Law

Employer Behaviors That Warrant Legal Action

Published

6 months ago

October 5, 2022

molly famwat

A staggering number of employers mistreat workers on a consistent basis. However, just because such behavior is commonplace doesn’t mean it’s okay, and if you believe that standard employee mistreatment has crossed the line into illegality, it may be a good idea to speak to an attorney. While your employer may pay your salary, this doesn’t entitle them to treat you in a way that diminishes your dignity or personal safety. So, if your employer is guilty of any of the following behaviors, legal action may be warranted.

Harassment

Workplace harassment is an all-too-common problem that can take a variety of different forms. To start with, there’s sexual harassment, which involves comments about one’s appearance, inappropriate touching and other forms of unwanted attention. Unfortunately, despite the heightened level of public attention this problem has received over the last two decades, it continues to be a common issue in countless workplaces. In many cases, the offending parties – and their respective higher-ups – try to shrug it off as a joke or claim that victims are overreacting, which often serves to silence victims who don’t wish to make waves. However, no matter how fervently the guilty party or their defenders insist that sexual harassment isn’t at play, victims always stand to benefit from getting an attorney’s take on the matter.

While depressingly common, sexual harassment is far from the only form of workplace harassment. People often find themselves teased, berated and outright abused on the basis of age, race, religion and gender. So, if any bosses or coworkers have belittled you, made you feel afraid or created a generally uncomfortable work environment, reach out to a good lawyer.

They can work with you on how to document and report the erring behavior. They can advise you on what you’re going to say and how to do it to ensure a more positive outcome.

Moreover, a good lawyer can offer you solid legal representation in court or negotiate on your behalf with the company to determine some solutions to the harassment problem.

Retaliation

Fear of workplace retaliation is among the main reasons many people fail to report wrongdoing on the part of coworkers and managers. After all, even if the offending parties are disciplined, there’s a chance that they’ll retaliate, particularly if they happen to exercise any authority over you. For example, if a manager faces disciplinary action as a result of claims that you’ve made, they may get revenge in the form of increased workloads, heightened scrutiny of your work and general meanness.

Still, this doesn’t mean that it’s okay to let people in positions of authority abuse that authority. So, if you feel that you’ve been retaliated against by a boss or coworker, make the relevant parties aware of this. Should they prove indifferent, seek out a good attorney.

However, it’s essential to know that most attorneys have specializations. Some are experts in business and employment law, criminal law, or family law, while others don’t. For this reason, you should find the proper legal assistance for your situation. For example, if you’re facing some family law matters, you can hire a family lawyer through legal websites or find more here.

But since you’re dealing with retaliation caused by your employer, you should work with an attorney specializing in business and employment law. This way, you get the proper legal representation for your case.

Unequal Treatment

Equal treatment for all employees is a tenet of any good workplace. Unfortunately, far too many companies and businesses leave a lot to be desired on this front. This is particularly true in the case of disciplinary measures. Offenses that warrant strict disciplinary action for some employees result in no more than a slap on the wrist for others. In some instances, people find themselves fired for offenses that other employees have readily gotten away with.

So, if you’ve recently found yourself on the receiving end of harsh disciplinary action for a purported offense that resulted in a much lighter punishment – or no punishment at all – for others, you may have cause to pursue legal action. If rules aren’t enforced equally, it can be difficult to ascertain what a business’s rules actually are.

Personal Injury

If you’ve incurred a personal injury due to negligence, indifference or callousness on the part of your employer, you’d do well to seek legal representation. Injuries in the workplace occur for a variety of reasons – from unsafe work environments to bullying – and if your employer has failed to provide a sufficiently safe workspace or properly compensate you for injuries incurred on the job, you should start considering your legal options.

Under personal injury law, an individual injured due to someone else’s negligence may be eligible to file a claim to recover compensation from the at-fault party. The payment will cover the injured party’s economic and non-economic losses, such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

However, it’s essential to know that filing a personal injury claim can be challenging. This is especially true if you’re suing your employer for compensation. Aside from dealing with their team of lawyers, you need to establish the elements of negligence on the employer’s part to enhance your odds of winning.

Because of this, hiring an experienced personal injury would make a lot of sense. If you’re looking for one, it’s best to consider those operating in your area to ensure they know the state and local laws. For example, Sunshine State residents looking for a dependable St. Petersburg personal injury lawyer should have little trouble finding someone who will fight for them.

It’s easy to see why so many of us dread going to work. In addition to the drudgery synonymous with most traditional jobs, we often have to contend with rampant mistreatment on the part of our respective employers. If you’ve grown used to being devalued and having your needs ignored, you may simply assume that this is how things are supposed to work. However, if mistreatment on the part of your employer reflects any of the behaviors outlined above, make sure to get in touch with a good lawyer.

Law

How To Find the Right Baltimore Personal Injury Lawyer

Published

3 days ago

March 28, 2023

sylvia J

How To Find the Right Baltimore Personal Injury Lawyer

Accidents and injuries can happen when you least expect them, no matter how careful you are. From slips and falls to car accidents, these unexpected events can leave a person with severe injuries and astronomical medical bills.

If you have suffered an injury due to someone else’s negligence, navigating the legal process alone may be overwhelming. Having the right personal injury lawyer by your side can provide peace of mind and ensure your rights are protected throughout the legal process.

Finding the right Baltimore personal injury lawyer can be challenging. To help you find the right one, there are several factors to consider to make the right choice.

Look For Experience

Personal injury is a broad field, and when looking for the right lawyer, you want to find someone with extensive experience handling cases like yours. For instance, if you were involved in a car accident, it is essential to look for a lawyer who has previously dealt with car accident cases, even if they fall under the broader category of personal injury law.

A lawyer who is also familiar with the laws in Baltimore and has experience dealing with insurance companies can be a valuable asset.

Ensure Your Baltimore Personal Injury Lawyer Has a Strong Track Record of Success

In addition to experience, you need to find a lawyer with a proven track record of success. A lot of experience does not always equate to success in winning cases. Look for a lawyer who has won significant cases and settlements in cases similar to yours.

A lawyer’s success rate can give you an idea of their ability to win your personal injury case.

Read Reviews From Past Clients

One of the best ways to find the right personal injury lawyer is to read reviews from former clients. Look for online reviews and read what others say about their experience working with your potential Baltimore personal injury lawyer. A lawyer with positive reviews is a good sign that they are experienced and have a strong record of success.

Look For Accreditations

It is also essential to consider whether the lawyer you are considering hiring has any accreditations. Lawyers who have performed excellently in their field often receive awards such as Super Lawyers as a recognition of their expertise. Be sure to check if your lawyer has some awards under their belt.

Schedule An Initial Free Consultation

Once you have narrowed down on a few potential lawyers, the next step is to schedule a consultation with each of them. In addition to providing information about your case, consider the consultation an opportunity to assess and evaluate the suitability of your potential lawyers. During the consultation, you should ask the lawyer a few questions, including:

How is their experience handling personal injury cases like yours?
What is their approach for a case like yours?
What are their payment terms? Do they work on a contingency basis? (Meaning they only get paid if you win your case)
What are their terms of service?
Do they have a network of resources and connections, such as doctors who can work on a lien basis? Or forensic experts that they can involve to help you win your case?
Do they have the time to handle your case effectively?
How long do they expect your case to take?
How much compensation can you expect to receive if you win?

Pay Attention To How They Communicate With You

Communication is a critical factor in any legal case. Finding a lawyer who is easy to communicate with and keeps you in the loop throughout the legal process is essential. A good lawyer who responds promptly to emails and phone calls and can explain complex legal terms easily for you to understand is a good one.

Additionally, your Baltimore personal injury lawyer should make you feel comfortable to ask any questions you may have, and they should give clear answers.

Start Your Claim

Finding the right Baltimore personal injury lawyer by your side can make all the difference in your case. By considering factors such as experience, a strong track record of success, reviews from past clients, accreditations, and communication, you can find a lawyer who will fight for your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve. So, take the time to find a lawyer who feels like a good fit.

Law

Here’s Everything You Need to Know About Determining Liability in a Rideshare Accident

Published

2 weeks ago

March 21, 2023

molly famwat

Ridesharing apps have made it easy for people to travel, which is why there are several users. However, there are chances that drivers and passengers can get into vehicle accidents, as millions of trips happen every day. According to the Phoenix Street Transportation Department, the city’s road network was nearly 4,800 kilometers in 2009 and is expanding. More lanes result in more traffic, which raises the risk of accidents. In 2021, in Phoenix, there were around 40,833 car accidents reported.

If you have faced any unfortunate incident, rideshare accident attorneys in Phoenix will stand by you and ensure you get financial compensation. In Phoenix, one can get the minimum insurance amount of $50,000 per accident, $25,000 for bodily injury, and $15,000 for property damages.

Insurance companies use several tactics to avoid paying compensation; however, the lawyer ensures these companies do not take advantage of the situation. Below are the complete details that you must know about ridesharing accidents.

Who is Liable?

Drivers for Uber and Lyft are categorized as independent contractors. It means they might work under a contract, and the company might not employ them. So, if they are under contract, it is their responsibility to maintain the vehicles, and this does not come under the employer-worker’s compensation scheme. If proven that it is the driver’s fault, the company will eventually pay the driver’s liability through their insurance policy.

In Arizona, Uber and Lyft have insurance plans covering property damage and bodily injuries. However, drivers must ensure their insurance is up to the mark.

There are always three parties involved in rideshare insurance coverage:

Rideshare company
The driver
The passenger

It depends on the accidents, how they took place, and three scenarios that can occur:

If the accident occurs when the application is not turned on, it is the responsibility of the driver’s insurance to cover the damages, not the companies.
If the accident occurs when the driver operates via application, the company’s commercial insurance will be applied.
If the accident is caused due to the passenger’s negligence, then the passenger’s insurance has to cover the damages.

How is Liability Determined?

If one is involved in a ridesharing accident, the liability is determined by confirming the following:

If the Uber/Lyft driver is responsible for the collision
If the driver was using the ridesharing app when they got involved in the accident
If other parties have contributed or are involved in the accident.

How Can an Uber Accident Lawyer Help?

The Uber accident lawyers and the ridesharing attorney help you understand the best course of action. They will help you get the maximum compensation and determine who is responsible for the accident. Since they know the rules and regulations, they provide the best advice.

In an Uber accident, knowing which insurance to work with can be challenging. You might have to file for several claims, so to avoid errors, the lawyer should manage the filings and negotiations.

Conclusion

Being involved in a vehicular accident can be challenging and complicated; however, when it consists of a ridesharing company, it adds another level of complexity. These enormous companies can use several strategies to reduce the compensation or try to avoid paying it. So, it is advised that if anyone is involved in a ridesharing accident and suffers injuries, they must go to an experienced lawyer that can help in making a solid case.

Law

Shoplifting In Austin: How To Find An Austin Criminal Defense Attorney

Published

2 weeks ago

March 19, 2023

sylvia J

Shoplifting is a behavior that can affect almost anyone—kids, superstars, teens, and sleep-deprived new parents alike. It can be easy to forget that you’ve picked something up and then leave the store, only to be asked to follow a security professional to a small room for questioning. Virtually anyone can find themselves facing shoplifting charges for the first time.

If you have recently been accused of shoplifting, it is important not to let the commonplace nature of your situation lull you into a false sense of security. A conviction for shoplifting could affect your reputation, your criminal record, and even your freedom temporarily. This is one situation in which a “do it yourself” approach will not cut it. The time to contact an experienced shoplifting lawyer in Austin is now.

Shoplifting Penalties In Austin, Texas

Whether you were caught shoplifting at The Domain, the 2nd Street District, or your neighborhood convenience store, the potential penalties you’ll face in the event of a conviction are the same. The category of charges by which your alleged wrongdoing will be punishable is determined by the value of the goods that you have been accused of shoplifting.

Class C Misdemeanor if the value of the shoplifted property is worth $100 or less – Punishable by a fine up to $500.
Class B Misdemeanor if the value of the shoplifted property is more than $100 but less than $750 – Punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000.
Class A Misdemeanor if the value of the shoplifted property is $750 or more but less than $2,500 – Punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $4,000.
State Jail Felony if the value of the shoplifted property is $2,500 or more but less than $30,000 – Punishable by 180 days to two years in state jail and a fine of up to $10,000.
Third Degree Felony if the value of the shoplifted property is $30,000 or more but less than $150,000 – Punishable by two to ten years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
Second Degree Felony if the value of the shoplifted property is $150,000 or more but less than $300,000 – Punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
First Degree Felony if the value of the shoplifted property is more than $300,000 – Punishable by five to 99 years in prison or life imprisonment and a fine of up to $10,000.

Because the stakes of a shoplifting conviction risk a term of imprisonment for any crime that involves shoplifting more than $100 worth of property, it is imperative to seek the guidance of an experienced Austin criminal defense attorney as soon as possible after being accused of shoplifting.

How To Find An Austin Criminal Defense Attorney

Whether you’re searching for an Austin misdemeanor lawyer, a secondary shoplifting defense lawyer in Austin, or an Austin felony theft defense lawyer, you’ll need to seek out a law firm that is highly reputable, has a track record of success, and has extensive experience with shoplifting cases specifically.

Not all criminal defense lawyers approach their practices in the same way. Don’t work with a criminal defense mill that is more concerned about representing as many clients as their lawyers can handle than securing each client the most favorable outcome possible under their unique circumstances. The outcome of your case could affect everything from your ability to get schooling, a job, or your ability to remain free from jail. Don’t settle for subpar representation. Research your options and meet with any attorney you’re interested in working with to ensure their approach meets your needs.

Your Shoplifting Case: What To Expect

Every shoplifting case is unique. As a result, your lawyer will need to carefully examine the circumstances of your situation to build the most vigorous possible defense on your behalf. Depending on the severity of your charges, this strategy will begin to play out as soon as your arraignment.

Texas law indicates that only someone who has unlawfully appropriated property with intent to deprive the owner of that property can rightfully be convicted of theft. This means that unless a prosecutor can prove – beyond a reasonable doubt – that you intended to steal the property in question, you can’t properly be convicted of shoplifting. Your lawyer will likely engage in significant negotiations with the prosecution to get your case dismissed or to mitigate the consequences that you would face in the event of a conviction when you did not intend to steal the property that you allegedly shoplifted.

If initial negotiations don’t result in the prosecution dropping the charges against you, your lawyer will explore the possibility of filing pretrial motions to suppress any evidence that may have been collected in violation of your Fourth Amendment rights against unreasonable search and seizure. If relevant evidence can be successfully suppressed, the prosecution may have no choice but to drop or minimize the charges, as they may be unable to make their case successfully without that evidence.

Finally, if these efforts haven’t produced their desired results and taking a plea deal isn’t in your best interests, your attorney will vigorously fight for your rights in court.

Contact A Knowledgeable Austin Criminal Defense Attorney For Personalized Guidance

To learn more about shoplifting laws in Austin, Texas, and how these laws will apply to your case uniquely, schedule a confidential, risk-free case evaluation with Cofer & Connelly, PLLC, by calling 512-991-0576 or contacting the firm online. This reputable law firm is well-known for its knowledgeable legal practitioners and their ability to secure favorable client outcomes. They have more than 65 years of combined experience aggressively defending the rights of Texans like you.

Shoplifting may be a commonplace crime, but that doesn’t mean that the effects of a conviction will manifest in your life in simple, uncomplicated ways. Because your reputation, well-being, and even your freedom could be on the line, the time to seek experienced, professional legal guidance is right now.