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Employment Law Attorneys

What Are Common Violations of Employee Rights in the Workplace?

Workplace rights violations occur when employers fail to honor the legal protections granted to workers.

Whether you are a full-time employee, part-time staff member, intern, contractor, or gig worker, you are entitled to certain protections under federal and state law.

Employees have the legal right to:

  • Fair pay for every hour worked
  • A workplace free from discrimination based on personal characteristics like race, gender, or religion
  • Protection from sexual harassment, including verbal, physical, and online misconduct
  • Whistleblower safeguards when reporting illegal or unethical behavior
  • Freedom from retaliation if you stand up for your rights or report violations
  • Family or medical leave, as provided under federal laws like the FMLA, or expanded state-specific paid leave programs
These rights are supported by laws such as:

  • The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) – ensuring minimum wage and overtime pay
  • Title VII of the Civil Rights Act – prohibiting discrimination based on protected categories
  • The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) – providing job-protected unpaid leave
  • The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) – guaranteeing reasonable accommodations
  • The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) – protecting workers aged 40 and older

Recent developments in labor law also address issues such as:

  • Algorithmic bias in hiring and promotions, especially when AI tools are involved
  • Expanded remote work rights for employees in certain jurisdictions
  • Greater protections for freelancers and independent contractors in states like California and New York

If your employer violated any of these protections—by underpaying you, treating you unfairly, denying leave, or punishing you for speaking up—you may have a legal claim.

A qualified workplace rights lawyer can help evaluate your situation and guide you through the next steps. Every worker deserves to be treated fairly—whether on-site, remote, or freelance. Our attorneys stay current with evolving employment laws to protect your job, your income, and your dignity. Call for free consultation at 800-807-2209.

What Legal Rights Do Employees Have at Work?

Think of your workplace rights like a safety net—always there, even when things feel uncertain.

If you are like many workers, you may not realize just how many protections the law offers you—whether you work full-time, part-time, freelance, or in the gig economy. The truth is, your job title or contract type does not erase your rights. In many cases, federal, state, and even local laws step in to ensure you are treated fairly. Whether you clock in at a corporate office, run deliveries as a gig worker, or log in remotely from your home, the law gives you protections that many employers either overlook—or hope you never learn about.

And yet, companies still get away with unfair treatment. Why? Because people are unsure of what qualifies as illegal.

Of course, knowing you have rights is only half the battle. Enforcing them often takes courage—and support. Your workplace rights are protected by both federal and state laws. These laws exist to make sure employers treat workers fairly, safely, and with respect – it’s not optional, it’s required.

Here are the main types of work-related legal problems an experienced employee rights lawyer can help you with:

Key Job-Related Legal Issues

Discrimination

Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, it is illegal for an employer to discriminate based on protected characteristics. If you believe you have faced unfair treatment, especially discrimination based on race, gender, or religion, learn more about your rights. These include:

  • Race Discrimination
  • Religion Discrimination
  • Color Discrimination
  • National Origin or Citizenship Status Discrimination
  • Disability (under the ADA) Discrimination
  • Age (40 or older, under the ADEA) Discrimination
  • Gender or Sex Discrimination
  • Sexual Orientation Discrimination
  • Gender Identity Discrimination
  • Genetic Information Discrimination
  • Military or Veteran Status Discrimination

Discrimination can happen at any level—from CEOs to coworkers—and can impact hiring, pay, promotions, assignments, and termination.

Sexual Harassment

Federal and state laws prohibit sexual harassment in the workplace. This includes:

  • Unwanted touching or sexual advances
  • Offensive jokes, comments, or messages
  • Online harassment or sexually explicit emails/texts
  • Hostile work environments, especially for LGBTQ+ workers
  • Assault or abuse in a workplace setting

Our harassment legal support team helps victims understand their rights and pursue justice.

Retaliation

It is unlawful for an employer to punish an employee for:

  • Reporting discrimination or harassment
  • Participating in a workplace investigation
  • Refusing to engage in illegal activities
  • Requesting accommodation or leave
  • Filing a complaint with the EEOC or DOL

Retaliation may include termination, demotion, loss of hours, shift changes, or unfair performance reviews. If you are experiencing this, speak with a workplace rights lawyer immediately.

Wrongful Termination

If you were fired for exercising your legal rights, you may have a wrongful termination claim. Common examples include:

  • Refusing to comply with illegal orders
  • Reporting safety violations or discrimination
  • Taking protected leave
  • Being terminated based on your identity or protected status

Your employer cannot legally fire you for asserting your rights.

Wage and Hour Disputes

Wage-related violations can happen in many ways. These issues include:

  • Unpaid overtime or minimum wage violations
  • Misclassification as a contractor instead of an employee
  • Withholding tips or bonuses
  • Failure to pay severance or final wages
  • Layoffs without proper WARN Act notice
  • Illegal payroll deductions

If you’re facing any of these, a labor attorney can help recover the pay you’re owed.

Whistleblower Protection

Workers who report fraud, illegal activity, or public safety risks are protected under whistleblower laws. This includes government employees and, in some cases, private-sector workers under specific statutes.

Whistleblowers are entitled to:

  • Confidential reporting channels
  • Protection from retaliation
  • Potential compensation in some cases (e.g., under SEC or IRS whistleblower programs)

Family and Medical Leave

If you work for a company with 50 or more employees, you may be eligible for unpaid, job-protected leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Qualifying reasons include:

  • Personal health issues
  • Caring for a seriously ill spouse, child, or parent
  • Pregnancy, childbirth, or adoption
  • Military family leave

Some states now offer paid family leave programs that expand these benefits. Our team can help clarify what you are eligible for.

Employment Contracts

If you signed an employment contract—such as a non-compete, severance agreement, or confidentiality clause—your employer must honor the terms.

When your employer violates those terms, a legal advocate for workers can help enforce the agreement and recover damages.

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Why Should You Work with an Employment Lawyer?

When your job and your dignity are on the line, it is easy to feel overwhelmed, stuck, or even powerless. Maybe you were harassed, unfairly fired, denied your wages, or punished for speaking up. You know something is wrong, but you are not sure what to do next. That is exactly when you should speak with an experienced employment lawyer.

An employment attorney helps you understand your legal rights, prepares and files complaints, represents you in negotiations or court, and fights for real outcomes—whether that is fair compensation, job reinstatement, or simply making your voice heard. They guide you through every step, protect you from retaliation, and ensure nothing falls through the cracks.

Most offer free consultations, and many work on a contingency fee, meaning you only pay if they win your case. In short: yes, it is absolutely worth hiring a workplace rights lawyer when your future, your finances, or your peace of mind are at stake.

Whether you are unsure if your rights were violated or you know you were mistreated, legal help can give you clarity, confidence, and control over what happens next.

Contact Our Top Rated Employment Rights Attorneys Today for Your Free Consultation

When your job is on the line, it is more than just a paycheck—it is your stability, your peace of mind, and your future. If you have been mistreated at work, you do not have to face it alone. Our compassionate and experienced employment law attorneys are here to listen, support, and fight for you.

At Derek Smith Law Group, we stand up for workers—because your voice matters, and your rights deserve protection. We defend employee rights in cases involving discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, and retaliation. Whether we negotiate or litigate, we are in your corner.

Take the first step toward reclaiming your workplace rights. Schedule your free consultation with our trusted legal team today. No fees unless we win.

Call us at (800) 807-2209 or contact one of our offices in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Florida, California, or Washington D.C.

Did You Experience a Violation of Your Employment Rights?

Do You Have Questions About Your Legal Rights at Work? Please call us at 800.807.2209 or email derek@dereksmithlaw.com to Learn More About Your Rights.

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