What protections do I have if I blow the whistle on illegal activity at work?

Whistleblower protections are designed to shield employees who report illegal or unethical conduct within their organizations. These laws vary by state and may cover various activities, including safety violations, fraud, or discrimination. To be protected, your disclosure typically must be made to the appropriate authorities, whether internally or externally. It's essential to document any incidents of retaliation you experience after making a report. This could include changes in job status, hostile treatment, or harassment. Taking action against illegal activities can lead to a safer and more ethical workplace. Remember that you have the right to report wrongdoing without fear of retaliation. Consulting an attorney can clarify your rights and the protections available to you. They can help you understand the specific laws that apply to your situation and guide you through the process of filing a complaint.

What steps should I take if I am denied a promotion unfairly?

If you believe you were unfairly denied a promotion, begin by reviewing your employer’s policies regarding promotions and qualifications. Gather any documentation that highlights your qualifications, such as performance reviews and relevant achievements. It's also beneficial to compare your situation with those of colleagues who received promotions. Document any instances of favoritism or bias that may have influenced the decision. After gathering evidence, consider discussing your concerns with your supervisor or HR department. They may provide insights into the decision-making process. If the response is unsatisfactory, consulting an attorney can clarify your rights and options. Legal counsel can help you assess whether you have a case for discrimination or unfair treatment. Taking informed action can lead to a better understanding of your career path and opportunities.

What is employment at-will, and how does it affect my job?

Employment at-will means that either the employer or the employee can terminate the employment relationship at any time, for any reason, as long as it’s not illegal. This means you can quit without notice, and your employer can let you go without giving a reason. However, this doesn’t mean you have no rights; certain protections against wrongful termination still apply. For example, you cannot be terminated for discriminatory reasons or in retaliation for whistleblowing. Understanding your employment status is essential for knowing your rights. If you believe your termination violates these protections, documenting the circumstances is vital. Consulting with an attorney can clarify your situation and provide guidance. They can help you navigate potential legal actions if necessary. Knowing your rights in an at-will employment situation is crucial for your job security.

South Jersey Employment Law Attorneys | Employment Attorneys in Atlantic City, NJ

Employment Attorneys in Atlantic City, NJ Fighting for Victims Throughout South Jersey Including Atlantic County, Cape May County, and Ocean County

Most people want to go to work, perform their duties, and return home after a productive day. However, the prevalence of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation can transform the workplace from a routine environment into a challenging and distressing experience. No one should have to endure a hostile or intolerable work setting.

The South Jersey employment law attorneys at Lipari and Deiter are here to help you fight for your rights. As Personal Injury Attorneys with decades of combined experience, our local employment law attorneys are well equipped to tackle even the most complex cases. For help from an employment law attorney in South Jersey, contact Lipari and Deiter today online or call 609.645.9400 for a free consultation.

Type of Employment Law Cases Lipari and Deiter Handles in South Jersey

Being wronged by an employer in South Jersey can leave you facing many challenges, often ranging from unpaid overtime to wrongful loss of employment which can lead to financial hardship. At Lipari and Deiter, we offer trusted and compassionate legal representation for victims of workplace harassment, employer negligence, discrimination, and other violations. Some common types of employment law violation cases we handle at Lipari and Deiter are:

Types of Employment Law Violations:

Wrongful termination or retaliation
Hostile work environment
Workplace discrimination
Workplace sexual harassment
Whistleblower retaliation
Violated employment contracts
Overtime, wage & hour violations
Failure to provide reasonable accommodations for disabled individuals
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) violations
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) violations

Our experienced attorneys at Lipari and Deiter are committed to helping employment law victims in South Jersey navigate the legal system and recover maximum compensation. With our extensive experience in employment law, our employment attorneys in Atlantic City, NJ provide the legal support necessary to pursue fair outcomes for accident victims seeking justice.

Navigating a Hostile Work Environment

A hostile work environment involves harassment that creates an offensive, intimidating, or oppressive atmosphere, often tied to protected characteristics or retaliation, such as for whistleblowing or seeking workers' compensation. New Jersey’s Law Against Discrimination (N.J. Stat. § 10:5-12) prohibits such discrimination, specifying that conduct must

target a protected characteristic
AND be severe enough to alter employment conditions to be legally actionable.

Minor teasing or isolated remarks are typically excluded unless extremely severe. While behavior may feel hostile, only discrimination or retaliation affecting tangible job conditions qualifies legally, meaning general bullying unrelated to protected traits does not alone meet the threshold for a hostile work environment claim.

The most common protected characteristics in South Jersey laws for discrimination include:

Race
Creed or religious beliefs
Color
National origin or nationality
Ancestry
Age
Marital status
Civil union status
Domestic partnership status
Affectional or sexual orientation
Genetic information
Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Sex, gender identity or expression
Disability or atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait
Liability for service in the Armed Forces of the United States

Often, victims or witnesses feel they must endure the hostility to keep their jobs, perceiving that they have no real choice but to tolerate the environment. Employers who know or reasonably should know about this hostile environment have a responsibility to address and stop the harassment. Under New Jersey law, if an employer fails to take effective action against known harassment, they are seen as supporting the hostile environment, signaling to the victimized employee or witness that such treatment is acceptable. This type of harassment can include:

Actions that disrupt an employee’s ability to perform their work, such as making it difficult to concentrate or focus
Behaviors that foster an intimidating or offensive atmosphere
Conduct that negatively impacts an employee’s terms, conditions, or privileges of employment, such as receiving unjust disciplinary notices

If you're facing a hostile work environment, start by reporting the incident to your employer using the company’s established policies and procedures. You may also want to file a formal complaint with the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights (DCR) or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to initiate an official investigation. Additionally, consider consulting South Jersey employment law attorneys at Lipari and Deiter for a free case evaluation and to learn more about the possibility of legal action. If you choose to pursue a lawsuit for compensation, remember that you must file your claim within two years of the alleged harassment.

How Do I Know If I Was Wrongfully Terminated?

In New Jersey, determining whether a termination was wrongful can be complex because, under the law, most employees work on an “at-will” basis. This means that employers can terminate employees for nearly any reason or even no reason at all, even if the reason seems trivial or unfair. However, there are critical exceptions: an employer cannot fire an employee for reasons that violate state or federal protections, such as discrimination or retaliation for asserting lawful rights, as outlined in the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (N.J.S.A. § 10:5) and the Conscientious Employee Protection Act (N.J.S.A. § 34:19).

If you suspect that your termination was due to reporting sexual harassment, demanding earned wages or overtime, or standing up for your legal rights, you may have grounds for a wrongful termination claim. Additionally, New Jersey law protects employees from being fired based on age, race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, and other protected characteristics. If your termination seems connected to any of these factors, it may be considered illegal under N.J.S.A. § 10:5-12, and you could pursue legal action.

The employment attorneys in Atlantic City, NJ, at Lipari and Deiter, can protect you from an employer’s abuse by thoroughly reviewing your case and determining if your termination violated any laws. They understand the protections in place to shield employees from wrongful termination and will work on a contingency basis to help you fight for the compensation you deserve if your rights have been infringed.

How the South Jersey Employment Law Attorneys at Lipari & Deiter Can Help

When facing an employment law issue, having a skilled attorney by your side can significantly influence the outcome of your case. At Lipari and Deiter, our South Jersey employment law attorneys begin by conducting a thorough investigation, gathering police reports, witness statements, and other essential evidence to build a compelling argument. We help clients assess the full extent of damages, working to quantify both immediate and long-term impacts on their lives.

When necessary, our team at Lipari and Deiter is prepared to file a lawsuit, moving forward with the litigation process to seek maximum compensation under applicable statutes, including the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (N.J.S.A. § 10:5-1 et seq.) and the Conscientious Employee Protection Act (CEPA) (N.J.S.A. § 34:19). This includes preparation for trial, with a focus on highlighting the client’s rights and the merits of the case.

The employment attorneys in Atlantic City, NJ, at Lipari and Deiter are dedicated to maximizing compensation by advocating for both economic and non-economic damages, in line with New Jersey law regarding compensatory damages. With our support, clients can move confidently through each phase of the legal process, knowing their interests are protected by a committed team of attorneys well-versed in state employment law.

Why Choose Lipari & Deiter?

When facing an employment law matter in South Jersey, choosing the right legal representation is crucial for achieving justice. Lipari and Deiter stands out with our aggressive representation, fiercely protecting your rights throughout the legal process. Our team boasts decades of combined legal experience, giving us the expertise needed to navigate complex workplace disputes effectively. Committed to successful results, we work tirelessly to secure favorable outcomes that meet your needs and expectations.

Aggressive Representation

At Lipari and Deiter, we take pride in our aggressive representation of clients facing employment law challenges. Our South Jersey employment law attorneys are relentless advocates who fight to protect your rights and help secure the justice you deserve. We understand the complexities of workplace disputes and will take a firm stand against any form of injustice.

Decades of Combined Legal Experience

When it comes to defending your rights, there’s no question that having an experienced attorney can change the outcome of your case. With decades of combined legal experience, Lipari and Deiter bring a wealth of knowledge to every case. Our seasoned attorneys have successfully navigated a wide range of employment law matters, allowing us to anticipate challenges and develop effective strategies. You can trust that our extensive background equips us to handle your case with confidence and expertise.

Commitment to Successful Results

At Lipari and Deiter, our commitment to achieving successful results for our clients is unwavering. We prioritize your needs and work tirelessly to secure favorable outcomes, whether through negotiation or litigation. Our track record speaks for itself, as we consistently strive to exceed our clients’ expectations in every case we handle.

Contact the South Jersey Employment Law Attorneys at Lipari & Deiter Today for a Free Consultation

When facing workplace challenges, reach out to our trusted employment attorneys in Atlantic City, NJ. Schedule a free consultation to discuss your employment law concerns and get personalized guidance from a member of our team.

Whether dealing with workplace discrimination, harassment, or wrongful termination, our team of dedicated employment attorneys is ready to advocate on your behalf. For help from an employment law attorney in South Jersey, contact Lipari and Deiter today online or call 609.645.9400 for a free consultation.

South Jersey Employment Law Attorneys