Civil Rights
Under U.S. federal laws, the most notable of which is Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, Americans are automatically accorded fair and equal treatment to be free from unfair discrimination. These civil rights cannot be violated by anyone and they extend equal protection to all regardless of sexual orientation, veteran status, religion, nationality, pregnancy, disability, age, race, or gender. Are you dealing with civil rights issues in your workplace? Learn more
Disability Discrimination Claim
Workers with mental or physical disabilities are protected under state and federal laws. Employers cannot refuse to provide such employees with reasonable accommodations to allow them to work, but it is vitally important to also understand that not every person with a medical condition is protected. Learn more
Employment Contract Violation
Most employees in California are considered to be working for their employer “at-will.” That means they can be terminated at any time. Other workers have contracts that detail their salary, term of employment and other details relating to their work duties. Offer letters do not constitute an employment contract. However, if you have a contract that clearly states a term of employment and outlines penalties to the employer for ending that contract early, you may have the legal right to compensation. Learn more
Family and Medical Leave Act Claims
Eligible workers are entitled to 12 workweeks of leave in a year under the auspices of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) without being terminated, provided they have been employed for at least 12 months for a private-sector company with 50 or more workers, a public/private elementary/secondary school or a public agency. Learn more
Gender Discrimination
An individual may not legally be denied a job or promotion because of their gender. Under federal and state laws, everyone has the right to be treated fairly, receive fair compensation for work, and be entitled to opportunities in the workplace no matter what their gender may be. Unfortunately, gender discrimination may occur in termination practice, hiring practices, failing to promote certain individuals or unfair job standards. Learn more
Hostile Work Environment
Employers are responsible for offering and maintaining a healthy and safe workplace. However, some employers do not offer that kind of a workplace, and as a result workers are trying to perform their jobs in a hostile and discriminatory environment. Those affected have the right to file a complaint against their employer. If no action is taken to remedy the situation, the worker may be entitled to compensation. Learn more
Pregnancy Discrimination
An employer is prohibited from making any decisions relating to a worker based on pregnancy. This can also include, childbirth or any conditions or other aspects associated with pregnancy and childbirth, such as breastfeeding or medical conditions, such as preeclampsia or diabetes. Any form of discrimination in relation to a woman’s pregnancy is strictly forbidden in every aspect of a workplace, such as: fringe benefits, termination, assignments, training, hiring and promotions. Pregnancy discrimination is in violation of numerous federal and state laws. Learn more
Racial Discrimination
Federal and state laws prohibit racial discrimination in all aspects of employment, including the hiring process, promotions, benefit assignment, compensation, job assignment and training. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act forbids employers from discriminating against workers based on race, color or national origin. Learn more
Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment in the workplace is illegal. It is completely unacceptable behavior and if you are the victim of perpetual harassment at work, you have the right to put a halt to it by speaking up. Your actions may help protect others. You have numerous legal options to deal with this kind of unlawful and objectionable behavior. Learn more
Types of Employment Discrimination
What is discrimination? Discrimination usually involves refusing to hire, failing to reemploy, discharging, failing to promote, harassing, or discriminating against a person with respect to any other term, condition, or privilege of employment. Learn more
Unpaid Wage Violation
You have the right to get paid for all the hours that you have worked. If you have not received payment for the hours you worked, you may be able to file a claim against your employer. If your employer is in violation of the existing labor laws or unjustly withheld wages speak to an experienced unpaid wage violation attorney. Learn more
Whistleblower Retaliation
Is your employer engaging in illegal activity? Do you want to blow the whistle, but are afraid of retaliation? Under legislation referred to as whistleblower or qui tam legislation, your employer cannot penalize you in any way for exposing their conduct to the course of justice. Should the employer act in retaliation, victims are legally entitled to file a lawsuit and claim lost wages, possibly punitive damages and compensation for emotional and psychological distress. Learn more
Wrongful Termination
California is an “at will” state, meaning employers may terminate an employment relationship for any cause or no cause at all, even if the reason is dubious. However, an employer is not allowed to fire workers for reasons that are retaliatory or discriminatory, as defined by the state. In sum, an employer may fire an employee as long as there is no unlawful conduct present. Otherwise, they may be sued by the wronged employee. Learn more