York Employment Lawyer

Employees are afforded certain legal rights under state and federal law, including a workplace free of discrimination and harassment and payment for performed work. When employers violate these and other rights or mistreat employees, they can be held responsible for their actions. 

If you’ve been a victim of misconduct at work, contact the York employment lawyers at Marzzacco Niven & Associates for assistance. Our legal team has been advocating for employees throughout Pennsylvania since 2008, and we’ve got over 120 years of combined experience in employment and workers’ compensation law. 

Our law firm in York, PA offers a free consultation to discuss what you’re experiencing at work and whether you have a valid claim. We’re here to explain your legal options and protect your rights, so call us today at (717) 995-8998 to schedule a free consultation.

How Can Marzzacco Niven & Associates Help With Your Employment Dispute in York, PA?

How Can Marzzacco Niven & Associates Help With Your Employment Dispute in York, PA?

It can be intimidating and challenging to confront your employer or file a complaint against them – and you don’t have to face it alone. Whether you’ve experienced workplace discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or something entirely different, you deserve experienced legal representation. 

Marzzacco Niven & Associates has assisted countless workers in resolving disputes and setting things right. We’ve acquired millions of dollars for our clients in York, Pennsylvania and surrounding areas, and we’ll fight for you.

If you hire our York employment attorneys, you’ll level the playing field and have someone to: 

  • Listen to your story and provide honest and compassionate legal advice and guidance 
  • Evaluate how your rights were violated and identify all federal and state laws that may apply to your situation 
  • Help you find and gather evidence to support and prove your claim and damages
  • Protect you if your employer unlawfully tries to retaliate against you
  • Engage in negotiations and mediation with your employer or their representative and advocate for your rights 
  • File a claim with the appropriate government agency within the applicable deadline
  • Represent you in court if it’s in your best interest 

You don’t have to allow unfair treatment in the workplace to continue. Get justice and protect your legal rights by contacting our York law office for a free initial consultation. 

State and Federal Employment Laws That May Apply To Your Case in York, Pennsylvania

Various laws are in place to protect employees from things like discrimination, unfair wages, and harassment in the workplace. 

Our employment lawyers in York can handle any type of work-related dispute, including violations of: 

Depending on the circumstances, you may have a valid employment or labor dispute claim under both state and federal laws. 

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits employers from discriminating against employees or job applicants based on their membership in a protected class. For example, companies cannot discriminate based on race, national origin, color, religion, or sex. 

This federal law applies to employers with at least 15 employees and is administered and enforced by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). It provides protection in all facets of employment, including recruitment, job training opportunities, promotions, and termination.

The Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA)

The Pennsylvania Human Relations Act is the law that protects employees in the Commonwealth from workplace discrimination. It applies to Pennsylvania employers with at least four employees, meaning it may cover a broader range of employers than the federal Civil Rights Act. 

Our Law Firm Represents Employees in All Types of Disputes in York, PA

Not all problems at work will give you a valid claim against your employer. That’s why it’s important to consult an experienced employment lawyer before filing a complaint or escalating the situation. We will listen to your concerns and determine whether it’s appropriate to take legal action. 

Our York labor attorneys can represent employees in claims involving: 

  • Employment discrimination
  • Harassment and sexual harassment 
  • Wrongful termination
  • Employer retaliation
  • A hostile work environment
  • Disability discrimination and ADA claims
  • Pregnancy discrimination
  • Religious discrimination
  • Racial discrimination
  • Sex-based discrimination based on gender or sexual orientation
  • Age discrimination
  • Wage discrimination and EPA claims
  • Non-compete clauses
  • Whistleblower claims
  • Workers’ compensation claims, including denial of benefits and retaliation
  • Unpaid wages and wage theft
  • Unpaid overtime compensation
  • Wage and hour disputes
  • PTO and vacation disputes
  • Family and Medical Leave Act claims
  • National Labor Relations Act claims
  • Independent contractor claims
  • Review of employment agreements
  • Review of severance agreements

Below we explain some common employment claims we handle. 

Workplace Discrimination Claims

It is unlawful under both state and federal law for employers to discriminate against workers based on their membership in a protected class. You may have a valid claim if you’ve experienced intentional discrimination or employment practices that have a discriminatory effect. 

For example, legal action may be warranted if your employer has discriminated against you based on your: 

  • Color 
  • Race 
  • National origin
  • Ancestry
  • Religion 
  • Age
  • Sex
  • Gender or gender identity
  • Sexual orientation
  • Marital status
  • Pregnancy
  • Military service or veteran status
  • Disability 
  • Use of a support animal due to physical impairment, blindness, or deafness  

You may have a discrimination claim at any point in the employment process, whether you were denied an interview, experienced unfair treatment on the job, or were terminated due to discriminatory reasons.

Wrongful Termination Claims 

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania implements at-will employment. Employers can typically terminate employees without cause; however, they cannot let you go for an unlawful reason. 

You may have been unlawfully terminated if you were fired due to: 

  • Discriminatory intent
  • A retaliatory purpose, such as to punish you for reporting a safety violation or harassment
  • Refusing to participate in illegal activities, such as embezzlement or fraud
  • Filing a workers’ compensation claim
  • Taking lawful leave, including FMLA leave or unpaid leave to serve jury duty
  • Requesting reasonable accommodation for a disability

Additionally, if you have a valid employment contract stipulating a specific work period duration, your employer must honor the terms. They can only fire you for a good cause, such as failure to uphold your end of the contract. 

You may have also experienced constructive discharge that amounts to wrongful dismissal. This occurs when an employer makes the work environment so hostile or intolerable that any reasonable person would be forced to quit. 

Sexual Harassment Claims 

If you’ve experienced sex-based harassment at work, you’re not alone. An astounding 81% of women and 20% of men are victims of workplace sexual harassment. 

Examples of sexual harassment on the job may include: 

  • Requests for sexual favors from supervisors or coworkers
  • Unwanted sexual advances 
  • Verbal abuse, including cat-calling and offensive comments
  • Being subjected to a hostile work environment 
  • Being demoted for refusing to engage in sexual activity 
  • An employer’s failure to investigate a complaint of sexual harassment 
  • Retaliation for filing a sexual harassment complaint
  • Unfair treatment based on gender or sexual orientation

You may have a quid pro quo sexual harassment claim if you’ve experienced a negative consequence due to refusing a sexual advance at work. Contact our York employment law attorneys to explore your rights.

What Types of Compensation Are Available To Victims in Pennsylvania Employment Law Cases?

The types of damages you may be entitled to will depend on your employer’s specific actions and how they’ve impacted your life. The goal is to attempt to make you whole again and put you in the same or similar position you would’ve been in had the misconduct not occurred.

Some potential remedies in an employment action include: 

  • Reinstatement, promotion, or hiring
  • Back pay if you were wrongfully terminated or missed time from work due to the dispute 
  • Lost wages and job benefits, including PTO and vacation time
  • Reimbursement for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses
  • Payment of unfairly denied raises and benefits
  • Legal fees and litigation costs 
  • Non-economic damages, including emotional distress, pain and suffering, embarrassment, loss of reputation, and inconvenience
  • Punitive damages to punish an employer for intentional or malicious conduct

Our skilled employment attorneys in York will help you pinpoint and pursue all of your losses. We’ll explore all potential sources of compensation to get you the outcome you deserve.

How Long Do I Have To File an Employment Dispute in Pennsylvania? 

The deadline will depend on the type of claim you’re bringing. 

For example, workplace discrimination claims (including sexual harassment) must typically be initiated within 180 days, whether you’re filing a claim with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) or EEOC. The filing deadline for an EEOC claim may be extended to 300 days if state anti-discrimination laws apply.

You must typically file a claim based on unpaid wages within three years of the date the wages were due. 

Other types of claims may have different deadlines and statutes of limitations. That’s why it’s essential to speak with an experienced employment attorney in Pennsylvania as soon as possible. If you miss the deadline that applies to your employment case, you may be barred from receiving compensation for your losses. 

Contact Our York Employment Lawyers for a Free Case Assessment

You don’t have to suffer from unfair treatment or conditions at work. If you’re facing challenges on the job and think your employer’s actions are unlawful, contact the York employment attorneys at Marzzacco Niven & Associates to discuss what’s going on. We’ll assess the situation and help you determine the best course of action, protecting your interests throughout the process.