Buffalo Employment Law Attorneys

Were Your Employee Rights Violated?

Federal and state laws protect workers throughout New York State. These protections cover everything from your wages and work hours to your right to a workplace that is free of discrimination and harassment. Unfortunately, employers do not always take the necessary actions to protect their employees’ rights. When this happens, you have the right to take legal action and hold your employer legally accountable.

If you believe your rights were violated by your employer or another person or party, get in touch with our Buffalo employment law attorneys right away. At The Russell Friedman Law Group, LLP, we are dedicated to helping workers throughout the state of New York fight back against unjust and unlawful employment practices and seek the fair compensation they are owed.

Call our Buffalo office at (716) 335-9239 or submit a free online case evaluation form today to get started.

New York Wage & Hour Laws

One of your rights as an employee is the right to receive a fair wage for all hours worked, as well as overtime pay for work you do beyond 40 hours in a single work week. You are also entitled to mandatory meal and rest breaks. These rights are guaranteed under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), among other laws, such as New York’s minimum wage requirements.

If your employer fails to pay you for all hours worked, fails to pay you for eligible overtime hours worked, or prohibits you from taking your scheduled meal or rest breaks, you can file a complaint with the New York Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division. In order to file a complaint, you will need to gather certain key pieces of evidence, including specific dates on which the violation(s) occurred, information about your pay and method of payment, information about your employment and type of work, and other relevant details, such as your contact information and a general description of the violation(s).

Our Buffalo employment law attorneys can assist you in gathering the necessary documents and evidence to file a wage and hour violation complaint. We can also assist you in all wage and hour disputes and related litigation matters. Our attorneys are prepared to take fight for your rights and go up against employers who seek to violate their workers’ rights.

Workplace Discrimination, Wrongful Termination & Retaliation

The Russell Friedman Law Group, LLP also regularly assists clients with employment law cases involving workplace discrimination and harassment, wrongful termination, and retaliation.

Federal and state laws prohibit workplace discrimination based on protected classes. Federal law outlines the following protected classes:

• Race
• Color
• National origin
• Religion
• Sex
• Pregnancy
• Childbirth
• Age
• Disability
• Citizenship
• Genetic information

Additionally, the state of New York specifically prohibits workplace discrimination based on the following protected classes:

• Marital and/or familial status
• Gender identity
• Sexual orientation
• Perceived sexual orientation
• Military status
• Political activities
• Lawful recreational activities outside of work
• Prior criminal convictions (with exceptions)
• Prior arrests
• Prior criminal accusations
• Observance of religious days (including the Sabbath)
• Use of a service dog
• Status as a domestic violence victim

While anti-discrimination laws apply to most employers, there are some exceptions. Our Buffalo employment law attorneys can help you understand your rights and options if you believe you are the victim of workplace discrimination.

It’s also important to note that your employer is not permitted to terminate your employment for any discriminatory reason or because you filed a complaint regarding discrimination or harassment, including sexual harassment. This is known as retaliation. Employer retaliation can also include firing an employee, failing to promote an employee who is otherwise qualified, or taking any other negative action against an employee who reported discrimination, harassment, or unlawful behavior.

Schedule a Free Consultation Today

The Russell Friedman Law Group, LLP represents employees in Buffalo and throughout New York who have had their federal and state rights violated by employers. We encourage you to act quickly, as your timeframe to file a claim could be limited.

We offer free initial consultations and provide our services on a contingency fee basis, meaning you do not owe any attorneys’ fees unless/until we recover compensation on your behalf.

Contact our Buffalo office today at (716) 335-9239 to schedule your complimentary case evaluation.