How to Protect Your Company from Employee Lawsuits

 Posted on December 28, 2023 in Employment Law

If you own your own company, then you may be aware of how commonplace it has become for employees to file lawsuits against their employers for issues that include wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, wage and hour disputes, and workplace safety. While it is always crucial to prioritize employee rights and maintain a healthy work environment, employers can also take proactive measures to protect themselves from potential lawsuits. The following are some steps to consider. If you do find yourself dealing with legal action filed by an employee, make sure to contact an Illinois employment lawyer for legal guidance.

Establish Clear Employment Policies and Procedures

One of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of employee lawsuits is to create and maintain clear and comprehensive employment policies and procedures. A well-documented and consistently applied set of policies can help set expectations and provide a legal framework for your employment practices.

It is important that your company’s policies cover areas that include:

• Anti-discrimination

• Harassment prevention

• Wage and hour compliance

• Workplace safety

• Employee benefits

Your company should update these policies on a regular basis especially if industry best practices or federal and/or state law have changed. Every employee should receive a written copy of these policies. Make sure that each employee signs an acknowledgment of this receipt. That written acknowledgment can be crucial evidence should the employee file a claim or lawsuit against your company.

Provide Ongoing Employee Training

Training your employees on various workplace matters is also important for both prevention and protection. Your company should conduct regular training sessions on topics like diversity and inclusion, harassment prevention, workplace safety, and ethics. These training programs not only help create a positive and respectful work environment but also demonstrate your commitment to legal compliance and employee well-being.

You also need to make sure that your supervisors and managers receive additional training on these subjects, as well as what their responsibilities are when addressing employee complaints, performance evaluations, and disciplinary actions.

Maintain Accurate and Organized Records

One of the most crucial types of evidence defending against employee lawsuits is a company’s recordkeeping. Make sure to keep detailed records of all employee performance evaluations, attendance, any workplace accidents or incidents, and disciplinary actions.

If an employee does make a complaint, it is also critical to keep accurate records of these complaints, as well as any investigation the company conducts, such as notes from interviews and the outcome of investigations.

Contact an Illinois Employment Attorney for Legal Assistance

Working with a Schaumburg, IL employment lawyer can be a valuable resource for your company. An attorney can provide guidance on complex legal matters, help you navigate employment law compliance, and offer proactive advice to minimize risk. Consulting with an attorney before making significant employment decisions, such as terminations or policy changes, can help you make informed choices that align with the law. To learn more, call The Miller Law Firm, P.C. at 847-995-1205 to schedule a free consultation and find out how our law firm can help protect your company.