Employment Law

Services

Attorney Wenatchee, P.S. is dedicated to helping clients navigate the complexities of employment law in Washington. Our experienced counsel has a thorough understanding of federal and state employment laws that protect against discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, wage and hour disputes and benefits. We believe employees are entitled to certain rights and protections in the workplace. However, employment disputes can impact your career, job security, and financial stability. This is where Attorney Wenatchee can help.

We are committed to fairness in the workplace and represent employees across industries and levels to advocate for our clients where the law provides protection. Call us today at (509) 289-2354 or submit your information in the form at the bottom of this page.

Discrimination

Discrimination in the workplace occurs when an employee is treated differently for one of the criteria protected by law and set forth below. Washington law provides protection from discrimination to a wider group than do federal employment laws, such as Title VII.

In Washington state, under RCW 49.60.180, discrimination occurs if an employer treats someone differently and denies them equal treatment or access because of a person’s:

• Race/Color

• Creed

• National Origin

• Sex (including pregnancy)

• Marital Status

• Age (40+)

• Sexual Orientation, including Gender Identity

• Honorably discharged Veteran or Military Status

• State Employee or Health Care Whistleblower Status

• Opposition to a discriminatory practice

• Presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability

• Use of a trained dog guide or service animal

• HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C Status

The law prohibits unfair employment practices. In addition to discrimination in the hiring process, discrimination may also occur relating to promotions, firing, vacations, raises, health benefits and other situations. Under Washington state law, everyone has the right to be free from discrimination.

If you are an employee dealing with discrimination or being treated unfairly in your workplace, Attorney Wenatchee can help. Employees that have been discriminated against need an aggressive, experienced attorney to advocate and fight for their rights. Call (509) 289-2354 for a free consultation.

Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment in the workplace is a problem that must be taken seriously. It can significantly reduce productivity, increase employee absenteeism and turnover, and impair the health and well-being of employees. Sexual harassment is not about sex; rather, it is the harasser expressing hostility toward the victim or abusing power over the victim because of the victim’s gender. Most incidents of sexual harassment involve a male harasser and a female victim, though males may be the victims of female harassers and same sex harassment can occur.

If you are successful in negotiating a settlement or recovering a trial award, you may be entitled to recover related out-of-pocket expenses, damages for mental anguish and emotional distress, medical expenses, lost wages (both past and future), job reinstatement, restoration of job benefits, promotion, litigation costs and attorney fees. Under some circumstances you might recover punitive damages.

Unpaid Wages

The laws that govern hourly wages, payroll deduction, overtime and other similar matters are extensive and include both state and federal regulations. Examples of common cases for unpaid wages include:

• Failure to pay for “off-the-clock” work

• Failure to pay wages or compensation

• Improper deductions

• Failure to pay overtime

• Misclassification of employees as independent contractors as to avoid paying overtime

Washington state law provides workers greater wage and hour rights protections than those available under federal law.

If you believe you have a claim against an employer for unpaid wages, it is important you discuss your case with an attorney. In cases where an employer willfully withheld wages, you could be entitled to double the amount withheld. The same remedy is not available through the administrative process with the Department of Labor & Industries, and you may be giving up your right to sue if you proceed. Call Attorney Wenatchee at (509) 289-2354 to schedule a consultation so an experienced attorney can help you determine which option will be more beneficial for you.

Wrongful Termination

If you are an employee that has been wrongful terminated, you need aggressive and experienced representation to fight on your behalf so you can receive the justice you deserve. Under Washington employment law, some of the underlying causes of wrongful termination claims include:

• Breach of an employment contract

• Retaliation for filing a workers’ compensation claim

• Retaliation for complaints regarding overtime and payment of wages

• Violations of public policy

• Whistleblower protection under state and federal law

• Discrimination on the basis of age, race, sex, disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation, or other prohibited factors

• Discrimination under ERISA or employment benefit plans

If you feel that your employer has violated your rights or you have experienced any form of workplace discrimination or harassment, Attorney Wenatchee, P.S. can help. Please contact us today to schedule a consultation. We will listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and help you understand your legal options. Counsel at Attorney Wenatchee has a proven record of success in negotiating settlements and litigating cases in Washington state and we are prepared to work tirelessly to protect your best interests. Call us today at (509) 2892354 or submit your information in the form below.