What At-Will Employment Doesn’t Mean
Workers in North Carolina may feel alarmed when they discover that the state allows for “at-will” employment. In other words, unless there is a legal
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South Carolina and federal laws protect Columbia-area employees from discrimination and unfair employment practices. Violations still frequently occur. Action or inaction of employers can jeopardize your income and career. An employment attorney can serve as your advocate and prove a violation of state or federal employment law.
Employment attorneys can also help where no employment law violations or adverse actions exist. They can review or negotiate employment contracts, offer letters, non-compete agreements, and other essential documents to ensure the terms meet your needs. Employment attorneys may also represent employees in cases where multiple workers are affected by an employment law violation.
Columbia-area employment attorneys help workers protect their livelihoods. They step in to stop illegal and unfair practices. Employment attorneys also review employment contracts and other documentation. If an employer who violates laws affects a group or class of employees, a group lawsuit can create change for many.
South Carolina and federal laws and employment regulations affect employment. They impact everything from job offers through employment and termination. Regardless of an employee’s position, employment attorneys can file complaints without fear of revenge by their employers.
Employment attorneys help keep workers from becoming victims of illegal or discriminatory practices. They help workers build cases to prove that wrongdoing occurred. Employment attorneys also prove whether employees are eligible for unemployment compensation.
South Carolina is an at-will employment state. This status affects employment law because it allows workers to quit for any reason without notice. It also allows employers to terminate employees at any time for any reason. State and federal laws offer protection from unfair employment practices and discrimination.
Employers in at-will employment states still have to follow laws covering everything from hiring practices to how employees get paid. Employment decisions that discriminate against workers for race, color, age, sex, handicap or disability, national origin, or religion are illegal.
Columbia employment attorneys take on various cases involving multiple industries. They represent employees ranging from hourly workers to executives. Types of cases include:
Applying for unemployment is often a straightforward process that workers can complete online. In South Carolina, workers who lose their jobs due to no fault of their own or have their hours reduced may qualify for unemployment.
Challenges in securing unemployment may require an employment attorney. Typical applications for unemployment include information about yourself, your job, and how long you have been working for your company. Other information includes your income from the job and other sources. Your employer validates the information with the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce.
Instances of denial of unemployment benefits that require appeals may require an attorney to help you receive benefits. Applicants with valid unemployment applications may also require the assistance of an attorney in some instances, including:
Employment law has many gray areas. At-will employment where employees and their employers may terminate their relationship at any time for any valid reason is one of them. An attorney can assist in law violations that occur during employment. Workers have to prove their cases and follow complex statutes and procedures to resolve their cases.
An employment attorney who’s a good fit for your situation will make you feel comfortable with the process. This lawyer will also be transparent in sharing information and help you develop a strategy to receive the outcome you deserve. When interviewing a prospective employment attorney, make sure the person has experience handling cases similar to yours. You’ll want to balance attorney fees or contingency fees with the expected payout. This approach will help you decide if the cost is worth the potential reward.
Many victims of unfair employment practices never lodge formal complaints or seek compensation or other action from their employer. Due to the burden of proof placed on the employee, you need to collect relevant information to determine whether your case has merit:
Employment attorneys offer a free initial consultation. When you sit down with your attorney, you’ll get to review the details of your case. This review provides an opportunity for you to ask questions. Additionally, you can also determine whether you’re comfortable with the attorney. In turn, an employment attorney will also discuss potential outcomes and fees involved in the case.
In South Carolina, attorneys charge three types of fees:
It’s essential to consider the expected payout when an employment case concludes, as well as the merit your case has to be successful, in addition to the attorney fees. Employment attorneys will seek a fair and prompt conclusion to cases. If you or a family member is affected by an employment law issue, contact The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor, P.C. for a free consultation. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can call us at any number below or complete our online form.
To schedule a free consultation we kindly ask that you complete and submit our Case Evaluation Form at the link below. This will allow us to review the initial details of your case to advise on the best course of action.
2700 Middleburg Dr Suite 219A
Columbia, SC 29204
(803) 638-4131
(888) 446-1712
Please fill out our Case Evaluation Form if you are interested in legal representation.
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