It’s every business owner’s job to remain aware of potential threats to their company. One common threat that many businesses encounter is employee lawsuits. Losing an employee lawsuit can cost a person their business and their livelihood. If you want to protect your business from possible lawsuits, you should take the following steps.
If your employee is filing a lawsuit against you, contact our Seattle employment litigation defense attorneys today at (206) 565-0090 to schedule a consultation!
Step 1: Create a Comprehensive Employee Handbook
One of the first steps every business can take to avoid employee lawsuits is to create a comprehensive set of guidelines for workers. By providing employees with a comprehensive employee handbook, workers will know and understand the different policies and procedures of the business – including attendance, pay, and how to file a complaint.
The handbook should also thoroughly explain the company’s policies, regulations, and procedures. Employers should always highlight their zero-tolerance policy for sexual harassment and other discriminatory actions. The handbook should also explain lunch and break laws to protect a company from an unpaid wages lawsuit.
Step 2: Stay on Top of New Legal Requirements
Businesses should have a team of attorneys who are staying on top of new legal requirements. Failing to comply with all applicable legal requirements can result in serious penalties. Employees may take legal action against any discovered violations, so the most effective course of action is to consult with an attorney on an ongoing basis.
Step 3: Maintain Good Records of Employee-Related Documents
Businesses should always maintain records of important employee-related documents – especially when an employee quits or is terminated. You should also keep records of timecards and paid plans in the event that your employee wants to file an unpaid wages lawsuit.
Step 4: Provide Training Programs
Employers should always provide resources to ensure that employees are aware of existing policies and procedures. For example, businesses should provide training courses related to workplace conduct, anti-discrimination, anti-harassment, attendance and tardiness, discipline, and work ethic.
Employers should provide mandatory annual training that reminds employees of the company’s policies, along with the state and federal laws. Doing so can help protect companies from employee lawsuits. Taking preventative measures can help businesses protect themselves in the long run.
What Should I Do If My Company Is Being Sued?
Whether your company is facing discrimination, harassment, or wrongful termination accusations, you need an experienced attorney on your side. An experienced corporate lawsuit attorney can analyze your case and help you determine the best course of action. Even employers who act in good faith can’t stop employment lawsuits from occurring. That is why you need to take proactive and reactive steps to protect your business.
Below we have put together the most common types of lawsuits employers face:
- Discrimination lawsuits
- Harassment lawsuits
- Minority oppression & shareholder claims
- Non-compete agreements
- Retaliation claims
- Tortious interference
- Wrongful termination lawsuits
- Wage and hour claims
- Whistleblowing lawsuits
Seattle Corporate Lawsuit Defense Attorney
Our team at Northwest Business Law LLC has years of experience helping business owners across Washington with employee lawsuits. We know lawsuits can be dire and timing is critical. That is why our team can help you identify evidence that can mitigate your responsibility in the claim and help you reach a favorable outcome.
Contact our Seattle corporate lawsuit attorneys today at (206) 565-0090 to schedule a consultation!