Workers in Georgia's greater Atlanta area and beyond are more aware of their rights than ever before due to a variety of reasons. Not only are employees keeping updated on the laws surrounding the hiring, firing and payment of workers, but they are taking action on the perceived wrongdoings of employers by filing an increasing number of wage-and-hour and employment discrimination lawsuits than in previous years. According to the annual Workplace Class Action Litigation Report, the number of wage and hour lawsuits increased 10-percent in just one year, from 2012 to 2013, and workplace discrimination cases have been on the rise over the last couple of years as well.
Here are some facts and ideas that may account for the increase in employment law-related suits:
- It's likely that the economic recession and early recuperation period have led employers to divide work up among fewer employees, which could potentially led to increased workplace stress and lower worker morale in general- all of which may be causing employees to second-guess their employer's pay practices. Keeping informed on your employer's wage and hour policies is a smart move, particularly if you suspect that you are not being compensated appropriately.
- Federal and state wage and hour laws and regulations are complex, so an employer's honest mistake may cause workers to think they're being cheated out of pay. However, the truth behind an unintended pay or discrimination allegation doesn't always come to light before a lawsuit is filed.
- The US economy is in a better state than before, which could tempt employees and their counsel to sue emerging businesses in good financial standing.
- A rising number of lawyers are considering taking on employee discrimination and wage and hour claims because of the amplified success of these cases in the favor of the employee as of late.
- Employees workers have more access to the world around them than ever before through social media, therefore workers have the chance to learn about all of the employment law related cases in the media, which may make them more confident and willing to file a suit.
Back in 2011, the New York Times reported that accusations of workplace discrimination rose to 99,922 in one year, from 93,277 the previous year, which represents an increase of 7.2 percent- the highest level of new discrimination cases ever recorded.
If you have been wrongfully terminated or victimized by unlawful business practices, the employment discrimination and civil rights attorneys of Altanta's Pankey & Horlock, LLC will work with you to ensure that you receive fair compensation. Contact us at 770-670-6250 for guidance, or fill out this form for a free case evaluation.