Skilled Employment Lawyers For Employees Throughout Indiana
The Indianapolis-based employment law attorneys at Cleveland Lehner Cassidy are dedicated to helping employees hold their employers accountable for workplace mistreatment or violation of their rights as workers. We represent employees throughout Indiana, both private and public sector.
We understand that you may feel vulnerable coming forward with an employment claim. The members of our compassionate team will work with you to understand what happened, how it affects you and how those who wronged you could be held accountable for unlawful actions.
Need advice or representation for an employment dispute? Call our employment law firm at 317-953-2600 or contact us by email for a free case evaluation.
We Handle All Areas Of Employment Law
Our practice in employment and labor law covers the spectrum:
- Federal employment law – Representing U.S. government employees based in Indiana
- Employment discrimination – Differential treatment in hiring or any aspect of your job
- Employment agreements – Challenges to illegal or unenforceable employment contracts
- Harassment or bullying – Threats or prejudice based on your protected class
- Sexual harassment – Unwanted overtures or hostile work environment
- Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) – Employer infringement of protected leave
- Employer retaliation – Illegal backlash for whistleblowing or filing claims
- Wage and hour violations – Unpaid overtime and other labor abuses
- Wrongful termination – Firing for illegal reasons
See our Indiana Employment Law FAQ to learn more.
Your Basic Rights As An Employee In Indiana
Indiana is among the majority of states in the country that are considered “at-will” employment states. This generally means that an employer can terminate the employer-employee relationship at any time, for any or no reason. However, you cannot be terminated for an illegal reason. Terminations based on discrimination or retaliation, for example, are illegal under state and federal law. Getting fired because you didn’t want to participate in illegal business practices or because you reported them is often unlawful.
There are many such protections you may not be aware of that could apply to your situation. As an employee in the United States, your basic rights include the following and more:
- Not to be discriminated against on the basis of your sex, race, religion, skin color or national origin
- Not to be discriminated against for a disability or serious medical condition
- Not to be discriminated against because you are 40 or more years old
- To work free from illegal harassment
- To do your job without enduring unwanted sexual advances or physical touching
- To have your wages paid in full and on time
- To be paid your full overtime pay when eligible
What To Do Before Filing An Employment Lawsuit
If you believe your rights at work are being violated by an employer or coworker, do the following:
- Document everything – Take notes during meetings that could be used as evidence. Journal events or communications that relate to the mistreatment. While you may feel compelled to record audio, video or take photos, you should be cautious of your employer’s policies.
- Make a formal complaint – Make your complaint about how you’re being treated clearly known. It’s best to do so in writing and specifically state that you feel the treatment is unlawful discrimination or retaliation. You can bring a complaint to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
- Save all documentation – In addition to creating new records, collect and protect existing documents. These can include emails, recordings, text messages, phone logs, etc. that may be relevant to your mistreatment at work. You should again be mindful of your employer’s policies.
- Don’t quit your job – Taking legal action against your employer does not mean you have to quit your job. Quitting your job might also make your case harder to fight in court.
Cleveland Lehner Cassidy Protects Your Employment Rights
If you believe your rights as a worker have been violated, reach out to our lawyers for help. At Cleveland Lehner Cassidy, we can add clarity to your situation. Our employment attorneys in Indianapolis have years of experience representing employees in these disputes. We can help you understand your rights and how to hold your employer liable for the harm you have suffered.
You don’t have to struggle alone with employment law issues. For a free case evaluation, call Cleveland Lehner Cassidy at 317-953-2600 or contact us online.