Employee Rights FAQ

Can I sue for my employer’s violation of policies or procedures outlined in a policy manual or handbook? Is my employer ever bound by promises made to me?

How do I know if I am the victim of unlawful employment discrimination?

My boss or co-worker is harassing me at work. What can I do about it? What types of harassment on the job can I sue for?

What constitutes “wrongful discharge” or “wrongful termination” in Ohio?

When do I need to consider hiring an employment lawyer? Are there time limits for bringing claims? What is the “statute of limitations?” What are the chances I could get a good settlement instead of having to go to court?

Do probationary employees have rights during their period of probation? What rights do I have as an employee covered by a union contract? What does “at-will” employment mean to me? Would having an employment contract help avoid "at-will" employment doctrine? Are there other ways around the “at-will” employment doctrine without an employment contract?

Can I be liable for injuries or property damage I cause while acting within the scope of my job duties? I was hurt on the job or my doctor says my illness was caused by my occupation. Should I file a worker’s compensation claim?

What are an employer’s wage-and-hour obligations under federal and state law? My employer has not paid my wages or other compensation. What are my options?

What are my privacy rights as an employee?

Under what circumstances can I collect unemployment compensation benefits? My employer gave me the option of resigning or being fired. Should I resign? Can I still sue my employer after I resign?

Does the law protect the “whistleblower”? What constitutes “trade secrets” and what are my duties and my employer’s rights to protect them?

What is “retaliation,” and can I sue for losses suffered as a result? My former employer is giving me a bad reference. Is there anything I can do about that?

I was forced to sign a noncompete agreement. Am I really bound?

What are “civil service” laws and can they help me?