Hiding behind seemingly inconsequential workplace banter might be a comment or two that makes you uncomfortable. It could be related to a workplace accident, a misunderstood contract or an intentional form of discrimination. Harassment and mistreatment come in many forms, so these legal issues need specialists to handle them. What should you do if a situation crosses the line in the office? What are the best employment lawyers in Pennsylvania?
Why Employers Need to Focus on Employee Dynamics
Employee conversations and interactions depict a workplace’s culture. Disconcerting comments by a colleague or manager reveal a deeper issue about the company’s dynamics and expectations. You and your co-workers must pay attention to anything resembling illegal activity.
One survey of nearly 75,000 workers in 121 countries revealed that 23% of people face violence or harassment at their place of work. These include physical, psychosocial, cultural and other forms of discomfort. The number is higher than most expected, showing how persistent this problem is worldwide, and many do not pursue legal action when they should.
The cases are highly individualized and personal, requiring experts in legislation alongside emotional support. Pennsylvanians often default to the representatives at Weisberg Cummings because of their comprehensive care and years of expertise.
How to Defend Against Workplace Harassment
How can you start taking those steps if this happens to you? First, you should set up a free consultation with an employment lawyer regarding your circumstances to see if they have the specializations to handle your case. The lawyers at Weisberg Cummings are experts in these subjects:
- Discrimination
- Workplace sexual harassment
- Wrongful termination
- Wage and hour claims
- Retaliation
- Class-action lawsuits
- Criminal records
The team has earned $55.9 million across 1,151 settled cases, which shows its adaptability, experience and attentiveness in its 15 years of operation. It has lawyers available in Harrisburg, Lancaster, Reading and York to fill some of the state’s most populated areas. Lawyers like the ones at Weisberg Cummings can guide employees of all experiences through the most bulletproof process so they see justice.
Organizations like this also work with experts in various fields to build an unshakeable case for clients. For example, Weisberg Cummings has a forensic accountant and a previous insurance company president available for their niche insights. Many certified public accountants can also unpack even the most complex financial matters.
How Do You Know When to Contact Employment Lawyers?
If you are unsure when to call or email someone, here are a few signals to watch out for. If any of these seem familiar, it might be time to seek legal assistance.
Bullying
You may have thought the days of schoolyard name-calling were in the past, but many of these behaviors have transitioned into offices in a new way. Aggressive direct messages, emails, pictures and conversations are all grounds for harassment. If you want to bring this up with a manager but feel your job is at stake, contact a lawyer.
Intimidation
Workplaces should be free of all threats, especially if you associate the space with hostility or abusive behaviors. These manipulative practices can manifest physically, verbally or emotionally. Some instances include demotions or pay cuts as threats for not meeting the wishes of the intimidator.
Employees should feel encouraged to refuse and resist harassment or unwanted advances. Situations become even more severe when there is a conflict between people of different authorities in a company. Stay cognizant of power dynamics, noticing any time you feel you may be doing something outside your job description because of manipulation.
Discrimination
People of varying abilities and demographics should be able to work and be treated with equity, regardless of the environment. You may need a lawyer if there is favoritism toward people of certain races, genders, abilities, ages or other characteristics.
Sometimes, you may notice these circumstances happening to others instead of yourself. Therefore, it may be time to discuss the next best actions for these individuals with a professional before their jobs are wrongfully at stake.
FAQ About Employment Lawyers
Discover more beyond who the best employment lawyers in Pennsylvania are and the reasons why these cases are essential by learning the answers to common questions.
What Is the Difference Between a Labor Lawyer and an Employment Lawyer?
Employment lawyers like the ones at Weisberg Cummings represent individual workers. They cover cases like wage discrepancies or ADA violations. The team can also cover all types of personal discrimination, including age, religion and gender.
Alternatively, labor lawyers are experts in union matters and their members. While these are still related to employment, they are legally different realms and require other specializations.
How Much Does a Lawyer Cost in PA?
Hourly rates vary among lawyers and specialties. As of 2024, national averages range from $200 to over $450 per hour, and the median rate in Pennsylvania is $302. Rates can be as low as $150 in the state and as high as $450. This does not include any other fees associated with the suit’s duration.
Is It Worth Suing for Harassment?
Yes, it is worth suing employers in Pennsylvania for harassment. Any sign of discomfort, discrimination or combative behaviors should be noted to help your case. With the proper representation, workers can recover lost wages and obtain justice for emotional distress.
Hostile work environments are challenging to prove, but that is why it is important to obtain top-tier experts. Professionals like the ones at Weisberg Cummings are equipped to guide anyone toward success.
Reviews from Weisberg Cummings clients have explained their feelings after working with them, which validates why committing to these cases is essential. One said, “Although people thought I was simply after money, and I was told that I was ‘being frivolous’ by a co-worker, there was merit to my actions. Thank you once again for all you did to help right a wrong.”
What Are the Best Employment Lawyers in Pennsylvania?
Even if a co-worker passes a comment off as a joke, it could always translate differently to someone else. It could become a repeated occurrence or escalate, requiring legal representation to get involved.
The professionals at Weisberg Cummings are prepared to handle the diversity and complexity of these cases, empowering people to feel confident in the workplace again. If you need this type of encouragement, contact them today to obtain stability again.
