Employment Law Attorney In Petal, MS
Known by residents and visitors alike as “The Friendly City,” Petal, Mississippi, is a thriving community tucked alongside the Leaf River in Forrest County. With major employers like Baptist Memorial Healthcare, the Petal School District, and Guardian Industries, there are many options for work in Petal. However, workplace issues are bound to arise, such as discrimination or wrongful termination. A Petal, MS, employment lawyer can help.
With over 50 years of combined experience, the team at Johnson, Ratliff & Waide, PLLC, advocates for employees who have suffered undue treatment or discrimination in Petal, Mississippi. We are here to fight for you. Our team can guide you through a wide range of employment law matters. Thanks to our experience in both civil rights law and employment law, we offer our clients a wide referral network. Let our team fight to protect your employment rights in Petal.
Common Employment Law Issues in Petal, MS
In 2024, the state of Mississippi saw a total of 1,317 EEOC charge receipts. These charges can involve employment law matters such as hiring practices, benefits, job advertising, termination of employment, compensation for employees, retirement plans, disabilities, severance agreements, or non-compete or non-disclosure agreements. At Johnson, Ratliff & Waide, PLLC, we are here to help with the following legal cases regarding employment in Petal, MS:
- Workplace discrimination. An employee or an individual seeking a job may experience workplace discrimination. Discrimination is based on a certain protected characteristic, such as race, religion, national origin, sex, gender, disability, pregnancy, or age. It is illegal under many federal laws for employers to discriminate against individuals for these reasons in regard to employment.
- Workplace retaliation. It is illegal for an employer to retaliate against their employees when that employee is simply exercising their civil rights. These rights can include seeking necessary workers’ compensation, reporting workplace harassment or discrimination, and reporting employer violations or abuses.
- Wrongful termination. In Mississippi, you can be fired by an employer for any reason or no reason at all, unless that reason is illegal. This can include firing an employee for reporting harassment or discrimination, as well as breaching a contract with an employee.
- Workplace harassment. Individuals may face a wide range of harassment at their workplace. This could include unintentional acts of offensive behavior that have been directed at you, verbal or nonverbal forms of sexual harassment, or harassment based on other protected characteristics such as race or sexual orientation. In 2021, charges of sexual harassment accounted for 5,581 cases reported to the EEOC.
- Unpaid overtime or wages. Commonly referred to as “wage theft,” it is illegal for an employer not to pay you for the work you have performed. You may be able to file a claim to recover your due wages.
- Unsafe workplace environment. In Petal, Mississippi, all workers are entitled to work in a safe workplace environment. If you are employed in a workplace that ignores or violates safety protocols, it is vital that you seek certain legal solutions.
- Denial of Family and Medical Leave. When an eligible employee seeks unpaid leave in order to handle certain family or medical situations, their job should be protected. If you are denied this right, the attorneys at Johnson, Ratliff & Waide, PLLC, are here to help.
How Johnson, Ratliff & Waide, PLLC, Can Help
If you are facing any violation of your employment rights in Petal, Mississippi, the team at Johnson, Ratliff & Waide, PLLC, can assist you. We have been handling these cases for years.
Our attorneys are ready to put our deep understanding and legal knowledge to work by resolving your claims, whether that resolution occurs through negotiation or civil court. There are several reasons to hire the team at Johnson, Ratliff & Waide, PLLC, including:
- Knowledge of local laws. The laws surrounding various employment issues can be extremely confusing and nuanced. An attorney who is well-versed in local Petal laws, Mississippi laws, and federal employment laws can build a strong case on your behalf.
- Ready to protect you. When you work with the team at Johnson, Ratliff & Waide, PLLC, we can ensure that your rights as a Petal employee are protected. Allow us to advocate for your rights, especially in cases where there is an imbalance of power in your place of work.
- Negotiation skills. Let our team act as your legal ally to assist in negotiating a settlement or employment contract. We can ensure that your rights and interests are put first.
FAQs
Q: When should I hire an employment law attorney?
A: As an employee in Petal, Mississippi, you should hire an employment law attorney if you have faced harassment at work, if you have been discriminated against because of a certain protected characteristic, or if you have suffered termination in violation of your employment contract. Dealing with your employer’s failure to give you the benefits stated in an employee contract can also warrant legal action.
Q: What is whistleblower retaliation in Petal, MS?
A: Employees have the right to act as whistleblowers and report unlawful conduct of their employers or co-workers. If they face retaliation, this is a direct violation of their employment rights. Common types of whistleblower retaliation can include suffering a demotion or suspension, intimidation or harassment at work, other forms of threatening behavior performed by employers or co-workers, and being wrongfully terminated.
Q: What is a hostile work environment?
A: In Petal, Mississippi, a hostile work environment can occur due to facing discriminatory behavior from co-workers, employers, or even clients. A hostile work environment typically happens when discrimination or harassment becomes so severe or pervasive that the victim becomes unable to perform the necessary functions of their job.
Q: How much does an employment lawyer cost to hire in MS?
A: It can be difficult to offer an exact estimate of how much an employment lawyer might cost in Mississippi. There are several different variables involved in these cases, which can affect the final cost of hiring a lawyer. These variables include the duration and complexity of your case and the skill level of your lawyer.
Speak to a Seasoned Employment Lawyer in Petal Today
Don’t allow your employment rights to be violated without taking legal action. Instead, turn to the team at Johnson, Ratliff & Waide, PLLC. Contact our offices today to schedule your initial consultation.
