Beaubien, Simmons, Knight, Mantzaris & Neal, LLP is prepared to assist in such cases as: 

• Discrimination:All employees are entitled to be treated the same, so you may have a claim if you experience adverse action from your employer.
• Harassment: Though usually associated with remarks or conduct of a sexual nature, other types of harassment may be actionable if they create a hostile work environment.
• Wrongful Termination: This type of civil rights violation may occur if you were fired for an illegal reason, which can be a challenge in an employment at-will state like Florida.
• Retaliation Claims: When an employer takes adverse action against you for participating in protected activities, you may have a claim for unlawful retaliation. You cannot be punished for “whistleblowing,” such as filing a claim for discrimination, reporting unlawful activity in the workplace, or seeking overtime pay.
• Matters Involving Leaves of Absence: Federal and state laws allow you to take leaves of absence for pregnancy, bonding time with an infant or adopted child, your own illness, caring for an ill family member, and other designated reasons. 

Legal Help for Employers

We are also experienced in defending Florida employers in dealing with allegations of civil rights violations.

Our firm also offers workforce seminars and training, as a means of preventing civil rights issues from becoming full blown litigation. Pre-emptive actions not only reduce the likelihood of misconduct, but such a strategy also shows that you are serious about maintaining a fair workplace. If a dispute does turn into a lawsuit, your efforts lend significant credibility.

Schedule a Consultation with a Melbourne Civil Rights Lawyer

If you are an employee or employer confronted with civil rights issues, please call 321-421-5529 to speak with a Melbourne civil rights lawyer at de Beaubien, Simmons, Knight, Mantzaris & Neal, LLP today. We can advise you on your legal options and discuss defense strategies.