St. Louis Employment Attorneys
Diligently Protecting the Rights of Workers in Missouri
According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), employees have the right to work in an environment free of discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, or genetic information. Sadly, this doesn’t stop employers from treating workers unfairly. If you believe your employee rights were violated in St. Louis, securing experienced representation is critical to safeguarding your economic security.
At Sedey Harper Westhoff, our St. Louis employment lawyers are committed to protecting your hard-earned reputation in the workplace by holding unethical employers accountable for illegal violations. Whether you were unreasonably passed up for a promotion or have unpaid overtime, put over 40 years of experience on your side by partnering with our nationally recognized employment law firm. With millions of dollars recovered for wronged workers in Missouri, you can trust our attorneys to tirelessly pursue justice.
Don’t let an unethical employer tarnish your professional reputation in St. Louis. Contact us online to discuss your employment law case with a seasoned attorney near you.
Hear From Our Happy Clients
We Get Results!
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"I have the utmost respect for Sedey Harper Westhoff."They are a unique group of smart, talented, dedicated and passionate attorneys working together to represent their clients with the highest degree of legal expertise, and to make a positive difference in the world. Their work is unparalleled.- Francine K.
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"The counsel that I received from Sedey Harper Westhoff during each phase of my discrimination and retaliation case was excellent."The professionalism and knowledge exhibited, and the personal touch my family received, was comforting during a very difficult time in my life.- Rickey D.
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"You don’t just get one attorney… you get an entire firm on your side. I can’t recommend them highly enough."Their reputation with the court system and the opposing firm / defendant spoke volumes in getting this case to a winning settlement. Most importantly, they are real people in a sea of so many attorneys.- Terry H.
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"I felt not only well represented but emotionally supported, and I got the best possible outcome."She helped me understand where the law could protect me and where it would not. She is thorough, knows the law, and was always more prepared than the other lawyers.- Lori C.
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"She was honest, straightforward and very professional."It was a privilege working with Donna. She was always prepared, got me prepared for every step along the way, and her skills and tenacity got me a great result.- Jim M.
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"She is a brilliant attorney and I felt very lucky to have her in my corner."Being involved in a lawsuit is a scary situation but at my first meeting with Mary Anne Sedey I was put at ease.- John W.
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"I can truly say that they are ‘simply the best’ law firm that I have worked with."It has been a professional pleasure working with your law firm. Ben Westhoff clearly explained all my rights to help resolve my legal issues, and always provided the answers in a timely manner.- Emma T.
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"I would not hesitate to refer this amazing law group to friends and family for future legal issues."Many thanks to Sedey Harper Westhoff! From the start they believed in me and fought for what was right. Bob and Ben were both professional yet personable which made for a very pleasant experience.- Scott B.
What Is Employment Law?
Employment law refers to state and federal regulations that govern the relationship between employers and employees. These regulations are enforced to ensure fair treatment in the workplace by addressing various issues pertaining to employment, such as wage violations and employment discrimination.
Common Employment Law Cases We Handle
At Sedey Harper Westhoff, our attorneys have decades of experience representing workers in a wide range of employment law disputes. Common cases we handle include:
- Age discrimination: If you are a victim of unfair treatment in the workplace based on your age, our lawyers can fight to hold your employer accountable.
- Breach of contract: Our St. Louis employment law attorneys help workers resolve contract disputes and employment agreement violations by employers.
- Disability discrimination: If you were denied reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), our attorneys can help you pursue justice.
- Executive severance: Our firm helps executives navigate the legal intricacies of complex severance negotiations to secure fair compensation packages.
- National origin and religious discrimination: If you experienced prejudice at work because of your nationality or spiritual beliefs, we can help you seek justice.
- Non-compete agreements (NDAs): We review and contest non-compete clauses to protect your right to future employment.
- Overtime and minimum wage violations: Our lawyers are well-versed in the Fair Labor Standards Act to hold companies responsible for wage violations.
- Race discrimination: Our firm protects individuals from discriminatory practices based on race or ethnicity in their workplace.
- Retaliation: We defend employees who were unjustly retaliated against for exercising their rights in the workplace, such as reporting employer misconduct.
- Sales commission disputes: Our attorneys help workers resolve conflicts involving unpaid or improperly calculated sales commissions.
- Severance negotiation: We negotiate fair severance terms for employees that reflect their tenure and contributions.
- Sex discrimination: Our firm protects workers against unfair treatment based on sex, ensuring equal opportunities.
- Whistleblower protection: We safeguard whistleblowers who report illegal activities or company fraud from retaliation.
- Workplace harassment: Our St. Louis employment lawyers protect against unwanted or inappropriate workplace conduct that affects an employee’s job performance.
When Should I Hire an Employment Lawyer?
If your rights were violated in the workplace, working with an experienced employment lawyer is critical to protecting your livelihood. Here are some common indications that it’s time to seek legal counsel:
- You feel unsafe at work: If your coworkers or supervisors are verbally aggressive, threatening, or degrading, you may be a victim of workplace harassment.
- You are excluded from decision-making: If you find yourself being excluded from important meetings, social events, or other company activities, this may be a sign of employment discrimination.
- You experience inappropriate jokes or comments: Unwelcome jokes, teasing, or inappropriate comments can be a sign of a hostile workplace or sexual harassment.
- You experience wage or overtime issues: If you are consistently underpaid, paid less than the minimum wage, or have unpaid overtime, this is a clear sign it’s time to seek legal counsel.
Is Missouri an At-Will Employment State?
Yes. Missouri follows the at-will employment doctrine, meaning either the employer or employee can end the working relationship at any time unless a contract states otherwise. However, termination cannot be for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons. If you believe you were wrongfully terminated, consulting a skilled employment lawyer is paramount to seeking justice and safeguarding your professional reputation.
Importance of Working with an Employment Lawyer
From retaliation to sexual harassment, workplace violations can inflict tremendous hardships on employees and their families. Working with a qualified employment lawyer is a must to alleviate stress during the process and ensure your rights are protected.
Some important benefits of partnering with a trusted employment lawyer include:
- Legal knowledge: Your lawyer can apply their in-depth understanding of state and federal employment laws to determine the best course of action and help you navigate your case wisely.
- Protection against retaliation: If you were fired, demoted, or mistreated for exercising your rights in the workplace, your attorney can help you fight back by holding your employer accountable for retaliation.
- Promotion of fair settlement negotiations: Employment lawyers are skilled negotiators who can work to recover a settlement that reflects the full value of your claim.
- Preparation for litigation: In some cases, employers may refuse to settle disputes fairly. Your lawyer can prepare your case for trial if necessary to secure fair compensation.
What to Expect When Working with an Employment Attorney
- Initial Consultation: During your initial consultation, your employment lawyer can discuss your situation and address any questions or concerns you have. This is your opportunity to share details about your case and assess whether the lawyer is a good fit for your needs.
- Case Evaluation: After the consultation, your lawyer can conduct a thorough evaluation of your case to determine its strength and advise you on your next steps.
- Legal Strategy Development: After the evaluation, your lawyer can help you develop a legal strategy tailored to your specific situation that outlines your legal options and possible outcomes in your case. Your attorney can discuss potential strategies to ensure you understand and agree with the proposed course of action.
- Negotiation & Settlement: Your lawyer can negotiate a settlement with your employer or their legal representatives. At this point, the goal is to reach an agreement that provides fair compensation without going to trial.
- Litigation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached outside of court, your case may proceed to litigation. Your lawyer can file a lawsuit on your behalf and represent your best interests at trial, where they will present evidence and argue your case to a judge or jury in pursuit of a favorable verdict.
- Ongoing Support: Throughout the legal process, your lawyer can provide ongoing support and guidance to keep you informed of new developments in your case and prepare you for what lies ahead.
Why Choose Sedey Harper Westhoff?
Why trust Sedey Harper Westhoff to protect your rights in the workplace? When you choose our firm, you’ll benefit from:
- Legal experience: Our firm has been committed to protecting the rights of employees for over 40 years, giving you peace of mind that your case is in trusted hands.
- Winning results: With over $10 million recovered for workers in St. Louis, we have a reputation for pursuing the best possible outcome in every case we take on.
- Trial readiness: We never shy away from tough litigation if necessary to recover a fair settlement, preventing you from settling for less than you deserve.
Contact Us Today
If you are facing an employment law issue in St. Louis, Sedey Harper Westhoff is here to help. Our experienced St. Louis employment lawyers are ready to listen to your concerns, analyze your case, and provide expert legal representation. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get the legal help you need to protect your rights and achieve the best possible result.
When your career is on the line in St. Louis, turn to a nationally recognized firm to protect your rights. Call (314) 819-0963 to schedule a consultation with an employment law attorney near you today!
Our Settlements & Verdicts
We are nationally recognized employment lawyers and experienced personal injury lawyers who will aggressively fight for your rights.
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$1,800,000 $1.8 Million Dollar Verdict
Mary Anne Sedey Ben Westhoff and Erin Lueker won $1.8 million dollars for sex and race harassment and constructive discharge for two female salespeople, one Black and one White, against their employer Mercedes Benz of St. Louis. The women, who were top salespeople at the dealership, were relentlessly harassed by their boss and Sales Manager of the dealership for several years. The jury returned a verdict for back pay and benefits, emotional distress, and punitive damages.
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$2,000,000 $2 Million Dollar Verdict
Ben Westhoff and Donna Harper won an invasion of privacy action for an individual whose history of addiction and medical issues were publicly discussed on air by the radio station where he worked. The jury awarded compensation for emotional distress and punitive damages.
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$3,500,000 $3.5 Million Settlement for Wrongful Death
Ben Westhoff and Erin Lueker resolved a wrongful death action for the family of a man who died suddenly after the tire fell off his vehicle as he drove home following service of the vehicle at a repair shop in St. Louis County. The repair shop had failed to secure the lug nuts on the wheel, which caused the car to crash and led to the man suffering a fatal heart attack at the scene.
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$350,000 $350,000 Discrimination Claim
In May 2022, Ben Westhoff settled an age discrimination claim against Phelps County Regional Medical Center in Rolla, Missouri. Three long-term Phelps Health employees shared the settlement after they were terminated in a what was called a “reorganization.”
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$395,000 $395,000 Settlement for Whistleblower Suit
Ben Westhoff and Mary Anne Sedey achieved a $395,000 settlement in an age discrimination and whistleblower suit that they litigated for over a year on behalf of an employee who was terminated from a Fortune 500 company.
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