But at Horowitz & Rubinoff, everyone does not just gather evidence but also assist to organize them properly. This includes:
-Document storage and retention or its safeguarding and easy retrievability is another service.
-Magnifying such key pieces of evidence that supports your argument the most.
-Learning about the missing links in your evidence and guidance on how to fill it.
-We also employ consultants where required like a computer forensic analyst for communication related cases or an actuary in a wages quarrel case.
All pieces of evidence are collected, and then they are positioned consistently to make your case as strong as possible in anticipation of a fair hearing or judgement in a court of law
Real-Life Example: A Harassment Case
In harassment cases it is very important to have reasons and evidence pointing to a hostile or unwelcome environment at the workplace. Let’s consider a real-life scenario to illustrate how evidence plays a pivotal role:
Scenario
The Equality Act were violated when an employee accused her supervisor of sexual harassment. In the course of the employment relationship, the employee receives sexual harassment in the form of propositions and thereafter nasty remarks and revenge from the supervisor when she declines the offers. To build a strong case, the following evidence is collected:
-Emails or Texts: The examples of such messages will include those that have termed out wrong behaviors, for example through the use of inappropriate language or undue personal comments.
-HR Reports: Records which prove that the employee did report the incidents to the Human Resource but nothing was done, or what was done was inadequate.
-Witness Accounts: Statements by other colleagues who witnessed the behaviour or were subjects to related occurrences.
The three types of evidence make a coherent picture of the harassment and support the case of the employee.
Safeguarding Your Evidence
Custody of evidence is just as important as gathering it. Contamination or loss of evidence greatly reduces your chances of winning an apeal or even leads to dismissal of such claims. At Horowitz & Rubinoff, there is an emphasis placed on the security of storage, and advice on how best to preserve the unity, identity and coherency of your information.
Recommendations for the protection of evidence
Digital Evidence: Store emails, text messages and other digital communication in a safe place.
Back up the files many times on encrypted drives or saving them at cloud services to avoid the loss.
Physical Evidence: Ensure that contract files are stored offsite, reports and records such as those in the Human Resources department, and other disciplinary records should be kept in a cool dry place.
Make it easy to get to some papers; one should use labeled folders or binders to save documents for the court.
Witness Coordination: Keep a record of everyone who may be a witness to the incident together with their details and brief statements.
The need to inform apparent witnesses to make, preserve or retain records or statements of the subject of the permissible purpose for the purposes of their showing.
Avoid Sharing Evidence Prematurely: Some co-workers may harm your case if you expose yourself by sharing the evidence with them or posting it on a social platform.