Employment Law Expert Chris Olsen Can Stand Up for Your Rights

Wage and Hour (Labor Law)

Federal and state laws are clearly designed to protect workers and ensure that they are paid a standard wage. However, many employers take advantage of their employees, creating loopholes to deny them their justly earned money. Employers may attempt to pay less than minimum wage, refuse to cover overtime, ask workers to put in extra hours without pay, or deny expense reimbursements. Chris Olsen has successfully handled numerous labor law cases, and is not afraid to go head to head against large corporations in class action lawsuits.

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Discrimination

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 clearly prohibits workplace discrimination, yet workers frequently miss out on promotions, receive less money than their coworkers, or are denied a job entirely based on gender, race, age, or disability. Chris Olsen can thoroughly investigate the situation, form a sound argument, and fight to uphold employment law for clients in the greater San Diego area.

Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment affects both men and women. Harassment can include sexual propositions, physical contact, lewd jokes, inappropriate comments, and threats. It can also include the offer of a promotion or bonus in exchange for sexual favors, or the threat of termination or demotion if the worker refuses advances. If you are facing sexual harassment, Chris Olsen will help you file the necessary paperwork with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and work to protect your rights.

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Wrongful Termination

Under federal and state law, most jobs qualify as “employment at will,” which means that you may be fired or laid off at any time, even without reason. However, if you have been terminated in violation of the law or company policy, you may be eligible for compensation. Qualifying violations include breach of contract, breach of implied contract, breach of good faith, discrimination, and defamation. Chris Olsen can help you secure compensation and bring your employer to justice.

Whistleblower Retaliation

If you have filed a complaint at work, or if you have reported illegal or unethical activity on the part of your company, you may be facing retaliation from your employer. Retaliation can involve demotion, pay reduction, termination, and harassment. Even if you made charges that turned out to be untrue, you have a legally protected right to voice your concerns. Chris Olsen can investigate the situation, help you file papers with the EEOC, and fight for your rights in negotiation or in court.

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Employment Contracts

Many employees are asked to sign an employment contract when they start a new job. Attorney Chris Olsen can help you understand the details of a given agreement, negotiate on your behalf to secure your interests, and even fight against an employer for breach of contract or unfair termination. You need an experienced employment lawyer to help you understand your rights and what methods of recourse you have against unfair practices.

Unpaid Wages

Has your employer unfairly withheld money you are owed or not paid you in a timely manner? Under state and federal laws, employees have the right to receive fair wages and compensation for all the hours they have worked. If you feel these rights have been violated, you are entitled to legal protection. Attorney Chris Olsen has successfully represented employees in all types of unpaid wage cases, and will fight to secure any of your compensation that has been unfairly withheld.

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Severance Agreements

Severance packages are sometimes offered as compensation to terminated employees. These contracts provide pay and other benefits to employees at the time of their layoff. Unfortunately, many severance packages are not necessarily in the employee's best interests. To ensure that you receive a severance package that offers the greatest benefit, you should contact an attorney. With the right legal assistance, your agreement can be renegotiated, or contested for an alternative course.

Family Medical Leave Act

State and federal laws allow certain California employees to take up to 12 weeks of leave to care for a new baby, themselves, or a parent or child with a serious medical condition. While most employers honor their duty to grant this time off, there are a number of ways they can infringe upon your rights. Leave laws outline several stipulations relating to how employees provide notification of their time off, and medical documentation certifying leave, among others provisions. Navigating these rules, especially if you are in dispute with your employer, can be difficult. The best way to ensure that your job and family's welfare remains protected is by seeking legal assistance.

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Workplace Safety

As part of the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act passed in 1970, employers in the United States are required to meet certain standards of safety in the workplace. In order to minimize the risk of accidents or illnesses, employees must be informed of workplace hazards and receive training to properly avoid or protect themselves against any dangers. Employers must also stay proactive and look out for potential health hazards. If you or a loved one have been injured as a result of an employer's negligence, you may be able to pursue a suit against them.

Minimum Wage Laws

Minimum wage laws were established to protect workers' rights and ensure that they receive a fair amount for their labor. While the federal government sets a minimum hourly wage, California state laws raise that standard to account for the high cost of living. City laws can further lift that minimum even further. However, many employers disregard the legal minimum wage to cut down on costs. If you are not receiving the minimum wage for your area, you can hold your employer legally responsible.

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