Bedford, NH Employment Law Attorneys

We're Here to Fight for Your Rights

You're working hard at one of the office parks near South River Road. It feels like just another Tuesday. But then, something shifts. 

A comment crosses the line. A decision makes no sense. Suddenly, you’re pushed aside, targeted, or let go without warning. What once felt stable now feels like a threat.

Stress builds fast. You lose sleep. You question your future, your finances, even your self-worth. Our Bedford employment law attorneys at Horn Wright, LLP, understand how overwhelming this is. 

We’ve helped workers stand up for their rights and take back control. Whether you're dealing with discrimination, harassment, wrongful firing, or retaliation—our New Hampshire law firm is here to fight for the outcome you deserve.

Bedford Workplace Discrimination Isn't Just Wrong, It’s Illegal

Workplace discrimination doesn’t always scream. Sometimes, it whispers. 

Maybe you keep getting passed over for promotions. Maybe your hours were cut after you told your boss about a disability. Or maybe you're paid less than others doing the same job, just because of who you are.

That’s not just unfair. It may be illegal.

New Hampshire law bans employment discrimination based on race, sex, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, and disability. These protections apply to workplaces across Bedford, from local businesses to big office parks.

You might be facing discrimination if you’ve experienced:

• Denied promotions or raises despite strong performance. You keep exceeding goals, yet others get ahead. Patterns like that raise real concerns. Promotions may go to others with less experience or fewer results. It's a sign your contributions are being ignored or undervalued.
• Sudden job duty changes after disclosing a personal trait. These shifts can limit your role or set you up to fail. Employers may say it's just restructuring, but the timing often tells a different story. If your job changes right after disclosing something personal, it's worth a second look.
• Isolation from team events or training opportunities. Being excluded may seem small, but it can stunt your career and confidence. You might miss out on networking, mentorship, or tools that others receive. It slowly pushes you out of the team culture.

Discrimination causes lasting harm, emotionally and financially. You deserve more than a paycheck. You deserve dignity and fairness.

Workplace Harassment in Bedford: When the Office Turns Hostile

You wake up with a knot in your stomach. It’s not the job. It’s the people. Maybe it's one person. Maybe more. You dread seeing them in the hallway or hearing your phone buzz.

Harassment can take many forms. One day it's a joke that goes too far. The next, it’s invasive messages, mocking comments, or unwanted touching.

If it’s ongoing, targeted, and makes you feel unsafe or unwelcome—it could be harassment. If it’s tied to your race, gender, religion, or another protected trait, it’s likely illegal.

To protect yourself, start documenting everything.

• Write down what happened, when, and who was there. Notes should include dates, times, and what was said or done. Stick to facts and be consistent with your entries. This log can become your strongest piece of evidence.
• Save texts and emails. Keep them stored in a safe, private location outside of work systems. Even short messages can show a pattern of behavior. Never delete anything once a problem begins.
• Screenshot inappropriate messages. Capture the screen with visible names, dates, and details. Store them in a secure folder you can access later. Screenshots are often harder to dispute than printed text.
• List the names of witnesses. Identify anyone who saw or heard what happened. Coworkers may not speak up right away but might confirm your claims later. Having backup strengthens your case.

This record can turn your claim into something the law can act on.

Wrongful Termination in Bedford: Losing a Job for the Wrong Reasons

You’ve worked hard at a local shop near Bedford Mall. Out of the blue, you're called in and let go. No clear reason. No warning. Just shock.

Wrongful termination hits hard. You lose income, stability, and a sense of purpose. Often, you lose trust too. Maybe you were fired after reporting harassment. Maybe you refused to do something unethical. Or maybe you had a contract and your boss broke it.

Here’s what we’ve seen in Bedford:

• Retaliation for whistleblowing. After reporting issues, the punishment may start quietly but build fast. Write-ups, poor reviews, and isolation may follow. These tactics are often used to justify firing later.
• Termination due to a protected trait. Firing someone because of who they are isn’t just wrong. It’s illegal. Discrimination can sometimes be disguised as poor performance or restructuring. Look for patterns that suggest bias.
• Broken promises around job security. If you had verbal or written assurances, those may hold legal weight. A layoff that violates a contract, handbook, or long-standing agreement may be challenged. Don’t assume those words were meaningless.

New Hampshire law offers ways to make this right. But time matters. Waiting too long can mean losing your chance to act.

Wage and Hour Violations in Bedford: Get Paid What You’ve Earned

You show up early. Stay late. You do the work. But when the check comes, something’s off. It might be overtime that wasn’t paid or hours that vanished from the system.

You’re not alone. This happens in retail shops, restaurants, and warehouses all over Bedford. Some employers cut corners. Others take advantage.

Wage theft is illegal, under both state and federal law.

Watch out for signs like:

• Overtime paid at the regular rate or not at all. This cuts directly into the money you’ve earned. If your job expects extra hours, your pay should reflect that. Employers don’t get to rewrite federal law.
• Deductions for uniforms, tools, or register shortages. These costs belong to the business, not to you. If your paycheck keeps shrinking for reasons you don’t control, it's time to question it. Even small deductions add up fast.
• Clock-in records edited or hours rounded down. Reducing your hours by just 10 minutes per day costs you over an hour a week. These tweaks may seem harmless, but they’re stealing from your paycheck. Track your own time if you notice patterns.

If something doesn’t look right on your check, speak up. You're legally owed every dollar you earn.

Medical and Family Leave in Bedford: Protecting Your Time Off

Life doesn’t wait for a slow season. A parent gets sick. A baby arrives early. Your own health starts to falter. And yet, work still calls.

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) protects workers who need time off for serious health or family reasons. It covers up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for eligible employees.

New Hampshire also adds some protections, especially around pregnancy and caregiving.

Situations that may qualify include:

• Caring for a family member with a serious health issue. This includes care for parents, spouses, and children. Emotional and logistical support are both valid reasons for time off.
• Recovering from childbirth or major surgery. You shouldn't be rushed back to work while still healing. Whether it’s physical recovery or medical follow-up, this time is protected.
• Handling chronic conditions that flare up over time. Conditions like migraines, asthma, or anxiety may count. If they impact your job regularly, you may qualify for intermittent leave.

Some workers fear backlash for using leave. If you return to fewer hours, a demotion, or cold treatment—that could be retaliation.

Retaliation at Work in Bedford: When Speaking Up Backfires

You reported a problem. You asked for fairness. Instead of support, you got pushback. Suddenly, your schedule changed. Your performance was questioned. Or you were let go entirely.

That’s not just retaliation. It’s illegal. We often see retaliation in Bedford take these forms:

• Sudden write-ups after raising a concern. Write-ups can be used to build a false paper trail. If they appear out of nowhere, dig into the timing.
• Being left out of meetings or key updates. You may be excluded from conversations that affect your role. It’s a way to undercut your performance without saying it out loud.
• Changes in tone—cold, curt, or hostile behavior. This isn’t always loud, but it’s noticeable. Subtle tension after speaking up could point to retaliation.

If you think you’re being punished for doing the right thing, start writing things down. Keep messages. Save reviews. These details could help build your case.

Severance Agreements in Bedford: Don’t Sign Without Reading the Fine Print

Getting laid off is already tough. But then you’re handed paperwork. One document offers a payout—a few weeks' pay, maybe more. It’s called a severance agreement.

It may sound generous. But hidden inside could be clauses that limit your rights. Some block you from suing. Others bar you from talking about what happened or from working in your field for a year.

That’s a lot to give up. Especially without advice.

Our employment law attorneys can review the deal, explain what’s fair, and negotiate better terms. Some severance packages leave money on the table or add restrictions you don’t need. Don’t rush it.

How Employment Law Claims Work in Bedford

Filing a claim can feel like jumping into the deep end. But knowing the steps helps you stay afloat. Here's how the process usually works:

1. File a complaint with HR or your boss. This gets your concern in writing and shows you tried to resolve it. Keep copies of anything you submit.
2. Submit a claim to a state or federal agency. Agencies like the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) can investigate and offer support. This step often starts the official process.
3. Attend mediation, if offered. Mediation helps you and your employer find a middle ground. It’s private, faster, and often less stressful than court.
4. File a lawsuit, if necessary. Court may be the only option if earlier steps fail. Legal help makes a big difference at this stage.

Each stage has its own rules and timelines. But you don’t have to go alone.

Bedford's Most Asked Questions, Answered

How long do I have to file a claim?

You usually have 180 days to file a claim for discrimination and retaliation. Wage claims may allow more time.

What proof do I need?

Save emails, reviews, HR complaints, and witness names. Dates and details can make or break a case.

Can I be fired for reporting safety issues?

No. That’s considered retaliation.

Employment Help in Bedford: Where to Turn

Not sure where to go next? These resources can help:

• NH Department of Labor. Handles wage and hour issues. Offers complaint forms and wage claim support. Find guidance online or in-person.
• NH Commission for Human Rights. Investigates discrimination and harassment. Accepts online complaints and provides educational resources. They can also mediate cases.
• Town of Bedford Employment Services. Offers job search support. Includes résumé help, job fairs, and career coaching. They may connect you to other resources as well.

Why Bedford Trusts Horn Wright, LLP, with Employment Law

Our employment law attorneys at Horn Wright, LLP, take your workplace battles seriously. We’ve fought for employees across Bedford and seen what injustice can do. 

Our team blends legal skill with real compassion. We listen, we believe you, and we’re not afraid to go the distance. When your job, your income, and your self-respect are on the line—we show up and fight for you.

If you’re ready to stand up for your rights, one of the most trusted law firms in America is here to take over the legal battle. 

Call (603) 716-9415 today or leave a message online to request your complimentary case review.