Florida Employment Lawyer

Experienced Employment Attorney in Florida

Thousands of Laws and Regulations Are in Effect to Protect and Empower Employees

Employment law covers all facets of the relationship between employer and employee — from the hiring process and conduct in the workplace to layoffs and termination. Federal and state governments have created thousands of statutes, administrative regulations, and judicial decisions to protect and empower employees.

Unfortunately, organizations and managers do not always abide by these laws. Sometimes, the costs involved can be significant; and sometimes businesses are simply unaware. That said, neither of these reasons absolves them from their legal responsibilities.

At all times, all federal and state laws must be followed. The Feldman Legal Group employment attorneys in Florida have experience using these statutes and regulations to help clients get the justice they deserve.

If you believe your employer is not acting within the confines of the law, the services of a Florida employment lawyer can be incredibly valuable. They can review the actions (or inactions) of your employer or manager, help to rectify inappropriate situations, and resolve outstanding issues.

CONTACT A SKILLED EMPLOYMENT LAWYER IN FLORIDA

Workers in Florida have the right to a safe workplace — one that is free of discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, and other unfair treatment.

At The Feldman Legal Group, our Florida employment lawyers represent employees who have been faced with these issues, who are unable to rectify them on their own but deserve to work under appropriate conditions. Because our trial attorneys have decades of combined experience handling employment litigation and practicing in state and federal courts, we are able to help clients with their employment problems so they can move forward with their lives.

If you believe your employer is treating you unfairly, contact our employment lawyers today. Share your experience with us and learn how powerfully we can support you.

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EMPLOYMENT LAW OVERVIEW

Employment law covers all facets of the relationship between employer and employee — from the hiring process and conduct in the workplace to layoffs and termination.

Employment Discrimination

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Civil Rights Act of 1991 outlaw unequal treatment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex or national origin.

Our attorneys help clients by investigating employment discrimination and obtaining a right-to-sue letter from the EEOC. We stand up for workers’ rights against discriminating employers. If necessary, we are prepared to take matters to court.

If a case is successful, workers can expect placement, advancement, reinstatement and, in some cases, monetary compensation for back pay, front pay and emotional damages.

Sexual Harassment

Also under Title VII, it is illegal for employers to make sexual advances or engage in other offensive conduct that creates a hostile work environment.

We represent clients in quid pro quo and hostile work environment claims. Sexual harassment in the work place is unacceptable. We make sure that all claims of misconduct are taken seriously and that clients get justice for their mistreatment.

Victims of harassment may collect back pay, compensatory damages, punitive damages and front pay.

Age Discrimination

The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) prohibits the unequal treatment of workers based on their age and applies to workers over 40. This type of discrimination is far too common in the workplace. Our attorneys aggressively pursue cases of age discrimination.

A successful claim can result in financial compensation and reinstatement at your job.

Disability Discrimination

Disability discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) refers to a refusal to hire or refusal to make reasonable accommodations in the workplace. We offer case evaluations to find out more about your issue and provide you with possible legal options.

If we accept your case, we will make sure that a discriminating employer will be held accountable for the damages you have suffered. We will build your case and, if necessary, take it to court. If successful, you can expect to be employed or receive compensation for back pay, front pay or damages.

Family Leave Discrimination

The Pregnancy Discrimination Act was passed to prevent the unfair treatment of women in the workplace because of pregnancy, childbirth or maternity leave. There are several ways in which an employer may violate family leave policies. The Family Medical Leave Act covers many employees, guaranteeing up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year to take care of their own or a family member’s serious medical condition.

We will conduct an investigation on your behalf and prepare a case that will hold your employers responsible for any discrimination. Successful outcomes may include back pay, front pay, reinstatement and compensation for other damages.

Wrongful Termination

Employees are fired every day. Some are let go for legitimate reasons while others are terminated improperly under state and federal laws. The place of business has become a litigation battleground.

At the Feldman Legal Group, we represent clients who have been involved in many different types wrongful termination cases. We aggressively pursue these cases to make sure that our clients get reinstated at their jobs and receive adequate compensation for damages they have experienced.

Whistleblower Claims

According to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FSLA), it is unlawful for companies to retaliate against or get even with workers who file a complaint regarding their employer’s alleged unlawful policies.

If an employer has retaliated against you for speaking out about fraud, abuse or waste in the workplace, you have the law on your side. We will investigate the facts and defend your rights as a whistleblower. You can receive compensation or reinstatement if your employer has retaliated against you for reporting claims of fraud, abuse and waste.

Wage and Hour Claims

Is your pay correct? Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, employers must pay minimum wage and overtime to eligible (nonexempt) employees.

The employment law attorneys at the Feldman Legal Group have secured millions of dollars in wages for our clients. We will take all necessary legal actions against reluctant employers to make sure you get the payment you are owed.

Find out more about wage claims.

Employment Agreements

Enforcing employment agreements includes litigation of non-compete agreements and other employment contracts that create undue burdens on employees’ hiring contracts, non-compete contracts, wages and hours and severance packages.

Our attorneys review your agreements, prepare a case that reflects how your employer failed to live up to their promises and make sure you get the compensation you deserve.

FLORIDA EMPLOYMENT ATTORNEY: PROTECTING WORKERS WHOSE CIVIL RIGHTS HAVE BEEN VIOLATED

Understanding Discrimination

Workers in Florida, and across the country, face a host of discriminatory behaviors each and every day. Sometimes, they don’t even realize they are being treated unfairly. Some examples of such actions are:

Hiring a candidate with inferior qualifications, based on gender
Refusing to hire an individual based on who their marital partner is
Forcing older employees to retire early
Refusing to install a wheelchair ramp to accommodate disabled workers.

These situations are just a small sampling of issues facing workers in the state of Florida today.

Be Encouraged. The Law Is on Your Side

Have you faced discrimination at work based on your race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, handicap, or marital status? If so, the treatment you received may be illegal. As a citizen of the United States who works in the state of Florida, your civil rights are protected by law.

Florida’s parallel Civil Rights Act protects employees in the same classifications as federal law, meaning it is a parallel law to the federal legislation noted above. This means both state and federal employment laws protect workers. Our employment lawyers in Florida can advocate on your behalf in filing a charge with the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Florida Commission on Human Rights.

Employers may write the paychecks and have the authority to hire and fire, but when they abuse that power, they may be violating state and federal laws meant to protect workers from unfair treatment in the workplace. Taking action against an employer is daunting, but we’ll fight for you and hold the employer legally responsible for violating your rights as a worker.

YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS CONCERNING PAY

Recognizing Salary Issues in the Workplace

One of the most common problems employees have with their employers relates to salary and wages. Because payroll is an expense that directly impacts all organizations’ bottom line, it is not uncommon for issues to arise. After all, employers have a vested interest in minimizing this expense.

Because of their desire to positively impact profitability, wage and salary violations are common occurrences. And, even when they are not intentional, the impetus to fix them is simply non-existent.

Employers can violate wage agreements in several ways, including a failure to pay overtime, commissions, and bonuses. Some don’t follow minimum wage guidelines. You deserve payment for the time and effort you’ve given your employer. Unfortunately, employees don’t always get their earned compensation, and too many don’t realize that they have the option of taking legal action. We truly believe in seeking justice for workers.

At the Feldman Legal Group, we’ll work with you to build a case that holds your employer responsible and enables you to get the money you are owed. We understand how important these cases are for our clients, and we offer aggressive legal representation to reflect your needs.

Infographic: When Do You Need an Employment Lawyer?

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Our Florida Employment Lawyers Know Your Rights in the Workplace

Helping You Successfully Deal With Employment Issues Is Our Goal

Corporations and organizations employ numerous qualified legal professionals to protect their rights. As an individual, you don’t have the knowledge, experience, or expertise that they do. That is where our Florida employment lawyers can help. We have committed to protecting the rights of individuals.

At the heart of our practice is the belief that no employee should be subjected to harassment, discrimination, or retaliation for voicing concerns about workplace wrongdoing. When employers are responsible for violating these rights or for failing to protect workers, we use our resources, skill, and experience to get justice for their employees.

Our attorneys are skilled and experienced; they have in-depth knowledge of the many laws that offer workers recourse after suffering harassment or discrimination on the job. We know how to build a case that reflects the unfair treatment our clients have received. If you’ve been harassed or discriminated against, we encourage you to contact our Florida employment attorneys today. We are ready to gain an understanding of your experience and go to work on your behalf immediately. The sooner you contact us, the more quickly we can work to resolve your issues.

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CLASS ACTIONS – WHEN EMPLOYEES
BAND TOGETHER

Feldman Employment Lawyers Represent
Employee Groups

Quite often, if one person is having an issue with their employer, others are as well. Problems rarely occur in a vacuum. In instances like this, class action suits are common. These are cases in which groups of people with similar experiences band together against a single company to seek compensation Because there is strength in numbers, these cases can help benefit the individuals involved in addition to serving the even greater purpose of creating safer, fairer workplaces for all.

We not only assist individual workers who have been treated unfairly by employers, we also handle class actions to ensure that groups of workers get justice. Our Florida employment lawyers are well-versed in class action representation; they know the laws governing these cases and can help you determine if your case qualifies for this specific type of filing. You see, certain prerequisites must be met in order for a class action to be filed.

To learn more about joining a class-action lawsuit, we encourage you to visit our Pending Cases to find out about our ongoing legal actions. Our attorneys will meet with you to discuss the details of your case and find out whether your case would fit in with a class action.

EMPLOYMENT LAW FAQ

Florida Employment Lawyers Address Your Concerns

The stress you feel can be overwhelming when you believe your employer is not treating you fairly. After all, you spend a considerable amount of time at work — you have a right to be treated appropriately. Below we have shared some of the most common questions raised regarding employment law issues, as well as our attorneys’ responses.

Can I sue my employer?

Yes. You can sue your employer if it acts illegally regarding:

Race
Sex
Religion
Retaliation
Sexual harassment by the employer or an employee if the employer does not take action against the harassing employee
Failure to allow mandated breaks
Failure to pay overtime wages

What are some common forms of harassment?

Some of the common forms of harassment include requiring a sexual favor for a promotion or raise (quid pro quo), employers or other employees making inappropriate jokes and / or comments about your appearance, religion, sex, race and / or age, not promoting you because of your race or religion and inappropriate touching.

Is Florida an "at-will" employment state?

Yes. An at-will employment state means that an employer does not have to have a reason to fire you or lay you off. However, the two exceptions to this rule are unlawful discrimination and retaliation.

How do I know if I was unlawfully terminated?

While your employer can fire you or lay you off for no reason, there are some exceptions. You can also quit without giving your employer a reason. However, your employer wrongfully terminated you if it fired you or laid you off for:

Refusing to participate in illegal actions
Illegal reasons
Filing a claim against the company
In violation of public or company policy
In violation of a written contract

What do I do if I suspect my employer's activity is illegal?

If you suspect your employer is conducting illegal activity, you can file a whistleblower complaint against your employer. Always speak to your attorney prior to filing a whistleblower claim to ensure that your employer does not violate your rights. A couple of common types of whistleblower claims include employers overcharging customers and employers who work for the government stealing from the government.

What is a hostile work environment?

When an employer or co-workers make jokes and comments or touch you constantly – even if the touching seems innocent, and that interaction is not welcome, you have a hostile workplace, especially if you asked those violating your space and your wishes to stop. Also, intimidation, threatening, and other negative behavior could also create a hostile workplace.

Being stressed or unhappy at work does not mean you work in a hostile workplace. You must have unwanted behavior that violates your rights aimed at you.

Is my employer allowed to pay less than minimum wage?

Unless you are employed as waitstaff, your employer cannot pay less than minimum wage. In Florida, the hourly minimum wage is $10.00, which is higher than the federal minimum wage of $7.25. If waitstaff employers choose to take the tip credit of $3.02 per hour, they can pay wait staff $6.98 per hour.

We understand that you likely have more specific questions and concerns. Reach out to our Florida employment lawyers to schedule a consultation during which we can learn about your situation and provide more tailored information.

CONTACT US FOR STRONG EMPLOYMENT
LAW REPRESENTATION

Why Choose The Feldman Group?

The answer to this important question is quite simple: knowledge, experience and approach. Employment law cases are important — they are filed to protect your future. When you file a claim against a company, you are taking a big step against a powerful presence. You need representation from legal professionals who know the state and federal laws. The Feldman Group is that firm.

Mitchell Feldman, our managing partner, spent more than ten years of his career defending insurance companies against workers’ compensation and injury claims. When he changed direction to protect the individual employees, he was able to use this knowledge to help them get what they deserved.

The knowledge the employment law attorneys at The Feldman Legal Group can leverage on your behalf is unmatched. Our team has significant experience handling employment law cases across the state of Florida.

Finally, The Feldman Group’s approach is distinctive. The firm was built, from the beginning, with one mission: to fight for those who have been injured, neglected, and mistreated and the relatives and loved ones of those harmed by the negligence of others. They understand that no two cases are identical and take the time necessary to understand your specific situation completely. While they handle every step of the legal process on your behalf, they make it a point to keep you apprised of your case. Questions are always welcome. The firm’s employment attorneys understand and appreciate the importance of your case to you, your family, and your future.

Contact a Florida Employment Attorney Today

A strong employment attorney in Florida can help you enforce your legal rights. Regardless of the complexity of your case, our lawyers will present an effective argument on your behalf. We can help represent numerous large-scale matters, including class and collective action litigation in state and federal courts.

If you believe your employers’ behavior toward you is illegal, reach out to the Florida employment lawyers at The Feldman Legal Group. Let us put our motto — We get “justice for workers” — into practice on your behalf.

Contact a Florida employment lawyer today for a case assessment with a knowledgeable employment law attorney. Give us a call for a consultation to learn if you have a case.

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IN OUR CLIENT’S WORDS

Mitch counseled me on a difficult Florida employee-employer matter. At a number of points in the process if it wasn’t for Mitch’s sound advice and thorough follow-up by him and other members of his law firm I would have let the matter die. In the end Mitch and his firm, in my opinion, were able to draw water from a rock. This provided me with a sense that justice had prevailed, and greatly helped me to finally resolve the issue both professionally and personally. Mitch is a hardworking, no non-sense lawyer that I have known and worked with for over 12 years. He has a proven track record, and his long-term success as an attorney provides further testimony to this.

~ Benjamin J. Miele, CPA

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR EMPLOYMENT
LAW SERVICE

Overtime Claims

You work hard and put in extra hours, and you want to be paid accordingly. When it comes to overtime, Florida abides by the Fair Labor Standards Act

Misclassified as Independent Contractor

Many times remote workers are classified as independent contractors when they are employees.

Denied a Fair Wage

Thousands of workers in Florida are wrongly denied overtime pay, paid less than minimum wage, denied tips or commissions and otherwise deprived of

Paid Less Than Minimum Wage

Recent changes in Florida’s minimum wage law have resulted in wage and hour claims in Tampa and Miami and throughout the state.

Past Due Wages

Our Tampa past due wages attorneys handle cases everyday involving claims for overtime and unpaid wages. Most people fail to take action to recover

Unpaid Wages

Review your paycheck! Look closely. Is it less than you anticipated? Perhaps your company is not paying the newly mandated Florida minimum wage.

Unpaid Commissions or Bonuses

Did you work hard to fulfill your end of a deal, then your employer didn’t comply with his end?

Working Off-the-Clock without Pay

Every non-exempt employee, including all hourly paid employees, must be paid for every minute they

Pay for Prepping for Work / Getting on Gear

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requires employers to pay employees for all time worked

Employment Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) Claims

ERISA, an acronym that stands for th e Employment

Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) Claims

Most people are unaware of the credit check standards employers must follow and our Tampa Fair Credit Reporting Act attorneys can help protect their rights.

5 Tips for Your Employment Claim

At Feldman Legal Group, we fight for employees who have been treated unfairly at work.