Employment Law

Today Americans are spending more time than ever at work. In a world that places so much emphasis on work, you deserve an environment that is free of illegal discrimination and harassment.

The Law Offices of Ripley & Associates can guide you in addressing these stressful situations by helping you understand the complex employment laws covering your particular situation and the various ways that the problem can be legally addressed, whether through direct negotiations with your employer, an administrative agency or litigation.

Wrongful Termination

Wrongful terminations occur when there are instances in which an employee is fired for a discriminatory reason, which legally only include one's race, religion, sex, or national origin, and sexual orientation. Neither can you be fired for whistleblowing or retaliation.

In some instances, a constructive discharge case is appropriate. An employee has been constructively discharged when she is subjected to treatment so hostile or degrading that no reasonable employee would tolerate continuing in the position. An employee claiming constructive discharge treatment must show that his or her working conditions were so unpleasant or difficult that a reasonable employee in that position would have felt compelled to resign. 

Employer Retaliation is a form of revenge against an employee who took steps seeking to enforce his or her legal rights. The laws prohibiting discrimination in the work place also prohibit retaliatory action being taken against an employee by an employer because the employee has asserted rights or made complaints.

Workers' Compensation

Workers' Compensation laws are designed to protect employees who are hurt on the job.  These employees are provided with fixed monetary awards covered under workers compensation, thus eliminating the need for excessive litigation.

In general, workers compensation provides replacement income, medical expenses, and vocational rehabilitation benefits. Usually, workers compensation will pay you two-thirds of your salary while you are injured. You may also be eligible for life-long benefits or a lump sum payment if you are permanently hurt while on the job.
 
In many cases, you can recoup workers compensation if you are hurt away from the job-site, so long as the injury was work related, i.e. occurring on work-related business, while doing a work-related errand, or attending a work-related event or function.