Denver Business Law Attorney
Running a business is about achieving growth and profitability, not getting bogged down by legal complexities. A strong corporate foundation is crucial for the long-term success and stability of any business. At Evans Case, our business law attorneys are dedicated to helping you grow, protect, and, when the time is right, sell your business. We offer a comprehensive range of corporate legal services, including forming corporations, structuring partnerships, and navigating complex commercial transactions.
Employee Dispute Resolution
Employee disputes are an unwanted interruption that can disrupt the operations of your business and negatively impact the work environment. There are several different types of disputes that may arise in the workplace, including:
- Wrongful Termination: Wrongful termination is when an employee is fired in violation of federal or state laws, or in breach of their employment contract. Wrongful termination claims are among the most common employee disputes. This can be due to discrimination, whistleblowing, taking family or medical leave, and more. The state of Colorado has multiple laws in place to protect employees from wrongful termination. The Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act (CADA) is designed to protect employees who have been wrongfully terminated for discriminatory purposes. The federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) also offer protections for employees who have been wrongfully terminated.
- Discrimination: Discrimination in the workplace occurs when employees are treated unfairly or unfavorably based on their race, gender, religion, age, nationality, disability, or sexual orientation. Colorado handles thousands of workplace discrimination complaints annually. Discrimination is prohibited under federal laws, like the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Employers that are found to have discriminated against their employees will generally face penalties like back pay, which is payment for previously completed work that is owed to an employee, reinstatement, compensation for pain and suffering, or punitive damages.
- Harassment: Any unwelcome, intimidating, or offensive conduct in the workplace is considered harassment. Harassment, like discrimination, can be based on race, age, disability, and more. The most common form of harassment in the workplace is sexual harassment. 1 in 3 women claim to have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace in their lifetimes. A study by the Harvard Business Review found that 71% of people who have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace did not report it. This is most likely due to fear of retaliation or concerns about damaging careers. Federal and state laws like the Civil Rights Act and CADA are in place to help protect employees from any kind of harassment faced in the workplace.
- Wage and Hour Violations: Wage and hour violations take place when an employer does not comply with laws regarding minimum wage, overtime pay, meal or rest breaks, and other wage-related issues. If an employer is found to be in violation of wage and hour laws, they may be required to pay back wages. In some instances, they may even face a class-action lawsuit if multiple employees were affected by their wrongdoing. The state of Colorado handles plenty of wage and hour disputes every year, and has state laws in place like the Colorado Wage Act and Minimum Wage Order to help protect workers.
- Workplace Safety: When employers are not provided with a safe working environment and are prone to injuries or illnesses, workplace safety disputes often arise. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has standards in place designed to ensure safe working conditions for employees. There are thousands of OSHA violations each year. The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) is tasked with investigating claims of workplace safety violations in Colorado. Employers who fail to provide a safe and healthy work environment for their employees can face serious consequences, such as hefty workers’ compensation costs, fines, and possibly even lawsuits from injured employees.
Whatever the employee dispute may be, it can have serious legal and financial consequences for your business. It is important to make sure that your business is compliant with state and federal laws and that it is protected in the event of any potential disputes. The business law attorneys at Evans Case can provide legal guidance for any employee disputes that your company may be experiencing and help protect the rights of both employees and employers. Contact us today to see how we can help you and your business handle these complicated challenges.
Call Evans Case Today to See How We Can Help Keep Your Business Running Smoothly
Running a business is not easy work. As we mentioned earlier, you are in business to make money, not to deal with legal challenges. The team of business law attorneys at Evans Case is here to help protect you and your business, regardless of what issues come up along the way. Whether you are dealing with litigation, or you are just starting up a new business altogether, come see how our business law attorneys can help you get your business running effectively and smoothly. Call us today to schedule a consultation.
