Proven Employment Lawyer in New Mexico

Helping You Seek Relief When You Face Excessive Stress on the Job

Stress is pretty much a given in today’s work world. As employers continually demand more production from fewer workers, always seeking to increase the bottom line, everyone suffers, particularly those at the end of the production line. Medical research consistently shows that increased levels of stress, whether in the workplace or elsewhere, translate to physical illness, including heart disease, eating disorders and mental health issues. Unfortunately, many employers tend to treat victims of workplace stress differently than other employees.

Not all situations of workplace bullying or stress are protected.  However, if you have been subject to unfair or disparate treatment at work because of the way you’ve responded to workplace stress, you may have a claim based on discrimination. The offices of Buchanan Law can help.

At Buchanan Law, we offer more than two decades of employment law experience to workers throughout New Mexico. Though our principal office is in Albuquerque, we will travel to meet with you in person anywhere in New Mexico. We have a thorough knowledge of the state’s laws and court systems, as well as how New Mexico’s judges deal with employment law controversies. A highly skilled and respected litigator, Deena Buchanan has served as trial counsel in numerous high-profile, high-stakes lawsuits. She enjoys a well-earned reputation among clients, colleagues and judges for her meticulous preparation and calm demeanor in any situation.

At Buchanan Law, we recognize that no two legal claims are alike. We’ll listen carefully to learn the unique aspects of your claim, as well as what you personally need to resolve your case. To learn if you qualify for a free initial consultation, call our office at 505-900-3559 or contact us by e-mail.

Protecting Your Rights When You Face Excessive Workplace Stress

New Mexico is what is known as an “at-will” employment state. That means that either party to an employment arrangement can terminate the relationship for any reason, except in violation of contract, law or public policy. As a general rule, that means that your employer may be able to let you go or change your work assignment because of your response to job-related stress. There are situations, however, where we will aggressively protect your rights against such discrimination:

• Where your employer’s response constitutes a failure to make a “reasonable accommodation” under the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Human Rights Act. If your work-related stress qualifies as a “disability,” your employer must attempt to make a reasonable accommodation—offering you a less stressful position, some time off or different production goals.
• Where your employer takes wrongful action in retaliation for a request for protected time off under the FMLA. The Family and Medical Leave Act lets you take up to twelve weeks off (without pay) and have your job protected while you are gone. Your employer cannot take any punitive actions against you for requesting FMLA time.
• Where your employer creates a “hostile environment” based on your response to stress. This may include condoning or encouraging jokes, comments, pictures or other communications about psychiatric disabilities or conditions similar to what you are experiencing.

Contact an Experienced New Mexico Employment Law Attorney

Let us help determine if you have legal redress for your employer’s response to your workplace stress. To see if you qualify for a free initial consultation, contact our offices online or call us at 505-900-3559. We are available to meet with you outside of work hours, if necessary. All major credit cards are accepted.