Successful in Handling a Variety of Employment Law Cases
The seasoned lawyers at the Burnham Douglass Attorneys At Law have experience helping clients throughout the state resolve a broad range of employment law matters. We have achieved successful results for our clients in the following areas of employment law:
Wrongful Termination
Employers are prohibited from firing workers for discriminatory reasons, or out of retaliation for protected actions, such as reporting workplace harassment or violations of the law. If you were fired for an illegal reason, then you can file a wrongful termination claim under various laws, such as the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD) and the Conscientious Employee Protection Act (CEPA).
Retaliation
We understand that people spend a lot of time at work. For some employees, their place of employment can be a source of inspiration, motivation, pride, and fulfillment. As a result, some workers are reluctant to speak up against unfair or unlawful treatment they experience or witness in the workplace for fear of being fired, demoted, or harassed. When you choose Burnham Douglass Attorneys At Law to represent you, we make it our goal to fight to protect all of your labor rights and to pursue the compensation you deserve for your struggles.
Whistleblower Actions
The federal government has a major interest in stopping fraud or corruption in U.S. businesses and corporations. Whistleblowers who file a qui tam claim under the False Claims Act may be entitled to substantial monetary awards. Those who report on the unlawful actions of their employers are further protected from retaliation. We know that it takes courage to expose unethical activity or conduct in your workplace, which is why our legal team will stand by your side as you pursue justice.
Sexual Harassment
Unacceptable behavior by a manager, co-worker, client, or customer includes fondling, persistent unwanted advances, sexual language or jokes, the display of sexually explicit graphics or photos, and more. Both men and women can be victims of sexual harassment, and it knows no gender. Numerous state and federal laws exist to protect employees from having to work in a hostile environment.
Discrimination
It is unlawful for employers to discriminate against employees on the basis of their age, gender, race, religion, and disability. If you were denied a promotion, demoted, fired, or experienced unfair treatment due to being a part of a protected class, contact an employment attorney to learn more about how you can hold your employer accountable.
Employment Contracts
We help employees review, negotiate, and resolve disputes that arise from employment contracts. From non-competes to confidentiality agreements, we provide thorough representation to help protect your interests. We take into account how a contract can affect your career, and advise you on the pros and cons of an agreement.
Wage & Hour Disputes
If your employer has violated state and federal wage and hour laws, we work to help enforce these rules. Our team has experience pursuing claims related to unpaid overtime wages, illegally withheld benefits, refusal of valid leave requests, and more.
Hostile Work Environment
Workers who are experiencing repeated harassment and wanted behavior that makes it difficult to perform their work duties can hold their employer legally accountable for failing to take action. Filing a hostile work environment claim provides workers with a legal remedy.
We ensure those who exercise their rights in the workplace are protected from retaliation for their brave actions.
New Jersey Employment Law FAQs
Is New Jersey an "at will" state?
Yes, New Jersey is an employment-at-will state, which means that your employer can fire you for any reason, as long as that reason does not violate the law.
Can an EEOC employment claim be filed anonymously?
When you contact the EEOC, the information will be kept anonymous until the charge is filed against their employer. Once a charge is filed, the EEOC must disclose your information to the employer. Your employer is prohibited from retaliating against or firing you for bringing a claim. If you wish to remain anonymous, the charge may be filed on behalf of another victim.
Are employers allowed to deduct pay?
Employers are not allowed to deduct or withhold wages for hours that you have worked. Employers may not cite cash shortages, deduct the cost of uniform or tools, or other unlawful deductions from a worker's wage unless required by New Jersey law.
What type of damages will I receive as compensation for a discrimination or wrongful termination claim?
Damages for an employment law claim can include back pay, lost benefits, sick leave, vacation, pension, retirement, and in some cases, punitive damages.
Will my employment case go to trial?
Not all cases end up in trial. In fact, a majority of cases end up settling outside of court. We thoroughly assess the issue and work with you to determine whether or not a trial is in the best interest and will provide a better outcome.
