Everyone has the right to a safe and fair work environment, but an experienced injury lawyer knows that employers sometimes fail to provide one. If you sustained injuries at work or you feel that your employer is discriminating against you or monopolizing your time without compensation, turn to the law office of Kidwell & Gallagher LTD in Elko, NV.  Serving clients throughout Nevada, these attorneys are dedicated to fighting for employees’ rights.

Here are 10 employee protection laws that you should know:

• You Must Have A Safe Environment To Work In: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration dictates that workplaces maintain certain safety standards for all employees. This includes dangerous work environments like mines and construction sites.
• You Are Entitled To Overtime Pay: Though there are exceptions for exempt employees, many workers are entitled to time-and-a-half pay for any amount of time they work that exceeds 40 hours per week.
• You Must Be Classified Correctly: Employers cannot label workers as independent contractors for the sole purpose of minimizing their tax or insurance burden.
• You Have A Right To Your Wages: An employer cannot withhold your wages from you for any reason, even if you quit without giving substantial notice.
• You May Qualify For Workers’ Compensation If You Sustain Injuries At Work: If you are hurt while on the job, your employer’s insurance provider may cover your medical bills and your lost wages. A workers’ comp lawyer from Kidwell & Gallagher LTD will help you determine if you qualify.
• You Are Protected From Discrimination: Employers cannot discriminate against individuals who belong to certain groups. For example, individuals who are over the age of 40 are protected from age discrimination, and those who are disabled are protected from disability discrimination.
• You Must Be Paid For The Time You Spend At Work: The Fair Labor Standards Act mandates that all employees must be paid for the time that they spend at work.
• You Do Not Have To Work In A Hostile Environment: Employers have an obligation to provide a work environment that is not hostile and does not make any employee feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
• You Have Additional Rights If You Are A Minor: The law restricts how many hours a minor can work per day and week, and it also protects minors from taking on dangerous positions.
• You Do Not Have To Tolerate Any Kind Of Sexual Harassment: There are countless types of sexual harassment, and though it is not always clear if someone is harassing you, you have the right to pursue legal action if you are made to feel uncomfortable in any way at work.

If you sustained serious injuries at work or you were treated unfairly, an injury lawyer from Kidwell & Gallagher LTD will help you determine if you have a case. Visit their website to learn more about their experience in workers’ compensation and accident liability, and call (775) 738-1000 to schedule a consultation with an injury lawyer in Elko, NV, today.