Facing workplace challenges can be daunting. Whether you’re dealing with discrimination, harassment, or a work-related injury, understanding your employee rights is crucial. If you are searching for an “Employee Rights Lawyer Near Me” in Maine, it’s likely you are seeking guidance and legal support. At internetlawyers.net, our Maine employment attorneys are dedicated to protecting the rights of employees throughout the state. We operate on a contingency fee basis, ensuring access to justice regardless of your financial situation. This means you only pay if we successfully recover compensation for you. For specific details on our fee structure, please call or email us.
Our commitment extends across Maine. From Portland to Presque Isle and everywhere in between, including Bangor, Augusta, Lewiston, Kittery, and many more cities and towns, we have a proven track record of representing employees and upholding their rights.
Understanding Your Rights as a Maine Employee
Both federal and state laws in Maine provide robust protections against various forms of workplace injustice. It’s illegal for employers to discriminate against employees or job applicants based on several protected characteristics.
Protection Against Workplace Discrimination
Maine and federal laws prohibit discrimination based on:
- Physical and Mental Disability: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Maine Human Rights Act (MHRA) protect individuals with disabilities from workplace discrimination. This includes providing reasonable accommodations to allow them to perform their job duties.
- Medical Leave: Discrimination based on past or anticipated use of medical leave is illegal. Employees are protected when taking leave for legitimate medical reasons.
- Prior Complaints: You are protected from retaliation for reporting discrimination, illegal employer conduct, wage violations, or unsafe working conditions. Laws like the Maine Whistleblowers’ Protection Act safeguard employees who speak out about illegal activities.
- Race or Color, Gender (Sex), Age, Religion, National Origin, and Ancestry (Ethnicity): Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Maine Human Rights Act (MHRA) prohibit discrimination based on these characteristics. These laws ensure equal opportunities in all aspects of employment.
- Sexual Orientation: The MHRA explicitly includes sexual orientation, encompassing gender identity and expression, as protected categories. This protection is broader than current federal law, offering stronger safeguards in Maine.
Federal laws like the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, an amendment to the Civil Rights Act, further protect against pregnancy discrimination. The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) protects workers over 40 from age-based discrimination, while Maine law extends this protection to workers of all ages. The False Claims Act also protects employees who report employer fraud against the government.
The Maine Employee Rights Group is dedicated to enforcing these protections. If you believe you have experienced illegal workplace discrimination, consulting with an experienced employee rights lawyer is essential to understand your options and take action.
Harassment and Retaliation: Illegal in Maine Workplaces
Workplace harassment and retaliation are serious issues that often accompany discrimination. Just like discrimination, harassment based on protected characteristics like race, gender, or religion is unlawful. Any ground for illegal discrimination can also be the basis for illegal harassment.
Sexual harassment is a pervasive problem and is explicitly prohibited by both the Civil Rights Act and the Maine Human Rights Act. It is a form of gender discrimination that includes unwelcome sexual advances, physical touching, or demands for sexual favors in exchange for job benefits. Creating a hostile, intimidating, or offensive work environment also constitutes sexual harassment if it interferes with an employee’s ability to perform their job.
Retaliation occurs when an employer punishes an employee for reporting discrimination or harassment. This is also illegal. Wrongful termination is a common form of retaliation.
If you believe you have been subjected to harassment or retaliation, it is vital to seek legal advice from a Maine employment attorney immediately. There are strict time limits for filing discrimination or retaliation claims.
Workers’ Compensation for Workplace Injuries
Maine law mandates that all employers provide workers’ compensation insurance. This system is typically the exclusive remedy for employees injured on the job, preventing most lawsuits against employers for workplace injuries. Instead, employees must seek compensation through the workers’ compensation system.
If you are injured at work, it is crucial to report the injury within 30 days. If you are unable to work for more than a week due to your injury, you may be eligible for weekly compensation benefits.
Navigating the workers’ compensation system can be complex. Our experienced Maine workers’ compensation lawyers can assist you in filing your claim and maximizing the benefits you are entitled to under Maine law.
If you are looking for an “employee rights lawyer near me” because you believe your rights have been violated, contact us today. Call 207.874.0905 or complete our online contact form for a confidential consultation. Let us help you understand your rights and fight for the justice you deserve.
