Unfair treatment on the job is a common experience. It can cause enormous distress and may have severe financial, emotional, and even physical consequences. Depending on the circumstances, it may be illegal.
Contact The Florida Firm to speak with a Kissimmee employment lawyer if you believe your employer’s treatment of you is violating the law. Our attorneys at Colling Gilbert Wright are well-known for our aggressive advocacy, care for our clients, and outstanding results. Many of our cases are referred to us by other law firms.
Wage and Hours Violations
Some employers take advantage of workers by docking their pay without justification, failing to pay overtime, paying less than the minimum wage, or claiming a worker’s tips. You can fight back against this illegal wage theft.
Florida law sets the minimum wage in the state. Current law calls for a one-dollar increase every September 30 until the minimum wage reaches $15 per hour in 2026. Tipped workers have a lower minimum wage, but the pay, including tips, must meet at least the minimum wage standard. Employers must pay time-and-a-half to non-exempt employees who work more than eight hours in a day or 40 hours in a week.
If your employer pays less than minimum wage, forces you to do unpaid work, or does not pay overtime, you could take legal action with the help of our Kissimmee employment attorneys. The time limit for a lawsuit depends on the specific nature of the employer’s violation, so it is important to consult a legal professional about your case as soon as possible.
Discrimination and Harassment Issues
Discrimination and unfair treatment based on factors unrelated to job performance remain a persistent problem in many workplaces. Federal law prohibits workplace discrimination or harassment based on:
- Race
- Sex (including gender expression and sexual orientation)
- Age (over 40)
- National origin
- Religion
- Disability
- Veteran status
These categories are called protected classes.
Your employer must protect you from a work environment that is dangerous or hostile to you because of your membership in one of these protected classes. If you have brought discriminatory treatment or harassment to the attention of your supervisor or Human Resources and the problem persists, it is time to speak with a workplace misconduct attorney in Kissimmee.
We could pursue a case through the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or the Florida Human Rights Commission. If the agency finds unlawful discrimination, it may issue you a Right to Sue letter, which enables you to pursue a discrimination claim in court. Depending on your preference, we could also negotiate a favorable resolution that might include back pay, reassignment, or other terms and accommodations.
When Can You Sue for Wrongful Termination?
Getting fired is devastating for most people, especially if it comes without warning. Employers can legally terminate employees without cause or notice. However, according to Florida Statutes § 760.10, they cannot fire you for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons.
If you believe you have been let go because you belong to a protected class, complained about working conditions, or reported an employer’s wrongdoing to regulators or law enforcement, you may have a legal claim for wrongful termination. You may also have a claim if the firing violated your employment contract, resulted from you taking unpaid leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act, or was due to a garnishment from a single creditor. It is also illegal to create working conditions that are so unpleasant that you are forced to resign.
Our employment lawyers at The Florida Firm in Kissimmee could explore the circumstances of your firing and any documentation you have that indicates an improper cause. If there is evidence that you were terminated illegally, we could pursue legal remedies in court. You may be entitled to reinstatement, back pay, and financial damages for your economic losses and your emotional suffering.
Contact a Kissimmee Employment Attorney To Explore Your Legal Options
Being mistreated at work can be emotionally damaging, lead to financial hardship, and even cause physical illness in some cases. If you are forced to quit or are fired, it might be difficult to regain momentum in your career. You should not tolerate illegal conduct from your employer. Although state law is friendly to employers, a skilled Kissimmee employment lawyer from Colling Gilbert Wright could protect your rights and ensure your employer faces consequences for their misconduct. Contact us today to discuss your case.