Maryland Employment Attorneys in Ocean City and Salisbury

CBM is the only firm on the Eastern Shore representing both plaintiffs and defendants in employment litigation. Our attorneys represent clients in disputes and claims involving discrimination, harassment, contract disputes, severance packages, workplace accommodations, and wrongful termination.

Employment Law Basics

Understanding Maryland At-Will Employment

Maryland is an "at-will" employment state, which means employers can take "adverse employment actions" against an employee – such as termination, demotion, decrease in pay or benefits – for almost any reason, including no reason or for reasons that are petty, arbitrary, and unfair. However, this rule has exceptions. Maryland employers cannot take actions against an employee for reasons that are illegal or violate Maryland public policy.

WHAT IS MARYLAND PUBLIC POLICY?

Employees in Maryland are protected by a number of state and federal laws. For example, Maryland employers cannot make employment decisions based on:

• Discrimination – your race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, genetic information, and marital status.
• Whistleblowing – properly reporting what you reasonably believe is illegal activity.
• Unpaid Wages – demanding full compensation for the work you do and that you be paid promptly.
• Family and Medical Leave – requesting unpaid time off to care for family members or treat medical issues.
• Workplace Accommodations – requesting reasonable accommodations due to a disability or illness.
• Unsafe Workplace – refusing to work when conditions are unsafe, unhealthy, or risk violence.
• Fraud and Criminal Conduct – refusing to engage in fraudulent business practices or criminal activity, even if you don't report the incident to the proper authorities.

The above are only some of the most common bases for employment law cases. Many more exist and we strongly recommend you consult a licensed and experienced Maryland employment lawyer.

WHAT CAN I RECOVER?

Every case is different, but depending on the unique facts of your case, you could potentially recover:

• Back Pay – back pay is the money you lost from your employer because of a wrongful termination. This can include wages, commissions, bonuses, and other monetary benefits.
• Front Pay – front pay refers to projected future earnings you lost because it's not possible to restore you to your old position
• Emotional Distress – mistreatment at work and getting fired from your job can cause stress, anxiety, depression, and other health complications. Even if you don't seek treatment from a medical professional some costs may still be recoverable.
• Attorneys' Fees and Costs – some state and federal laws allow you to recover the money you spent on the lawsuit.
• Punitive Damages – if your employer's behavior was especially egregious or malicious, they may have to pay punitive damages as punishment and to deter others from engaging in similar conduct.

DO I NEED AN EMPLOYMENT LAWYER?

If you have any doubts about how you were treated by your employer, we strongly recommend scheduling a consultation with an experienced Maryland employment lawyer. An attorney can help you determine whether you have a viable claim before you've invested time and money in the process.

Even in the most straightforward employment cases, the laws involved are complicated and the court system moves slowly. An attorney will help you navigate these obstacles, avoid having your case thrown out on technicalities, and build a strong case.

Finally, most employment law cases - over 95% - settle before they go to trial. An attorney can help you negotiate the best settlement possible.

Here, at CBM, our attorneys have extensive experience investigating employment claims and helping our clients obtain justice. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Disclaimer: The information presented on this site is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject matter. The operation of this website does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Cockey Brennan & Maloney, P.C.