Labor and Employment Lawyer in Palm Harbor

Our Palm Harbor labor and employment lawyers can represent individuals in many types of employment disputes, including but not limited to:  

• Retaliation
• Discrimination 
• Sexual harassment
• Wrongful termination
• Wage and hour violations
• Misclassification 
• Denial of medical or family leave
• Hostile work environment
• Other wrongful employment practices

If you are unsure whether you have a case, we can assess your claim and clarify your legal options in a free and confidential case review. 

According to the EEOC, the most common discrimination charge filed in 2020 was retaliation, amounting to almost 56 percent of all claims. Retaliation was followed by disability, race, sex, and age:

• Retaliation (55.8 percent)
• Disability (36.1 percent)
• Race (32.7 percent)
• Sex (31.7 percent)
• Age (21.0 percent)

The remaining claims comprised, in descending order: national origin, color, religion, the Equal Pay Act, and genetic information. 

In Florida, making a joke, yelling at workers, or being rude does not necessarily qualify as workplace harassment. However, it is unlawful to harass a worker based on their sex, age, race, or another protected characteristic. Some examples of workplace harassment include:

• Sexual jokes and innuendoes
• Inappropriate comments about another worker’s appearance 
• Using racial slurs 
• Negative comments about a worker’s sexual orientation
• Harassment based on a worker’s age, race, disability, religion, or color
• Making physical threats 
• Intimidation and insults

Quid Pro Quo Harassment

Quid pro quo is a Latin phrase meaning “this for that.” Quid pro quo harassment arises when a supervisor, manager, or employer in Palm Harbor requests sexual favors from a worker for a promotion, raise, or continued employment. Quid pro quo harassment is illegal in Florida.

Unfair treatment at work does not always qualify for a legal case. However, if your employer violated labor laws and regulations, you could have a claim and receive damages. Examples of when an employer could be held accountable can include: 

• Unlawful discrimination against employees
• Violating a federal or state employment law 
• Retaliating against employees
• Disregarding terms and conditions of employment contracts
• Wrongful termination
• Unlawful pay deductions
• Failing to pay overtime

If you believe that your employer violated labor laws and regulations, our attorneys can determine whether you have a claim and could qualify for compensation.

If an employer fires you for reporting a labor violation such as discrimination or assisting with another worker’s claim, they illegally retaliate against you. You could have a legal case for wrongful termination and recover damages. However, Florida is an at-will state, which means employers can terminate workers without giving a reason. Therefore, proving wrongful dismissal can be tricky, and you should consider hiring a labor and employment attorney to protect your rights. 

If an employer fired you unfairly, Morgan & Morgan could help you sue and pursue damages such as back pay, emotional distress, and others.  

Some employers misclassify employees as independent contractors to save money on taxes and benefits. Employers can gain a financial advantage because independent contractors do not qualify for benefits and have to withhold their taxes. 

However, those employees affected could have a legal case and qualify for damages. If your employer misclassifies you, they could face criminal penalties. You could be entitled to compensation such as back pay, punitive damages, and other damages.

Differences between Employees and Independent Contractors

There are some crucial differences between an independent contractor and an employee. For example, independent contractors typically work on a project basis rather than an hourly wage. Contractors, unlike employees, can usually choose when and where they work. You are likely an employee and should be classified as such if you:

• Work set hours, such as 9 to 5
• Receive a regular wage 
• Work at the employer’s offices with equipment (computers, printers, etc.) provided
• Receive training and instruction from an employer

If you are unsure whether you should be classified as an employee, our labor attorneys can provide clarity and help you move forward with a claim, if appropriate.

Many labor and employment attorneys in Florida charge by the hour. The hourly fee for an attorney could be several hundred dollars which can work out expensive, especially if you are looking to file a lawsuit and sue an employer. Moreover, you may have to pay the fee whether you win or lose, potentially leaving you out of pocket.

Morgan & Morgan won’t charge you a dime upfront. We want workers who have been mistreated or cheated out of their wages to have the best legal representation regardless of their financial means. We only collect our fee if and when we win and you receive compensation. 

Morgan & Morgan understands how hard it can be for Palm Harbor workers to make ends meet, especially when employers fail to pay what they owe. John Morgan has advocated and campaigned tirelessly for the rights of workers in Florida. In 2020, he successfully campaigned for an increase in Florida’s minimum wage, helping countless Floridians achieve a better standard of life. 

We know that discrimination and labor law violations can have a negative influence on all aspects of your life, such as finances, career, mental health, and family relationships. However, you do not have to put up with an employer violating your rights. Morgan & Morgan has your back. 

We fight for the people, not the powerful, and do not shy away from holding corporations and employers accountable. If you experienced wage theft or any other labor law violations, you could be owed compensation. Get started today and contact us for a free case review to determine your next best steps.