Jacksonville Employee Rights Lawyer
Employees in Jacksonville, like all workers in Florida, are entitled to specific rights and protections under federal and state employment laws. From discrimination and harassment to wage disputes and non-compete agreements, employment issues can arise in many forms. At Scott Law Team, our Jacksonville employee rights lawyers are dedicated to protecting employees from workplace injustices and ensuring that their rights are upheld.
Employment Discrimination
Employment discrimination occurs when an employer treats an employee unfairly due to race, gender, age, disability, pregnancy, religion, or other protected characteristics. The Florida Civil Rights Act (FCRA) and federal laws like Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibit such discrimination. Common types of workplace discrimination include:
- Hiring Discrimination – Refusing to hire based on a protected characteristic.
- Wage Discrimination – Unequal pay for equal work based on gender or race.
- Promotional Discrimination – Denying promotions due to bias.
- Wrongful Termination – Firing an employee based on discriminatory reasons.
If you believe you have faced discrimination at work, Scott Law Team can help you file a complaint with the EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) and take legal action against your employer.
Employee Rights
All Jacksonville employees have fundamental rights in the workplace, including:
- The right to fair wages and overtime pay under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
- The right to a discrimination-free workplace under state and federal laws.
- The right to a safe workplace as required by OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) regulations.
- The right to take medical leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
Scott Law Team ensures that employees understand their rights and helps enforce them when violations occur.
Workplace Harassment
Workplace harassment includes any unwelcome behavior that creates a hostile work environment. This can be sexual harassment, racial harassment, or bullying based on protected characteristics. Harassment can take the form of:
- Offensive jokes, comments, or slurs.
- Unwanted physical contact.
- Inappropriate emails or texts.
- Threats or intimidation.
Employers must take complaints of harassment seriously and implement measures to prevent it. If your employer fails to act, Scott Law Team can help you take legal steps to protect yourself.
Healthcare Labor & Employment
Healthcare employees in Jacksonville face unique employment challenges, including:
- Wage and hour violations – Healthcare workers often work unpaid overtime.
- Staffing shortages – Leading to unsafe work conditions.
- Retaliation for reporting violations – Nurses and medical staff may fear retaliation for reporting unsafe practices.
Scott Law Team fights for healthcare employees who experience unfair labor practices.
HIPAA
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is a federal law that protects employees’ medical privacy. HIPAA violations include:
- Improper sharing of medical records.
- Failure to secure sensitive medical data.
- Retaliation against employees who report HIPAA breaches.
If you suspect a HIPAA violation in your workplace, Scott Law Team can help you navigate your legal options.
HIPAA Training
Employers are required to provide HIPAA training to employees who handle health records. Training must cover:
- Understanding protected health information (PHI).
- Rules for sharing medical information.
- How to report HIPAA violations.
If your employer fails to provide proper HIPAA training, they may be in violation of federal law. Scott Law Team assists employees in holding employers accountable.
Non-Compete Agreements
Non-compete agreements restrict employees from working for competitors after leaving a job. Florida law requires these agreements to be:
- Reasonable in scope, time, and geography.
- Necessary to protect legitimate business interests.
- Not overly restrictive on the employee’s ability to work elsewhere.
If you believe a non-compete agreement unfairly limits your job opportunities, Scott Law Team can help challenge it.
Employee Retaliation
Employee retaliation occurs when an employer punishes a worker for reporting unlawful activity, filing a complaint, or asserting their rights. Retaliation can take many forms, including:
- Demotion or job reassignment.
- Reduction in hours or pay.
- Hostile work environment.
- Wrongful termination.
Florida’s Whistleblower Protection Act prohibits retaliation. If you believe you have been retaliated against, Scott Law Team can help you fight back.
Restrictive Covenant/Non-Compete Agreement
Restrictive covenants limit what an employee can do after leaving a company. This includes non-solicitation clauses, confidentiality agreements, and trade secret protections. Florida courts scrutinize these agreements carefully.
Scott Law Team ensures that such agreements are fair and do not unjustly harm employees’ career opportunities.
Stark Law
The Stark Law applies to healthcare professionals and prohibits doctors from referring patients to entities they have a financial interest in. Violations can lead to:
- Hefty fines and penalties.
- Exclusion from Medicare and Medicaid programs.
- Criminal charges in severe cases.
If you are a healthcare employee concerned about Stark Law compliance, Scott Law Team can provide guidance.
Unemployment
Unemployment benefits help workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own. Florida’s Reemployment Assistance Program provides benefits, but employers often challenge claims. You may be denied benefits if:
- Your employer claims you were fired for misconduct.
- You quit voluntarily without good cause.
- You did not meet work search requirements.
Scott Law Team helps employees appeal unfair denials of unemployment benefits.
Unpaid Wages
Employers must pay employees for all hours worked, including overtime. Unpaid wages claims can arise from:
- Failure to pay minimum wage (currently $12.00 per hour in Florida).
- Misclassification as an independent contractor.
- Unpaid overtime (employees must be paid time-and-a-half for overtime).
Scott Law Team can help you recover the wages you are owed.
Whistleblowers
Whistleblower protections exist for employees who report illegal activities. Florida law protects whistleblowers from retaliation when they report:
- Fraudulent billing practices.
- Safety violations.
- Discrimination or harassment.
If you have faced retaliation for being a whistleblower, Scott Law Team can help protect your rights.
Wrongful Termination
Florida is an at-will employment state, meaning employers can fire employees without cause. However, wrongful termination occurs when an employee is fired for:
- Discrimination.
- Retaliation.
- Exercising legal rights (e.g., reporting wage violations or taking FMLA leave).
Scott Law Team can assess whether your termination was unlawful and help you take action.
10 Common FAQs on Jacksonville Employee Rights
- What laws protect employees in Florida?
- The FCRA, FLSA, Title VII, and other federal laws protect employees.
- Can I sue my employer for discrimination?
- Yes, but you must first file a complaint with the EEOC or Florida Commission on Human Relations.
- What should I do if I experience workplace harassment?
- Report it to HR, document incidents, and seek legal help.
- Are non-compete agreements enforceable in Florida?
- Only if they are reasonable in time, scope, and purpose.
- Can I get fired for reporting unsafe work conditions?
- No, retaliation for reporting violations is illegal.
- What is considered unpaid wages?
- Any legally earned wages that have not been paid, including overtime.
- Am I eligible for unemployment benefits?
- If you were fired without misconduct or laid off, you may qualify.
- What should I do if I’m being retaliated against?
- Document everything and consult an employment lawyer.
- Can I refuse to sign a non-compete agreement?
- Yes, but your employer may choose not to hire you.
- How can Scott Law Team help me?
- We provide legal support for workplace discrimination, wrongful termination, wage disputes, and more.
Contact An Experienced Jacksonville Employment Lawyer Today
If you need help with an employment issue, Scott Law Team is here to fight for your rights.