See You in Court, Boss! 4 Legit Reasons to Sue Your Employer

June 17 2020 - What’s the one unimaginable thing you can do as an employee?

If you’re anything like most workers, you’ve certainly done things that would make your boss angry. Perhaps you’ve lied to your employer, violated some workplace policies, or even fought in the office.

Whatever you’ve done, you probably have never imagined suing your boss. For many workers, taking their employer to court is unthinkable.

However, there are instances when you might have no choice but to sue your employer. The law gives you a right to sue.

In this article, we’re fleshing a couple of reasons to sue your employer.

1. Unsafe/Unhealthy Workplace

Employers are legally required to provide a safe and healthy working environment, in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OSHA). This is a federal law, so it doesn’t matter which state you work in.

In general, your employer has to ensure the workplace is free of hazards that can harm your health, either by causing illness or physical injury. If your employer has failed to provide such a work environment, you can sue them in a court of law.

Keep in mind that providing a safe work environment isn’t just about eliminating hazards. It’s also about providing you, the employee, with the protective equipment you need to perform a certain task safely. Failure of an employer to provide safety gear is enough grounds for an employee to sue.

2. Workers’ Compensation Claim Denial

As much as an employer can take all the measures to keep a workplace safe and healthy, an accident can still happen. In fact, workplace accidents are far too common.

If you’ve been injured on-the-job, your employer ought to compensate you for your injuries and any loss of income. This is why organizations with employees are required to purchase workers’ compensation insurance.

Unfortunately, sometimes employers (or their workers' comp coverage providers) refuse to pay out claims or pay less than claimed.

If you’re in this situation, you have a right to seek redress in court. This means suing your employer.

Beware, though, that filing a lawsuit can be a complex process if you’re not a lawyer. Read this guide on how to sue your employer for deeper insight.

3. Wrongful Termination

In many cases, wrongful termination can be difficult to prove. Employers reserve the right to hire and fire at any time.

However, it’s possible that you can sue your employer for wrongful termination. For example, if you have a written employment contract that guarantees your job for a certain period of time, you could have a case against your employer if they fire you while the contract is still in force.

4. Docked Pay

Of course, employers must pay their employees at least the minimum hourly wage in the state. There’s also overtime pay, which depends on the type of job an employee holds.

It doesn’t matter what your wage agreement with your employers is. Once it’s signed, they have to honor it until you’re no longer their employee. This means your employer shouldn’t dock your pay illegally.

So, if you just received your wages with some of it missing because your employer reduced it because of a mistake you did or any other illegal reason, you can sue them.

You Have Reasons to Sue Your Employer

Conflicts between employers and employees are common, but most are resolved without involving a court process. Sometimes, though, it’s necessary to go to court and sue. You now know some of the reasons to sue your employer.

Keep reading our website for more workplace tips, advice, and insights.

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