Employers across Morristown must comply with stringent laws that ensure safe and fair working conditions. Failure to do so can result in severe consequences for employees and employers.
Despite many strict mandates designed to foster healthy working environments, New Jersey employers have been known to engage in blatant discrimination, wage theft, harassment, and other violations. When this happens, the most effective way to hold employers accountable is through the legal system.
NJ Employment Lawyers is a comprehensive law firm offering guidance, support, and representation across all matters related to workplace violations. Whether you’re a full-time employee, contractor, or temporary worker, you can count on our experienced team to provide personalized legal services.
Contact us to learn how an employment lawyer can defend your rights and hold your employer accountable.
Understanding Employment Law in Morristown
Employment law encompasses a wide range of regulations and legal protections designed to ensure employees have fair and safe work environments.
These laws cover many aspects of the employer-employee relationship, such as:
- Wages
- Hours
- Benefits
- Discrimination
- Sexual harassment
Employment attorneys specialize in these unique laws and help employees navigate legal disputes that may arise in the workplace.
Cases Employment Lawyers Represent
While employment law is broad, employment attorneys representing workers’ rights focus on claims and lawsuits that seek to hold employers accountable for their actions.
In New Jersey, some common employment law issues include:
- Wage and hour disputes
- Discrimination and harassment claims
- Wrongful termination claims
- Retaliation and whistleblowing cases
- Family and medical leave conflicts
- Workplace safety concerns
- Contract disputes
While some minor issues may be resolved internally through a human resources department, others may need stringent legal intervention.
Federal and State Labor Laws and Protections
In New Jersey, employees are protected by federal and state labor laws. These are some of the most important laws that affect workplace relationships:
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act is a federal law prohibiting employment discrimination based on numerous protected categories, such as race, religion, sex, color, and national origin.
- The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) establishes baseline minimum wage, overtime pay, and general labor standards. FLSA mandates are strictly enforced by the U.S. Department of Labor.
- New Jersey’s Wage and Hour Law provides additional minimum wage and overtime pay protections for workers who work within New Jersey or for a New Jersey–based company.
- New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD) offers more expansive coverage against workplace discrimination, such as protection from unfair treatment based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and marital status.
4 Steps to File a Workplace Violation Claim in New Jersey
If your rights were violated by your company or employer, you need to take action as soon as possible. In most cases, New Jersey’s statute of limitations for filing a claim against an employer is two years.
Typically, a workplace claim process involves the following four steps:
1. Consultation and Investigation
An experienced employment attorney will evaluate your case and recommend the next steps for your situation. You can expect your attorney to request as much evidence as possible. Depending on the issue, they may also engage in an independent investigation that involves:
- Securing physical evidence
- Reviewing contracts
- Analyzing company documentation
- Interviewing witnesses
- Conducting legal research
- Deposing involved parties
After an attorney has conducted a comprehensive investigation, they’ll suggest the best way to proceed.
2. Filing an Official Complaint
Depending on your claim, you may file a federal complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or a state complaint with the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights (DCR).
Each of these agencies has its own procedure and timeline for investigating the claim and providing a resolution.
3. Mediation and Negotiation
Although state and federal agencies are often an excellent way to obtain relief, many employment disputes are resolved through direct mediation or negotiation.
Your attorney can guide you through this process and represent your best interests. It’s common for an employer to offer a fair settlement to avoid going to court whenever formal legal action is on the line.
4. Litigation
When a resolution cannot be reached through negotiation, you may need to pursue a claim in court via a traditional civil lawsuit.
Litigation can be a complicated and drawn-out process, but in some cases, it’s the best solution to hold a workplace accountable. During litigation, your attorney may file motions and pleadings in preparation for trial. At trial, each side presents evidence to a jury and cross-examines witnesses.
Morristown Employment Lawyers Have Your Back
Workplace violations can have severe effects on workers in New Jersey. When your workplace becomes adversarial, hostile, or unsafe, the law is on your side. No worker should have to endure blatant violations of their civil rights.
The experienced attorneys at NJ Employment Lawyers are dedicated to advocating for workers in Morristown and across New Jersey. If you’ve suffered a workplace violation, contact us today.