Employment Attorney In Elmont, NY
At Mesidor PLLC, we believe in empowering every employee with the knowledge of their legal options and New York’s employment laws needed to ignite change in the workplace. We know standing up to your employer is not easy, which is why we provide you with the resources to hold employers accountable. Led by Marjorie Mesidor’s example, we believe in offering personalized guidance so you can feel confident making an informed decision. As a dedicated Elmont employment lawyer, our goal is to ensure your rights are protected from the moment a dispute arises.
Types of Employment Cases We Handle
Every employee deserves a fair and safe place to work. In Elmont, many people work at Northwell Health or the Elmont Union Free School District. Whether you work for a large employer or a small business, New York’s employment laws protect you against various forms of employer misconduct. At Mesidor PLLC, we commonly handle cases that involve:
- Workplace discrimination and harassment. These claims involve employment decisions or harassment that is based on characteristics such as race, gender, sex, pregnancy, religion, or disability status. We understand how stressful and distressing these claims can be, which is why our attorneys work with emotional intelligence to support your safety and recover damages.
- Workplace sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is an extremely traumatic event, which is unfortunately experienced by nearly 38% of women. Whether experienced in or out of the workplace, our team is dedicated to helping our clients overcome the trauma of sexual harassment and helping them to pursue a legal outcome that holds those responsible accountable.
- Retaliation & whistleblower. Protecting your right to oppose discrimination, harassment, and other labor law violations is essential to keeping employers accountable for their actions. Whether you filed a claim, complaint, or are involved in an investigation against your employer, we are here to support you while seeking compensation for the damages retaliation causes.
- Wrongful termination. Losing your job due to employer discrimination or other illegal reasons can unfairly change your life and damage your career. We can tailor our legal strategy to meet your unique circumstances, protecting your livelihood and professional reputation.
- Hostile work environments. Every Elmont employee deserves a safe work environment. 15% of employees report that their workplace is toxic, which may warrant filing a hostile work environment claim when harassment based on a protected characteristic makes it uncomfortable or unsafe to work. We can provide the power and legal resources pursue a just outcome, making ourselves obsolete through employee empowerment.
Receiving Compensation in an Employment Case
Financial compensation can help you recover from the losses in an employment case. An Elmont employment lawyer can compile evidence to prove what damages you have suffered and pursue full compensation to minimize the financial burden employment disputes can have. The three main categories of damages that may influence compensation are:
- Economic damages. These damages are the financial losses you have faced. This may include backpay, front pay, or medical bills.
- Non-economic damages. These damages are the intangible losses. The impact on your mental health, professional reputation, and career are all common non-economic damages.
- Punitive damages. These damages are awarded to punish an employer whose misconduct was purposeful or malicious. For example, an employer who willfully ignored complaints of sexual harassment.
At Mesidor PLLC, we strive to achieve lasting policy changes to prevent employment issues from persisting. Changing a discriminatory company policy or pursuing reinstatement after wrongful termination are examples of how we seek remedies that extend beyond financial compensation.
Gathering Evidence for an Employment Claim
Gathering evidence to file a claim can help you prove your employer’s misconduct and the damages you have suffered. When internal company reports are not resolving an issue, begin gathering evidence with the help of an Elmont employment lawyer. This may include evidence such as:
- Records of communication between you and your employer
- Prior complaints of misconduct
- Witness statements
- Performance reviews
- Discipline records
- Pay stubs
FAQs
What Are Protected Characteristics in New York?
Protected characteristics are certain characteristics in New York and federal employment laws. If you are experiencing harassment or discrimination at work due to these characteristics, you should hire an employment lawyer to help you hold your employer accountable. These characteristics include, but are not limited to, race, ethnicity, religion, age, sex, disability, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, military status, pregnancy, or marital status.
Can You File a Claim Against an Employer You No Longer Work for?
You can file a claim against an employer you no longer work for. Often, employment law matters result in wrongful termination or an employee choosing to quit to avoid a hostile work environment. If you are no longer working for an employer but have suffered adverse actions, an Elmont employment attorney can help you file a claim. However, you must file it within the statute of limitations, generally three years since the date of the adverse action.
What Are Illegal Reasons to be Fired?
While New York is an at-will employment state, there are illegal reasons to be fired, such as discrimination and retaliation. An employer must not fire someone due to a protected characteristic, which would be discrimination. Retaliation could involve firing an employee who reports or is involved in a complaint about discrimination, harassment, or violation of employee rights at a company.
What Is the New York State Human Rights Law?
The New York State Human Rights Law (NYSHRL) protects against discrimination, harassment, and retaliation based on protected characteristics. This law protects many areas of public life, including employment. NYSHRL protects employees of all public and private employers of any size. NYSHRL allows individual supervisors and managers to be held liable for misconduct, rather than only broad company liability.
Elmont Employment Lawyer
While recovering from a traumatic and distressing event, filing an employment law claim is not easy. At Mesidor PLLC, we can provide the counsel you need, no matter the details of your case. Contact us to learn how our deep understanding of New York’s employment laws and dedication to holding employers accountable can help you achieve real change in your workplace. With our knowledge and experience on your side, you become an advocate, not a victim.