West Palm Beach Employee Rights Lawyer
Navigating workplace disputes and employment law issues can be challenging, but employees in West Palm Beach have legal protections under both Florida and federal law. Whether you are facing discrimination, harassment, wage theft, or wrongful termination, it is crucial to understand your rights. At Scott Law Team, we our West Palm Beach employee rights lawyers are dedicated to helping employees fight for fair treatment in the workplace. Below, we discuss some of the most important aspects of employment law and how we can help.
Employment Discrimination
Federal and state laws prohibit employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy, or genetic information. The Florida Civil Rights Act (FCRA) and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act protect employees from workplace discrimination in hiring, firing, promotions, and wages.
Examples of workplace discrimination include:
- Denying a promotion based on gender or race
- Terminating an employee due to pregnancy or disability
- Retaliating against an employee for reporting discrimination
If you have been subjected to unlawful discrimination, Scott Law Team can help you file a claim with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR) and seek compensation.
Employee Rights
Every employee in West Palm Beach has fundamental rights, including:
- The right to fair wages – Employers must pay at least the Florida minimum wage ($12.00/hour as of 2024).
- The right to a safe workplace – OSHA regulations require employers to maintain safe working conditions.
- The right to report violations – Employees have legal protections when reporting misconduct.
- The right to equal treatment – No employee should face discrimination or harassment.
At Scott Law Team, we ensure employees understand their rights and take action when employers violate them.
Workplace Harassment
Harassment in the workplace can create a toxic and unlawful work environment. Sexual harassment, bullying, and other forms of intimidation are illegal under both Florida and federal laws. There are two primary types of sexual harassment:
- Quid pro quo harassment – When job benefits are tied to accepting unwanted sexual advances.
- Hostile work environment – When offensive conduct makes it difficult for an employee to work.
Employers are required to investigate and prevent harassment. If they fail to do so, Scott Law Team can help employees take legal action.
Healthcare Labor & Employment
Healthcare workers in West Palm Beach face unique employment challenges, including long hours, workplace safety risks, and contractual disputes. Florida law protects healthcare employees from unfair treatment, including:
- Fair wages for overtime work
- Protection against discrimination based on medical conditions
- The right to report patient safety concerns without retaliation
If you work in the healthcare field and believe your rights have been violated, Scott Law Team is here to assist.
HIPAA
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) protects patient information from unauthorized disclosure. Employees in the healthcare industry must comply with HIPAA regulations, and employers must ensure proper training and security measures are in place.
HIPAA Training
HIPAA training is required for employees handling patient data. Employers who fail to provide proper training may face legal consequences. Employees also have protections against HIPAA-related retaliation if they report violations. If you experience retaliation for reporting HIPAA concerns, Scott Law Team can help.
Non-Compete Agreements
Florida law enforces non-compete agreements if they meet specific legal standards, including:
- A legitimate business interest (e.g., protecting trade secrets)
- A reasonable duration and geographic scope
- Clear, enforceable language
If your employer is unfairly restricting your ability to work elsewhere, Scott Law Team can review your non-compete agreement and fight against overly restrictive terms.
Employee Retaliation
Retaliation occurs when an employer punishes an employee for engaging in protected activity, such as:
- Filing a discrimination complaint
- Reporting unsafe working conditions
- Acting as a whistleblower
Florida law prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who assert their rights. If you have been demoted, terminated, or harassed after speaking up, Scott Law Team can help you seek justice.
Restrictive Covenant/Non-Compete Agreement
Restrictive covenants, including non-compete, non-solicitation, and confidentiality agreements, can limit an employee’s job prospects after leaving a company. Florida courts evaluate the reasonableness of these agreements. If you are facing an unfair restrictive covenant, Scott Law Team can advocate for your rights.
Stark Law
The Stark Law applies to physicians and healthcare professionals, prohibiting self-referrals to entities where they have a financial interest. Violations of Stark Law can lead to severe penalties. Employees who report Stark Law violations are protected from retaliation. Scott Law Team helps healthcare workers understand and navigate these legal complexities.
Unemployment
Florida’s unemployment benefits are available to eligible workers who lose their job through no fault of their own. However, many employees face wrongful denials due to:
- Employer disputes over eligibility
- Misclassification of employment status
- Retaliatory actions by employers
If your unemployment benefits were unfairly denied, Scott Law Team can assist in filing appeals and challenging wrongful denials.
Unpaid Wages
Florida employers are required to pay employees their full wages on time. Common wage violations include:
- Failure to pay minimum wage or overtime
- Misclassifying employees as independent contractors
- Unlawful wage deductions
If your employer has failed to pay you properly, Scott Law Team can help recover your unpaid wages.
Whistleblowers
Whistleblowers play a crucial role in exposing workplace fraud, safety violations, and illegal practices. Florida’s Whistleblower Act protects employees from retaliation when reporting misconduct. Common whistleblower cases involve:
- Fraudulent billing in healthcare
- OSHA safety violations
- Financial fraud
If you have been retaliated against for whistleblowing, Scott Law Team is prepared to defend your rights.
Wrongful Termination
Florida is an at-will employment state, meaning employers can terminate employees for any reason—unless it is unlawful. Wrongful termination may occur due to:
- Discrimination (race, gender, age, etc.)
- Retaliation for reporting misconduct
- Violation of an employment contract
If you were fired under illegal circumstances, Scott Law Team can help you pursue legal action.
10 Common FAQs on West Palm Beach Employee Rights
- Can my employer fire me for reporting illegal activities?
No. Florida law protects whistleblowers from retaliation. - What should I do if I experience workplace discrimination?
Document the incidents, report them to HR, and contact a lawyer if necessary. - Am I entitled to overtime pay?
If you are a non-exempt employee, you must receive overtime pay for hours worked over 40 per week. - How do I file a wrongful termination claim?
A lawyer can help you gather evidence and file complaints with the appropriate agencies. - Are non-compete agreements enforceable in Florida?
Yes, but they must be reasonable in duration, scope, and purpose. - Can I sue for unpaid wages?
Yes. Employees can file claims for unpaid wages under Florida and federal laws. - What qualifies as workplace harassment?
Unwanted, offensive conduct that creates a hostile work environment or affects job status. - What protections do healthcare workers have under HIPAA?
Employers must ensure proper data security and cannot retaliate against employees who report violations. - Can I be fired for taking medical leave?
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) protects eligible employees who take leave for medical reasons. - How can Scott Law Team help?
We provide legal representation for employees facing discrimination, retaliation, wage theft, and wrongful termination.
Contact A Skilled West Palm Beach Employment Law Attorney Today
If you are facing an employment dispute, contact Scott Law Team for experienced legal support in West Palm Beach.
