State, Local & Common Laws

State and Local Laws

State and local employment laws vary by jurisdiction. Many of these laws correspond with federal law, but they often include modifications that may enhance employees’ rights and provide greater benefits to employees than federal law. Seek legal advice from local counsel licensed in your state to determine the applicability of such laws. Your attorney can provide information regarding state and local laws that may apply to your organization.

In addition to state and federal statutes, employees may look to general legal principles that also govern the employer-employee relationship. These general legal principles are known as common-law actions, and they’re based on judicial decisions instead of statutes.

Common-law Actions

Common-law actions may accompany federal or state remedies, or they may stand alone. They are potentially explosive for a number of reasons. Unlike their federal counterparts, common-law actions sometimes carry no cap on damages.

Also, various common-law claims rarely provide any exemptions or limitations that favor religious organizations or those with few employees. This section briefly highlights frequently pursued common-law actions.

Also, various common-law claims rarely provide any exemptions or limitations that favor religious organizations or those with few employees.