When Employment Goes Wrong: Legal Remedies for Tampa Workers

When employment goes wrong, it can be a stressful and confusing time for Tampa workers. Whether it's wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, or wage and hour violations, laws are available to protect workers and their rights.

If you are experiencing conflict in the workplace, it's essential to understand your legal rights. Here are some standard legal protections for Tampa workers:

Wrongful Termination

Being dismissed for an unlawful reason, including discrimination or retribution, may give rise to a wrongful termination claim. For the most part, in Florida, employment is "at-will," meaning that either the employer or the Employee has the right to discontinue the working relationship at any time not prohibited by law. However, you may have additional rights if you have a contract or an employee handbook that outlines specific termination procedures.

Discrimination

Legally, discrimination in the workplace is not tolerated on any level. You can sue for discrimination if you think you've been treated differently because of your ethnicity, skin color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, etc. All accusations of discrimination in the state of Florida must be submitted to the EEOC within three hundred days of the alleged prejudice.

Harassment

Harassment in the workplace is also illegal under federal and state law. If you have been subjected to unwelcome conduct regarding factors such as gender, religion, or ethnicity, you may have a harassment claim. You should report the harassment to your employer and, if necessary, file a claim with the EEOC.

Wage and Hour Violations

Employers are required to pay their employees minimum wage and overtime, among other wage and hour requirements. If your employer has violated these requirements, you may be able to file a claim for unpaid wages or overtime. In Florida, you can file a wage claim with the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity or file a lawsuit in court.

If you are experiencing issues at work, it's essential to take action to protect your legal rights. Contacting an employment law attorney can help you understand your legal options.

At Hughes Law, we are dedicated to helping Tampa workers protect their legal rights and seek justice when employment goes wrong. If you need legal assistance related to employment issues, contact us at callhugheslaw.com.