Resolving Work-Related Disputes and How a Lawyer Can Help

Work is a significant part of our lives. It’s where we build careers, form relationships, and earn the income that supports our families. But when disputes arise in the workplace, whether it’s a disagreement with a manager, harassment by a coworker, or unfair termination, it can disrupt your life and cause emotional and financial strain.

Fortunately, employees have rights. And in many cases, an experienced employment lawyer can help resolve the issue, protect your livelihood, and even secure compensation. 

At Morgan & Morgan, we’ve helped thousands of workers stand up for what’s right, and we may be able to help you, too. To learn more about your legal options, contact Morgan & Morgan today for a free case evaluation.

Common Types of Work-Related Disputes

Workplace disputes come in many forms, ranging from interpersonal conflicts to serious legal violations. Here are some of the most common issues that lead employees to seek legal help:

Discrimination

Discrimination in the workplace occurs when an employee is treated unfairly based on a protected characteristic, such as:

• Race or ethnicity
• Gender or gender identity
• Age
• Disability
• Religion
• Sexual orientation
• National origin
• Pregnancy

Discrimination can affect hiring, promotions, pay, job assignments, and more. It can be overt (like racial slurs or sexist remarks) or subtle (such as being repeatedly passed over for opportunities without justification).

Harassment

Workplace harassment, including sexual harassment, can create a toxic environment that interferes with your ability to work. This includes:

• Unwanted touching or advances
• Lewd comments or jokes
• Bullying or intimidation
• Hostile work environments

If your employer fails to take corrective action after being notified of the harassment, they may be legally liable.

Wrongful Termination

Being fired for an illegal reason—such as retaliation, discrimination, or whistleblowing—is known as wrongful termination. In “at-will” employment states, an employer can usually terminate an employee for any reason, but not an unlawful one.

Examples include:

• Firing someone after they report safety violations
• Letting an employee go because they requested medical leave
• Terminating someone for refusing to engage in unethical conduct
  
   

Wage and Hour Disputes

Employees are entitled to fair pay under both federal and state wage laws. Common wage disputes involve:

• Unpaid overtime
• Misclassification of employees as “exempt” or “independent contractors”
• Failure to provide meal or rest breaks
• Not paying minimum wage
• Withholding final paychecks
  
   

Retaliation

Retaliation occurs when an employer punishes an employee for engaging in legally protected activity, such as:

• Reporting discrimination or harassment
• Filing a workers’ compensation claim
• Requesting accommodations for a disability
• Cooperating in a workplace investigation

Retaliation may take the form of demotion, exclusion, unfavorable assignments, or termination.

How Work Disputes Can Be Resolved

The path to resolution depends on the nature of the dispute and the willingness of all parties to find a solution. Here are several common methods used to resolve work-related conflicts:

Internal HR Complaints

The first step is often to report the issue to your company’s human resources (HR) department. HR is responsible for ensuring that workplace policies are followed and that employee concerns are addressed.

Pros:

• May resolve the issue without legal action
• Often required before escalating to legal authorities
  
   

Cons:

• HR may prioritize the company’s interests over yours
• There’s a risk of retaliation or inaction

Always document your complaint in writing and keep copies for your records.

Mediation

Mediation is a voluntary process where a neutral third party helps the employer and employee reach a mutual agreement. It’s often used in discrimination or contract disputes.

Pros:

• Faster and less expensive than litigation
• Can preserve working relationships
  
   

Cons:

• The mediator cannot force a resolution
• You may not get everything you’re entitled to
  
   

Filing a Government Complaint

For certain types of disputes, you can file a complaint with a government agency:

• Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC): Handles discrimination and harassment complaints
• Department of Labor (DOL): Investigates wage and hour issues
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): Addresses unsafe work conditions
   

These agencies can investigate, enforce laws, and sometimes help recover compensation.

Litigation

If other avenues don’t lead to resolution, you may need to file a lawsuit against your employer. This is often the case with wrongful termination, retaliation, and severe discrimination or harassment.

Pros:

• Potential for monetary compensation
• Legal accountability for the employer
  
   

Cons:

• Can be time-consuming and emotionally draining
• Litigation costs may be high, though many employment lawyers work on contingency
  
   

How a Lawyer Can Help You Resolve a Work Dispute

Navigating a workplace dispute can be overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with stress, lost income, or fear of retaliation. Here’s how a Morgan & Morgan employment attorney can support you.

Evaluate the Strength of Your Case

Not every workplace conflict rises to the level of a legal violation. A lawyer can help you understand your rights, assess your case, and determine the best course of action.

We’ll review evidence like:

• Emails, texts, and memos
• Employment contracts or handbooks
• Pay stubs and time sheets
• Written complaints or HR reports
• Witness accounts
  
   

File Complaints and Meet Deadlines

Employment laws have strict deadlines. For example, EEOC claims must generally be filed within 180 days of the incident. An attorney ensures that:

• Your claims are filed correctly and on time
• You meet all procedural requirements
• You don’t unintentionally waive your rights
  
   

Negotiate on Your Behalf

Many workplace disputes are resolved through negotiation or settlement. An experienced lawyer can advocate for:

• Reinstatement or promotion
• Fair severance packages
• Back pay and unpaid wages
• Compensatory damages (e.g., emotional distress)
• Legal fees and punitive damages

We’re tough negotiators who know how to hold employers accountable.

Represent You in Mediation or Court

If your case goes to mediation or litigation, we’ll be by your side every step of the way, presenting evidence, questioning witnesses, and arguing for the justice you deserve.

Our attorneys have won millions for clients in employment cases. And because we work on a contingency fee basis, you don’t pay unless we win.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

If your employment rights were violated, you may be entitled to compensation. The amount varies based on the specifics of your case, but may include:

• Back Pay: Wages and benefits you would have earned
• Front Pay: Future lost earnings if reinstatement isn’t possible
• Emotional Distress: For anxiety, stress, or reputational harm
• Punitive Damages: To punish especially egregious employer conduct
• Legal Fees: So you don’t bear the cost of enforcing your rights

At Morgan & Morgan, we fight tirelessly to get every dollar you’re owed.

Why Choose Morgan & Morgan?

Workplace issues don’t just affect your job; they affect your dignity, your peace of mind, and your future. At Morgan & Morgan, we believe every worker deserves to be treated fairly and with respect.

Our army of over 1,000 trial-ready lawyers have handled thousands of employment cases nationwide, and we’ve recovered over $25 billion in compensation in the process.
 

And as the country’s largest plaintiff’s law firm with law offices in every state, we can help a case no matter where you are.

If you're facing a workplace dispute, you don’t have to go through it alone. Contact Morgan & Morgan today for a free, confidential case evaluation. Our team will listen to your story, evaluate your legal options, and help you decide what to do next.