Employment Law Attorneys Ready to Represent Plaintiffs in Michigan
Have you experienced an issue where your workplace rights were violated? Many who have gone through it describe it as a deeply disturbing experience. Bingham Legal Group prides itself on advocating for those who have received unfair treatment, discrimination, harassment, and other workplace violations across the state of Michigan.
You need an advocate who understands Michigan employment law and will fight for the justice you deserve. Our team of dedicated employment attorneys will work tirelessly to represent plaintiffs who have been mistreated in the workplace. You do not have to suffer in silence, you have rights and deserve to be treated with respect.
Can I Sue My Employer? Understanding Plaintiff Employment Litigation
Plaintiff-side employment litigation focuses exclusively on representing employees—not employers—in workplace disputes. We stand with workers who have experienced violations of their employment rights, helping them navigate the legal system to seek justice and compensation.
You can sue your employer if certain violations exist. If you retain a lawyer, they will help you with either negotiating a settlement or presenting a case in court. You could be entitled to back pay, front pay, emotional distress damages, or even punitive damages. In order to start a lawsuit, your case must qualify, and you must be able to prove that your employer did violate your workplace rights.
Common Employment Law Violations that Lead to Litigation in Michigan
Not just anyone can sue their employer. There must be grounds, and you must be able to prove it with the help of an attorney. Here are several examples of violations that could result in plaintiff litigation.
Wrongful Termination
Michigan is considered an “at-will” employment state, which means employers can generally terminate employees for any reason or no reason—but not for an illegal reason. Important exceptions to at-will employment include:
- Terminations that violate public policy (like firing someone for refusing to break the law)
- Firings that breach implied contracts, such as promises made in employee handbooks
- Terminations based on discriminatory reasons or protected activities
Even in an at-will state, you have rights that protect you from unlawful dismissal. If you suspect your termination crossed legal boundaries, we can help you determine if you have a case.
Workplace Discrimination
Both federal and Michigan laws protect employees from discrimination based on certain characteristics. You have a right to fight – through litigation – to have a workplace free from discrimination. There are state and federal agencies in charge of enforcing employment discrimination laws, such as the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR). Under these laws, you should not receive discrimination from employers, co-workers, managers, or others based on:
- Race and color
- Gender and sex (including pregnancy)
- Age (40 and older)
- Disability
- Religion
- National origin
- Marital status (under Michigan law)
- Height and weight (under Michigan law)
Discrimination can take many forms—from being passed over for promotion to receiving unequal pay or being subjected to different standards than your colleagues. Sometimes, it’s obvious, but often, it’s subtle and requires experienced legal analysis to identify. Really, if you suspect any unfair treatment based on something it shouldn’t be, it’s not a bad idea to ask a plaintiff litigation employment lawyer.
Sexual Harassment and Hostile Work Environments
Legally, sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that affects your employment, unreasonably interferes with your work performance, or creates an intimidating or hostile environment.
But harassment isn’t limited to sexual misconduct. A hostile work environment can also stem from harassment based on any protected characteristic, such as race, religion, or disability. This could mean anything from offensive jokes to slurs. Your employer has a responsibility to prevent harassment and address it promptly when reported. If they fail to take appropriate action, they may be liable for the harm.
Retaliation for Reporting Misconduct
Speaking up about workplace violations takes courage. Michigan’s Whistleblowers’ Protection Act and federal laws shield employees who report illegal activities or participate in investigations from retaliation.
If you’ve been demoted, disciplined, fired, or otherwise punished for reporting violations, you may have a retaliation claim. We can help you understand your protections and build a case that connects the adverse action to your protected activity.
Wage and Hour Disputes
Michigan workers are entitled to fair compensation for their labor. Common wage violations include:
- Failing to pay overtime to eligible employees
- Misclassifying workers as independent contractors to avoid providing benefits
- Requiring off-the-clock work
- Paying below minimum wage
- Illegal deductions from paychecks
These violations often affect multiple employees.
Your Rights as an Employee in Michigan
Michigan employees enjoy protections under both state and federal laws. Key federal statutes include:
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act (prohibiting discrimination)
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)
- Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
- Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Michigan adds additional protections through the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act, and Whistleblowers’ Protection Act, among others.
It’s crucial to understand that strict time limits apply to employment claims. Most discrimination claims must be filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or Michigan Department of Civil Rights within 180-300 days of the violation. Other claims have different deadlines ranging from 2-6 years depending on the specific violation.
What if I was fired without being given a reason?
Michigan employers generally don’t have to provide a reason for termination due to at-will employment. However, if you suspect the real reason was discriminatory or retaliatory, we can investigate to uncover evidence of unlawful motivation behind your termination.
How Our Employment Litigation Lawyers Can Help You
Taking on an employer requires legal expertise and resources. Our team provides comprehensive support throughout your case, you don’t have to face workplace injustice alone. We begin with a thorough investigation of your situation, carefully evaluating the strength of your potential claims and identifying all possible legal avenues.
Once Bingham Legal Group takes your case, we meticulously gather evidence—interviewing witnesses, obtaining documents, and analyzing patterns of behavior that support your claims. Many cases resolve through settlement negotiations and litigation, where our experience and reputation help secure the compensation you deserve without the uncertainty of trial. Contact us today to see how we can help.