Employment Attorney in Northeast Ohio
Protecting Your Rights at Work
Workplace injustice is more common than many realize. As an experienced employment attorney in Northeast Ohio, attorney Harry Bernstein provides aggressive representation for employees who’ve been wrongfully terminated, discriminated against, or denied their rights under state and federal labor laws.
Whether you’re facing disability discrimination, FMLA violations, sexual harassment, or retaliation, we help you fight back and take control of your future. Harry Bernstein has the experience and insight to guide you through complex employment matters and achieve the outcome you deserve.
Why Choose Us
The Insider Perspective
Before becoming an attorney, Harry managed employment matters and compliance for his family’s distribution business. This firsthand experience provides unique insight into how HR departments and companies handle disputes—and uncovering when they’re hiding liability.
Simplifying Complicated Language
Employment law can feel overwhelming and full of legal jargon. Harry provides clear, actionable guidance, translating complex laws into strategies you’ll understand so you can make informed decisions about your case.
Results-Driven Representation
We don’t just send letters—we deliver real results. Harry recently secured a $100,000 settlement for a client in a workplace dispute, and we’re ready to fight for you.
Protecting Your Livelihood
Losing your job or workplace benefits isn’t just a legal issue—it’s a financial crisis that affects your entire family. We act swiftly to recover lost wages, benefits, and damages so you can move forward.
When Workplace Conflicts Arise
Even with legal protections, employees often encounter disputes that impact:
- Wages and Benefits
- Career Advancement
- Job Security
- Workplace Safety and Overall Well-Being
Common employment law issues include:
- Discrimination or Harassment
- Wrongful Termination or Retaliation
- Overtime and Wage Disputes
- Benefits or Contract Violations
- Workers’ Compensation or FMLA Violations
If you feel unsupported, ignored, or intimidated by your employer, it’s important to consult with an experienced employment law attorney to protect your rights and livelihood.
Wrongful Discharge in Ohio
Ohio is an at-will employment state, meaning employers can generally terminate you at any time for nearly any reason—but there are important exceptions.
Your termination may be illegal if it was due to:
- Discrimination based on gender, race, national origin, or age.
- Retaliation for filing a workers’ compensation claim or reporting illegal activity.
- Disability status or taking medical leave (FMLA violations).
- Military service protections under USERRA laws.
- Whistleblowing or revealing employer misconduct.
Additionally, employment contract violations may provide grounds for a legal claim.
Possible Remedies
If your employer acted unlawfully, you may be entitled to:
- Reinstatement to Your Prior Position
- Back Pay for Lost Wages
- Recovery of Lost Benefits
- Compensation for Emotional Distress
- Court Costs, Attorney Fees, and Sometimes Punitive Damages
Act quickly—employment claims often have short deadlines, some as short as six months for discrimination cases.
Family and Medical Leave (FMLA)
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) protects eligible employees by allowing them to take unpaid, job-protected leave for certain family or medical reasons.
Eligibility Requirements
- Employer has over 50 employees for more than 20 weeks per year.
- Employee has worked 12 months and 1,250 hours in the past year.
FMLA leave can be taken for:
- Personal serious health conditions.
- Caring for a family member with a serious health condition.
- Bonding with a newborn, adopted, or foster child.
- Military family leave (up to 26 weeks in some cases).
While FMLA leave is unpaid, it protects your job and benefits during your absence. If your employer retaliates, demotes, or fires you for taking FMLA leave, you could have legal grounds to take action.
Disability Discrimination
Employees with disabilities are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Ohio state law. Disability discrimination occurs when your employer takes adverse action—such as termination or demotion—because of your disability, or fails to provide reasonable accommodations.
Reasonable accommodations may include:
- Modified Work Schedules
- Assistive Technology or Ergonomic Equipment
- Remote Work or Hybrid Options
- Other Adjustments That Enable You to Perform the Essential Functions of Your Job
Compensation for Disability Discrimination
If you’ve been the victim of disability discrimination, state and federal laws provide the opportunity for financial recovery. Remedies may include:
- Back pay and front pay for lost wages.
- Recovery of lost benefits (e.g., health insurance or retirement contributions).
- Emotional distress damages.
- Attorney fees and punitive damages to hold your employer accountable.
- Possible reinstatement to your position in extreme cases.
Take note: Filing deadlines for discrimination claims may be as short as 180 days, so acting quickly is critical.
Your Next Step
Employment disputes—whether involving wrongful termination, discrimination, FMLA violations, or disabilities—are emotionally and financially draining. The good news? You don’t have to face them alone.
Attorney Harry Bernstein provides personalized, aggressive, and results-focused advocacy for employees dealing with:
- Wrongful Termination
- Discrimination or Harassment
- Retaliation or FMLA Violations
- Disability Discrimination and Accommodation Issues
Contact us today for a consultation. Together, we’ll defend your rights, pursue justice for your losses, and help you take control of your future.