Do you have questions about your legal rights as a federal employee in Phoenix, AZ? Filing a claim against your employer becomes more complex when you work for the government. That said, you don’t lose your rights just because the government is your employer. It’s critical to have an experienced Phoenix federal employee lawyer to help you through the complex process of filing a claim.
At Houk Employment Attorneys, we have over 45 years of experience handling employment matters. We’ve helped our clients recover millions of dollars in compensation awards over the years. We’re always available to discuss your case and options. Contact our law offices in Phoenix, Arizona, at (480)569-2377 to arrange a confidential consultation today.
How Houk Employment Attorneys Can Help Federal Employees Handle Employment Matters in Phoenix
Standing up to any employer can be incredibly intimidating. That’s even more true when your employer is the federal government. Still, taking action is the only way to protect your legal rights. If your rights are being violated in the workplace, an experienced Phoenix employment law attorney can protect your interests.
Our team at Houk Employment Attorneys has decades of legal experience. We know how to handle even the most complex cases. When you hire our law firm, you can trust our team to:
- Listen to your story and explain your legal options
- Handle the paperwork and detailed administrative process
- Collect and evaluate the evidence you’ll need to prove your case
- Advocate for your rights at every stage
- Work with experts when necessary to enforce your rights
- Identify the damages you’ve suffered as a result of the employment violation
- Represent you at all hearings
- File a lawsuit and fight to protect your rights in court if necessary
Our Phoenix employment lawyers know how to take on even the most powerful employer. To learn more about your legal options and how we can help with your case, contact us today.
Understanding Your Rights as a Federal Employee in Phoenix
Federal employees don’t lose their rights when they work for the government. As a federal employee, you have the right to be free from workplace discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. You have the right to equal pay for equal work. You may have the right to disability pay and veterans’ preferences. If you believe your rights were violated in the workplace, it’s important to speak with an experienced Phoenix federal employee attorney.
Overview of the Process for Filing a Federal Employment Claim in Phoenix
Government employees must comply with a detailed administrative process when filing an employment claim. Here’s a brief overview of the process in discrimination cases:
- Contact your equal employment opportunity (EEO) counselor and report the violation
- Participate in EEO counseling or alternative dispute resolution
- If the dispute isn’t resolved, file a formal claim against the agency
- The agency will conduct an investigation
- Once the investigation is complete, you can request a hearing before an EEOC Administrative Judge or ask the agency to issue a ruling as to whether the violation occurred
If you request a decision from the agency, you have the right to appeal that decision to the EEOC. You also have the right to request reconsideration if you don’t agree with the EEOC’s decision on appeal.
You also have the right to file a lawsuit. However, that right is limited. You can only file a lawsuit once you’ve complied with all steps in the EEOC process. You can also file a lawsuit if 180 days have passed and the agency has failed to issue a decision.
We Handle All Types of Employment Law Issues for Federal Employees in Phoenix
Again, your rights don’t disappear because you work for the federal government. Still, detailed and unique procedures apply when you’re a government employee. Our lawyers in Phoenix handle all types of employment law cases, including those involving:
- First amendment violations
- Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) issues
- Sexual harassment, including quid pro quo and hostile work environment claims
- Discrimination based on race or national origin
- Discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation
- Wrongful termination
- Religious discrimination
- Pregnancy discrimination
- Age discrimination
- Discrimination based on physical or mental disability
- Wage and hour violations
- Equal pay violations
- Discrimination based on military or veteran’s status
- Retaliation and discrimination based on whistleblower status
This is by no means a complete list. If you believe your rights were violated in any way, contact our Phoenix federal employees’ attorneys for a consultation today. Your consultation is always entirely confidential.
A Closer Look at our Employment Law Practice Areas
Below are some examples of employment law practice areas our firm handles:
Workplace Discrimination
As a federal employee, you have rights under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Title VII protects members of protected classes from both intentional discrimination and disparate impact discrimination.
You may have the right to file a claim under Title VII if you experienced workplace discrimination because of:
- Race
- Color
- Religion
- Sex
- National origin
- Age
- Disability
The process of seeking justice is incredibly complicated. Our lawyers can ensure that you comply with all procedural requirements and fight for the justice you deserve. Contact us today to get started.
Sexual Harassment
You should never have to deal with sexual harassment in the workplace. That’s true regardless of your employer’s identity. If you were a victim of sexual harassment in the workplace, contact our law firm in Phoenix today. We know it can be difficult to stand up to your employer, and we’re here to help every step of the way.
Americans With Disabilities Act Matters
Disabilities can have a profound impact on your ability to work. As a government employee, you have rights under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) like any other employee. If you’re able to perform your essential job functions, your employer is required to take reasonable steps to accommodate your ability to work.
Wage and Hour Violations
Federal employees have rights under the Fair Labor Standards Act. For your claim to succeed, you may have to go through a negotiated grievance process. It’s also possible that you may be entitled to file a claim with the agency or the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.
The process is rarely simple. It’s critical to have an experienced employment attorney by your side. Our team at Houk Employment Attorneys can help you take action to protect your right to fair pay. Contact us today to learn more.
Whistleblower Protections
Your status as a “whistleblower” is protected if you’re a federal employee. Federal law prohibits employers from retaliating based on an employee’s whistleblower status. If you’re facing pressure from your employer or have lost your job, call our lawyers today. We’ll do everything in our power to protect and enforce your legal rights.
What Types of Remedies Are Available If the Federal Government Violated My Rights in Phoenix?
The remedies in your case will depend on the nature of the damages you have suffered. When your rights are violated in the workplace, your life can change in many different ways. While all cases are different, here are some examples of the types of remedies that may be available:
- Back pay and lost wages
- Loss of employment benefits
- Loss of future career opportunities and reduced earning capacity
- Attorney fees and court costs
- Expenses associated with conducting a job search if you were fired or left your employer because of the employment violation
- Expenses for mental health counseling and therapy
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and mental trauma
- Embarrassment and humiliation
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Expert witness fees
It’s even possible that you could be reinstated in a position or receive a promotion that you were improperly denied. In the end, the resolution will depend on the facts and circumstances of your case.
Is There a Deadline for Filing a Claim Against the Federal Government in Arizona?
Strict deadlines apply in cases involving a violation of your employment rights. The actual deadline that applies in your case will depend on the circumstances and the governing law. In all cases, it’s critical to contact a lawyer sooner rather than later. Your case can be dismissed entirely for failure to meet a deadline.
For example, OSHA administers more than 20 whistleblower laws. Deadlines in whistleblower retaliation cases range from between 30 days and 180 days. Generally, the clock starts to run on the date a retaliatory action occurred.
In cases involving discrimination, federal employees are generally required to contact their EEO counselor within 45 days. The clock starts running on the date the violation occurred.
Additional deadlines apply at every stage of the administrative process. For example, you have only 15 days to file a formal claim if your claim isn’t resolved via alternative dispute resolution.
Contact an Experienced Phoenix Federal Employees Lawyer for a Confidential Case Review Today
If you’re dealing with employment matters as a federal employee in Arizona, it’s important to hire an attorney who understands how these cases work. Cases involving government employees are subject to different rules. An experienced Phoenix federal employee lawyer at Houk Employment Attorneys can help. Contact our team today to arrange your confidential consultation.
