Tampa Employment Civil Rights Lawyer
Here at DSK Law, we represent employees and employers in matters pertaining to civil rights and employment. We strategize with our clients to produce the best possible outcome, and use our knowledge about the other side to predict their actions and arguments in and out of court. For years, our attorneys have handled complex issues, and have successfully litigated some of the most important cases here in Tampa and central Florida. From large corporations and small family businesses, to employees and their families, our Tampa employment & civil rights lawyers represent all parties involved in such employment disputes.
Wage and Hour Disputes
We handle disputes concerning wage and hour issues, which are governed under the Fair Labor Standards Act. These involve:
- Overtime pay;
- Exempt and nonexempt employees;
- Minimum wage claims; and
- Unpaid wages.
Wrongful Termination
Wrongful termination disputes occur when an employee claims that they were fired due to discrimination, or the employer terminated them by violating their employment contract. In either case, a thorough investigation needs to be conducted to see if wrongdoing occurred. Our lawyers also handle severance package disputes and non-compete clause issues.
Sexual Harassment Claims
Sexual harassment in the workplace comes in many forms, including:
- Unwanted touching, fondling, grabbing, pinching, or other physical contact;
- Unwanted sexual comments or jokes;
- Sexual crimes, such as rape, or use of coercion or force to perform sexual acts;
- Behavior that creates a hostile work environment;
- The use or suggestion of quid pro quo (this for that) sexual favors for promotion, pay raise, etc.;
- Inappropriate conversations, emails, or texts about sexual acts or stories; and
- More.
Sexual harassment claims are currently on the rise, according to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and reported by Bloomberg. This comes during the aftermath of the #MeToo movement, which has emboldened tens of thousands of women to come forward and speak out against employer wrongdoing. It is just as vital that employers immediately retain legal counsel as it is that employees protect themselves by doing the same.
Employment Discrimination
Throughout the past half century, a wide number of civil rights laws have been enacted to protect employees from unfair treatment in the workplace. These important laws include the following:
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964;
- Florida Civil Rights Act;
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Violations; and
- Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA).
Specifically, statute 760 of the Florida Civil Rights Act protects employees’ personal dignity, their productive capacities, and to preserve safety and health. Common types of discrimination include unfair treatment of an employment based on the employee’s race, religion, marital status, pregnancy, national origin, sex, disability, and age if over 40. Discrimination comes in many forms, including:
- Wrongful termination;
- Harassment;
- Retaliation;
- Hostile work environment;
- Withholding pay or benefits; and
- Much more.
Other Employment Practice Areas That We Focus On
We also assist employees and employers with the following matters:
- Collective Bargaining Agreements/Grievances;
- Family and Medical Leave Act;
- Pension and Employee Benefits, including:
- Unemployment compensation claims; and
- Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA).
- Retaliation and Whistleblower Claims;
- Civil Rights and First Amendment Claims; and
- Proactive employer defense, including workforce training and investigations.
Contact Us Today for Help
If you have any issues related to employment law or civil rights, we can help. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our Tampa employment & civil rights lawyers today at DSK Law and let us begin working on your case.