Employment Law
"So much of what we call management consists in making it difficult for people to work." - Peter F. Drucker
Although most companies try their best to comply with laws protecting their employees' rights and treat their people fairly, the workplace is sometimes a hostile environment for employees, and rights violations occur. The workplace is also where most Hoosiers have their greatest single asset deposited: their professional careers. Further, Hoosiers derive their lifelong source of income and a great degree of self-esteem from the workplace. Fortunately, there are federal and state laws that protect individuals from undue and illegal harm by employers. Better yet, in Indiana, there's a firm that's well known for its skill in employment law: Betz & Associates.
As a boutique law firm, the central focus of Betz & Associates is employment law and advocating for individuals. Armed with more than 40 years collective experience in the practice of employment law, we handle all legal matters that involve protecting individuals' rights in the workplace. Our practice areas include:
- Employment discrimination involving race, color, sex, religion, or national origin (Civil Rights Act of 1964)
- Sexual harassment and pregnancy discrimination
- Wrongful discharge
- Employment contracts
- Wage and hour disputes and wage claims
- Age discrimination - protecting those 40 and older (Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967)
- Family and Medical Leave Act
- Americans with Disabilities Act
- Whistleblower litigation
- Affirmative action
- Occupational Safety and Health Act
- Covenant not to compete
Our firm has settled a number of harassment/discrimination/retaliation rights cases reaching well into six figures. The confidential nature of these cases prohibits disclosing specific facts. But these legal actions involved complex situations, with our firm going against outstanding state and national defense attorneys.
Betz & Associates provides legal counsel to individuals in need of legal representation in disputes with their employers, white-collar executives and blue-collar employees alike. We offer legal service to individuals on par with that of much larger legal firms representing institutions, but in an extraordinary manner befitting our duty, role, and calling as advocates.
The Importance of Continuing Legal Education in Our Field
Because of this dynamic legal environment, ramifications for employees are ever changing. To stay current with these frequent developments, Betz & Associates is an active participant in the National Employment Lawyers Association (NELA). The 14-years-young organization is indicative of the rise in legal issues affecting workplace activity and business relationships. Because of the unique and evolutionary nature of employment, business, and commercial law, each year we attend NELA seminars offering plaintiff's practitioners from across the country the very latest tips on how to best pursue discovery and damages, and how to effectively try cases on behalf of individuals.
Some cases representative of our experience in this area are:
Anderson v. U.S.F. Logistics (IMC) Inc.: A federal appeal of a religious practice - "Have a blessed day" comment by office worker - in the workplace. 274 F.3d 470 (7th Cir. Ind. 2001)
Budden v. Board of School Com'rs of City of Indianapolis (IPS): A state appeal involving class action rights for all citizens in Indiana against public entities. Settled class action for more than $600,000. 698 N.E.2d 1157 (Ind. 1998)
CLC Services, Inc. v. Reedy & Peters, LLC: A state court action involving a covenant not to compete. Johnson Circuit Court Cause No. 41C01-0307-PL-00032; Johnson Superior Court Cause No. 41D03-0306-PL-00027
Curry v. State of Indiana: A State Employees' Appeals Commission action against the Indiana Department of Corrections. Cause No. 41C01-0307-PL-00032
Doescher v. Raess: $325,000 jury verdict awarded to Betz-represented plaintiff in a workplace bullying trial. Cause No. 49D01-0206-PL001116
Fain v. Wayne County Auditor's Office: A federal appeal of FMLA rights. 388 F.3d 257 (7th Cir. 2004)
Marvel v. Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana: A federal court ERISA/employee benefits claim by eight vocational therapists. Prevailed in a judgment worth more than $100,000. Cause No. 99-C-0913-T/G
Schober v. SMC Pneumatics, Inc.: The first known Family and Medical Leave Act case to be tried before a jury in the U.S. District Courts for the Southern District of Indiana. 2000 WL 1231557 (S.D. Ind., Aug. 21 2000); 2000 WL1911684 (S.D. Ind., Dec. 04 2000); and 2000 WL 34027051 (S.D. Ind., Dec. 15 2000)
Sitar v. Indiana Department of Transportation: A federal appeal of sex harassment and retaliation issues. Settled for more than $125,000. 344 F.3d 720 (7th Cir. 2003)
Tarapore v. McNamara LLC: A federal claim for national origin discrimination.
2004 WL 1629513 (S.D. Ind.), Slip copy, Feb 13 2004
Thomas E. Carter v. U.S. Army: A federal court disability claim against the U.S. Army. Settled for more than $150,000. Cause No. IP01-C-05750H/L
U.S. Medical Systems, LLC v. Ken Julian: Betz & Associates defended an independent contractor in a case that was eventually settled involving a claim made by U.S. Medical Systems against the individual for alleged draws received in excess of commissions earned. Cause No. 32D03-0310-CC-175
Debbie A. Peirick vs. Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis Athletics Department; Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis Cause No. 1:03-cv-1965 LJM-WTL; Prevailed at summary judgment stage in sex discrimination case against IUPUI.
These prior cases in no way predict future success, but only show our past experience.