SettlementBoard.com News, Articles and Information for Legal Junkies

12Sep/110

Employment Litigation in Miami – Basics

Employment laws at the state and federal level were set up to ensure the rights of employees. When a problem arises, an employee should be aware of his or rights. Retaining an attorney with expertise in employment law is often a prudent first step. An initial consultation with an attorney can establish what the employment issues are and what can be done or not done. For any dispute arising between an employer and employee in Miami, both are free to approach a Miami employment lawyer to resolve their differences legally.

In addition to federal laws, the issues addressed by Florida laws concerning employment include:

• Wrongful termination
• Unjust work environment
• Violation of any contract

Employment law cases can be handled in several ways:

• Administrative proceedings
• Mediation
• Arbitration
• Litigation
• Appeals

Most employment law matters are time-sensitive when it comes to filing or giving a counter for defense. Based on the unique conditions of the claim, deadlines are defined and must be observed. Hence it is imperative to retain an experienced employment attorney as soon as possible. Be sure your attorney is fully aware of the employment laws and related statutory limitations in your jurisdiction.

1Mar/110

$152.5 Million Settlment in Novartis Pharmaceuticals Gender Discrimination Lawsuit

The Novartis Pharmaceuticals gender discrimination lawsuit was settled with a $152.5 million agreement, even though a jury had earlier awarded the plaintiffs $250 million. Unlike the jury settlement, no appeals or challenges will affect the amount of the settlement. Jury awards in gender discrimination lawsuits are often subject to appeals.

The settlement will provide $60 million in back pay and $40 million in compensatory damages to 5,600 current and former employees. Named plaintiffs and the women who testified will receive additional damages.

Witnesses in the Novartis gender discrimination lawsuit described how pregnant sales employees had their careers derailed, or were pressured into taking shorter maternity leave and working during their leave.

Novartis denied in the settlement that the discrimination women faced was part of company-wide policies. However, the company will spend $22.5M on improving company policies and training worldwide, as well as on revising its performance review procedures. As part of the gender discrimination lawsuit settlement, Novartis will also hire an outside company to evaluate pay disparities between male and female employees.

The plaintiffs’ attorneys will receive about $40.1 million of the Novartis gender discrimination lawsuit settlement money, pending approval from the judge. The suit was originally filed by Amy Velez and four other women in 2004.

For more on gender discrimination lawsuits and reasons why cases end in settlements, turn to SettlementBoard.com.

Information in this post gathered in association with a San Diego criminal attorney

11Feb/110

Filing an Employment Lawsuit in Los Angeles

It is the responsibility of every employer to provide a safe working environment, free of rights violations, to all employees.  A lawsuit can be filed against an employer if an employee's rights under state and/or federal law have been violated.

California's labor code is among the strictest employment law in the United States.  Every employee has rights and remedies if an employer fails to abide by these codes.  An employment attorney can help protect your rights if you feel your employer, fellow employee, or direct supervisor has mistreated you.

Grounds for filing an employment lawsuit in Los Angeles

Retaining an experienced CA employment lawyer can help you determine if you have grounds for a lawsuit.  Typically, a person may file an employment lawsuit in Los Angeles for issues such as:

  • Sexual Harassment
  • Wrongful Termination
  • Discrimination
  • Whistleblower Protection
  • Wage and Hour issues

If you have been discriminated against or harassed at work, you may file an administrative claim with the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) within one year of the date of termination or discriminatory act, and/or the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) within six months before you file a lawsuit for discrimination.

Similarly, there are other processes involved in filing an employment lawsuit in Los Angeles. Therefore, do not delay in contacting a law firm if you have faced any form of discrimination.

Information in this post gathered in association with a customs attorney

22Sep/103

Dealing with Workplace Harassment in Virginia

The workplace in today's society should be an environment where everyone is able to work together smoothly and cooperate effectively, although some employees still may have a bigoted or intolerant view of other coworkers because of their race, sex, or religion. If you believe that you have been a victim of work harassment, there are many options you can take to put a stop to the offensive behavior, as well as acquiring the right Virginia sexual harassment attorneys to represent you. Some things you can do to help your case are:

  • Make a detailed list of every offensive event that occurred to you at work
  • Obtain the contact information for any worker who can serve as a witness to these events
  • Notify the human resources department at your company and file a formal complaint
  • File a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) office nearest you
  • Review your legal options with the help of a qualified Virginia office harassment attorney

While it was written now nearly half a century ago, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was put in place to protect workers from common forms of discrimination and harassment in the workplace, yet today there are sometimes still conflicts between employees that need legal resolution from the help of experts in the field of harassment law.

If you or a loved one needs to find a qualified harassment lawyer in Virginia to handle legal issues involving office harassment, you should contact the Law Office of Jeremiah A. Denton III for the help you deserve in settling your discrimination and harassment cases.