Finding the right employment lawyer in Denver can make all the difference when facing workplace legal challenges. Whether you’ve been wrongfully terminated, denied unpaid wages, faced workplace discrimination, or need guidance on employment agreements, you deserve experienced legal counsel that understands Colorado employment law inside and out. With so many employment attorneys in Denver, CO, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming.
This guide will help you navigate the process, ensuring you find the best employment law firm for your needs. We’ll explore your rights under state and federal laws, the types of employment law cases, and what to look for in top Denver employment lawyers to secure the best possible outcome for your case.
Understanding Employment Law in Denver
What is Employment Law?
Employment law governs the relationship between employers and employees. It ensures workplace fairness, protects workers, and regulates employer responsibilities. Denver employment law attorneys help employees navigate complex legal situations, including wrongful termination, unpaid wages, and workplace discrimination.
Employment laws cover various aspects, including employment contracts, hour laws, and workplace fairness. Colorado employment lawyers work under both state and federal laws to represent employees in disputes. If you’ve been wrongfully terminated, denied unemployment benefits, or suffered workplace harassment, an experienced attorney can help you fight back.
What Does an Employment Law Attorney Do?
An employment attorney in Denver provides legal representation for employees facing workplace violations. They handle employment law matters such as:
Wrongful termination: Protecting employees who were fired unlawfully.
Unpaid wages and overtime pay: Ensuring fair compensation for work performed.
Workplace discrimination: Fighting against bias based on race, gender, national origin, or sexual orientation.
Hostile work environment: Addressing harassment and unfair treatment.
Employment agreements and contracts: Helping employees understand their rights.
Employment law attorneys represent clients in negotiations, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) complaints, and employment lawsuits. They work with employees to secure favorable outcomes in employment law claims, ensuring lost wages and other damages are recovered.
Employee Rights in Denver
Colorado At-Will Employment
Colorado is an at-will employment state, meaning employers can terminate employees without cause. However, state laws and federal law protect employees from wrongful termination based on discrimination, retaliation, or violations of employment agreements.
If you were fired unfairly, a Colorado employment lawyer can assess your case and determine if legal action is warranted. Employers cannot fire employees in retaliation for reporting illegal activity, requesting reasonable accommodation, or participating in workplace investigations.
Is Colorado a Right-to-Work State?
No, Colorado is not a right-to-work state. Employees in unionized workplaces may be required to pay union dues. However, state and federal laws protect employees from unfair labor practices. Denver employment attorneys help workers understand their rights regarding union participation and employer obligations.
Employee Rights under Colorado Revised Statute 24-34-401 et seq.
This statute prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, and other factors. It also covers workplace harassment, retaliation, and reasonable accommodation requirements. Colorado employment law attorneys help employees file claims against employers who violate these protections.
Types of Employment Law Cases in Denver
Wrongful Termination
Employees who are wrongfully terminated may have legal recourse if their firing violated state or federal employment laws. Examples include termination due to discrimination, retaliation, or breach of employment contracts. Denver employment lawyers help clients seek justice and recover lost wages.
Workplace Discrimination
Employers cannot discriminate based on protected characteristics such as race, gender, age, disability, or sexual orientation. The Civil Rights Act and Colorado laws protect employees from such mistreatment. An employment lawyer in Denver can file an EEOC claim or lawsuit against an employer who violates anti-discrimination laws.
Wage and Hour Laws
Employees have the right to fair wages and overtime pay under the Federal Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and Colorado wage laws. Employment attorneys in Denver, CO, handle cases involving:
Unpaid wages and overtime disputes
Misclassification of employees
Failure to provide meal and rest breaks
If you believe your employer violated hour laws, a workplace attorney in Denver can help you recover unpaid wages.
Harassment and Hostile Work Environment
A hostile work environment occurs when an employee faces severe or pervasive harassment based on race, gender, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics. Sexual harassment and workplace bullying can make the work environment unbearable. Denver employment attorneys represent clients in harassment cases to ensure a safer workplace.
Retaliation Claims
Employees who report illegal activities or participate in workplace investigations are protected from employer retaliation. If you’ve faced demotion, termination, or other forms of retaliation, employment law attorneys can help you file a claim against your employer.
Overtime Pay
Colorado law entitles non-exempt employees to receive overtime pay for working more than 40 hours a week. Some employers attempt to avoid paying overtime by misclassifying employees. If you’re owed overtime, an employment attorney in Denver can help you claim what you’re rightfully owed.
Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
The Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provides eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for medical or family reasons. If an employer denies FMLA leave or retaliates against an employee for taking it, a Colorado employment lawyer can help file a legal claim.
Finding the Best Employment Lawyer in Denver
Why Are You Looking for an Employment Law Firm?
You may need an employment law firm if you’re dealing with workplace issues such as discrimination, wrongful termination, or unpaid wages. Employment lawyers provide legal representation for employees and ensure workplace fairness.
What to Look for in an Employment Lawyer
When searching for employment lawyers in Denver, consider:
Experience: Look for an attorney with a proven track record in employment law cases.
Specialization: Choose employment law attorneys who handle cases like yours.
Reputation: Read reviews from past clients to assess their credibility.
How to Choose an Employment Attorney Near Me
Research employment law firms and consult with several Denver employment attorneys before deciding. Consider their success rate, communication style, and approach to handling employment law matters. The best employment attorney near you will be the one with the highest success rate and the most compassionate team with seasoned professionals who can read the courtroom with their eyes closed.
Benefits of Hiring a Denver Employment Law Attorney
Can’t determine whether you truly need an employment lawyer? Continue reading to discover the advantage legal counsel gives you against the defendant.
Free Consultation with Denver Employment Law Attorneys
Denver employment law attorneys practicing at Bourassa Law Group offer a free consultation to discuss your case. This allows you to understand your options before committing to legal representation.
Passionately Fighting for You
At Bourassa Law Group, our team of experienced attorneys is dedicated to protecting employee rights. We fight for fair treatment in the workplace and help clients achieve the best possible outcomes in employment law claims.
How to Pursue a Case with a Denver Employment Law Attorney
How Are Employment Law Cases Resolved?
Employment law cases may be resolved through negotiation, mediation, or litigation. Our legal team works to achieve the best possible outcome for clients, whether through settlement or court proceedings.
Can You Pursue Damages for a Workplace Discrimination Case in Denver?
Yes, employees can seek damages for workplace discrimination, including lost wages, emotional distress, and attorneys’ fees. Colorado employment law attorneys help employees file lawsuits against employers who violate anti-discrimination laws.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Employment Law in Colorado
1. What are my employment rights in Colorado?
As an employee in Colorado, you have rights that protect you from unfair treatment, wrongful termination, discrimination, and wage violations. State and federal laws ensure that you receive fair pay, safe working conditions, and protection from workplace harassment or retaliation. If your employer violates your rights, you can seek legal help to hold them accountable.
2. Is Colorado an at-will state, and what does that mean for employees?
Yes, Colorado is an at-will state, which means employers can terminate employees for almost any reason—or no reason at all—unless the termination violates state laws or federal protections. However, if you were fired due to discrimination, retaliation, or in violation of an employment contract, you may have a claim against your employer. Consulting an employment law attorney can help determine if your rights were violated.
3. How do I know if I have an employment law claim?
If you believe your employment rights were violated—whether due to unpaid wages, discrimination, retaliation, or a workplace injury—you may have grounds for an employment law claim. Common indicators include:
Your employer denied you overtime pay or misclassified your job to avoid paying you fairly.
You were wrongfully terminated for reporting illegal activity or requesting fair treatment.
You faced discrimination based on race, gender, disability, or other protected categories.
Your employer ignored state laws on workplace safety or wage protections.
4. How do Colorado employment laws protect workers from discrimination?
Colorado law prohibits discrimination based on race, gender, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, and other protected categories. The Colorado Department of Justice and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) investigate and enforce these protections. If you experience workplace discrimination, you can file a complaint and seek legal action.
5. Can I sue my employer for unpaid wages or hour disputes?
Yes. Colorado employers must comply with state wage laws that ensure fair compensation. If your employer refuses to pay overtime, withholds wages, or violates hour laws, you can file a claim to recover your lost wages. Employment law attorneys help employees based on state and federal protections recover the wages they are owed.
6. What protections exist for injured workers in Colorado?
Employees who suffer workplace injuries are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, which cover medical expenses, lost wages, and disability payments. If your employer denies your claim or retaliates against you for filing one, you have the right to legal representation to fight for your benefits.
7. Can I be fired for reporting illegal activity at work?
No. Retaliation for whistleblowing is illegal. If you report unethical behavior, unsafe working conditions, or wage violations, your employer cannot fire, demote, or punish you. If they do, you can file a legal claim to protect workers from retaliation and seek damages.
8. Do independent contractors have employment rights in Colorado?
Independent contractors do not have the same protections as traditional employees, but they still have legal rights regarding contracts, wages, and fair treatment. If an employer misclassifies you to avoid paying wages or benefits, you may have a case under Colorado employment law services.
9. What should I do if I experience workplace harassment?
If you experience harassment from other employees, supervisors, or clients, document the incidents and report them to HR or management. If the harassment continues or your employer fails to act, you can file a complaint with the Colorado Department of Justice or seek help from an employment law attorney.
10. How can an employment lawyer help me?
Employment law attorneys provide legal counsel for various employment law issues, including:
Wrongful termination claims
Wage disputes and unpaid wages
Workers’ compensation appeals
Employment contract negotiations
Hostile work environments
Employment discrimination cases
If you’re facing workplace challenges, an experienced attorney can help navigate complex state laws and fight for your rights.
Get Legal Help from the Best Employment Attorneys in Denver
If you’re facing workplace violations, Bourassa Law Group is here to help. Our Denver employment attorneys fight for justice in cases involving wrongful termination, unpaid wages, workplace discrimination, and employment agreements.
Schedule a free consultation today and let us help you protect your rights. Don’t wait—contact our employment law firm now to discuss your case with a top employment lawyer in Denver!
1-800-870-8910