Disputes in the workplace are as old as time, and although it's unfortunate, frustrating, and anger-inducing, workplace problems still occur, such as unpaid hours, unpaid overtime, discrimination, and sexual harassment, among others. It is important to note that many workplaces throughout Missouri have specific and well-detailed channels for filing complaints, but when the complaint fails, you may need to contact a Kansas City employment attorney.
At Popham Law in downtown Kansas City, our employment lawyers boast years of experience helping individuals just like you through a variety of employment law issues, from discrimination cases to complex wage-hour disputes. If you are in the middle of a dispute with your employer, and it's reaching the lawsuit stage, then don't hesitate and call the employment law attorneys at KC's Popham Law today.
Do You Need an Employment Attorney in Kansas City?
The moment you find yourself in a dispute, whether due to discrimination, harassment, contract disputes, or other employment law issues, you may be wondering, "Do I need an employment attorney for this?" In general, an employment attorney deals with the following issues:
- Mistreatment by an employer
- Wrongful termination
- Unemployment compensation
- Discussion of wages/benefits
- Discrimination/harassment
Before calling your attorney, however, you should check with your HR department to see if it has protocols, policies, or procedures for handling certain legal compliance situations. In many cases, you will have to exhaust all administrative possibilities before you're able to file a lawsuit.
When You Might Need a Kansas City Employment Attorney
There are many situations when you absolutely, positively need a Kansas City employment attorney. In fact, if the following situations happen to you, call your lawyer immediately:
- Your employer sues you or threatens to sue you
- You're being asked to sign an agreement that you don't fully understand, such as a noncompete, nondisclosure, confidentiality, arbitration, or employment agreement
- You've been accused of a crime (in which case you should contact a criminal defense attorney)
Other situations where you probably need a Kansas City employment attorney include:
- If you think your employer or former employer has broken any Missouri or federal employment laws
- You are experiencing retaliation for complaining about discrimination or something illegal the employer has done
- You think that you're not being paid the wages that you're owed
- You think that you're misclassified as exempt from overtime wages or as an independent contractor
When You Probably Don't Need a Lawyer (Yet!)
Just like there are situations where you probably need a lawyer, there are also some workplace situations where you probably won't need an attorney by your side. That said, you are free to always benefit from the legal counsel and expertise of an experienced attorney at your side.Some of the situations where a lawyer might not be necessary include:
- You're writing a complaint to your HR department
- You need to attend a disciplinary meeting
- You need to sign documents that you do understand
- You need to file a union grievance as a union member
Keep in mind that any of these situations could turn into a serious legal matter, and so it's important to thoroughly document any processes and keep records, if possible.
Contact the KC Employment Law Attorneys at Popham Law
There is nothing more frustrating than being underpaid for the hours you put in, or suffering from discrimination and harassment at the workplace and not having an administrative option that would put a stop to it. For these reasons, we at the Popham Law Firm serve as diligent and relentless advocates of employee rights in Missouri, and we'll provide an aggressive and professional representation with your interests at the forefront of our litigation strategy.If you're facing serious legal issues at your workplace, call Popham Law in Kansas City today. Call (816) 221-2288 or toll-free at (844) 243-2288.
