Burbank Workplace Discrimination Lawyer

Burbank Workplace Discrimination Attorney

Anti-Discrimination Laws in California

Ninety-one percent of workers report some type of discrimination in the workplace. The Fair Employment and Housing Act expressly prohibits any type of discrimination based on characteristics such as race, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, nation of origin, age, medical condition, veteran status, age, and more. Discrimination based on these things can look like:

• Not hiring someone
• Demoting or refusing to promote an employee
• Firing someone
• Creating a work policy that only benefits certain types of people
• Not accommodating needs based on things like religion or disability
• Allowing employees to harass others in the workplace
• Not giving employees a lactation break
• Discriminating against those who speak another language

In California, employers with five or more employees can be held accountable for the above and more. Federally, the workplace must have at least 15 employees. The people who are protected from workplace discrimination include:

• Current employees
• Job applicants
• Independent contractors (but this involves harassment only)
• Immediate family members
• Unpaid interns
• Temporary employees
• Volunteers

Establishing a Claim for Workplace Discrimination or Harassment in California

To establish a claim, you must show that you belong to a protected class and provide evidence that your employer practiced discrimination against you because you belong to that protected class.

The law also protects you from employers retaliating against you because you filed the charges. Retaliation can include things like a demotion, not being included in meetings, or receiving a negative performance review. If retaliation is happening, that might be grounds for another type of claim.

A Burbank workplace discrimination lawyer understands how important it is to file in a timely manner, and they can guide you through deciding if you have a case and filing the charges.

How a Workplace Discrimination and Harassment Lawyer Can Help

Navigating a discrimination or harassment case on your own can be daunting. You can help build your case by:

• Keeping track of records, including the names and dates of events
• Safeguarding evidence, like emails, text messages, communication with HR, performance evaluations, and more
• Following your workplace’s defined procedures, which usually means filing a complaint with HR and speaking with your supervisor

Most employers have their own legal team that is prepared to represent the company. Hiring your own Burbank workplace discrimination lawyer will not only provide you with sound legal advice, but they can also help you:

• Determine if your case is viable
• Collect evidence
• Interview witnesses
• Negotiate for a fair settlement
• Maximize the settlement you might receive
• Avoid pitfalls
• Represent you if the case goes to trial

There are different types of compensation and damages you might be entitled to, such as back pay, attorney fees, reinstatement of your job, compensation for pain and suffering, and punitive damages, which are intended to punish the defendant in more serious cases. An experienced employment lawyer can help you pursue these claims effectively.

FAQs

Q: Is It Worth Suing an Employer for Discrimination?

A: There are pros and cons to suing an employer for discrimination. If you’ve suffered at the hands of your employer, you are within your rights to seek compensation. Another benefit might be stopping harmful behavior from happening to others. You could protect your rights and the rights of others in the workplace by holding your employer accountable. You could also receive compensation to make up for things like the loss of wages if you had to quit your job, and a wage and hour lawyer can help you recover what you’re owed.

Q: How Do I Prove Discrimination at Work in California?

A: Proving that discrimination occurred in the workplace requires hard evidence. Direct evidence is often the most convincing type, but circumstantial evidence can be worthwhile as well, especially if it helps to prove a pattern of behavior. Emails, text messages, photos, recordings, and more can be useful in proving that discrimination occurred.

Q: How Much Is a Workplace Discrimination Claim Worth?

A: Every case is different, so it’s difficult to give an average for how much a workplace discrimination claim is worth. Common forms of damages might involve loss of back and front pay, emotional distress, punitive damages, and legal costs.

Most employment discrimination laws, including California workplace harassment laws, allow employees to collect lost wages. Some federal laws, like the ADA and Title VII, cap the maximum amount of compensation at $300,000, but other laws, like Section 1981 and some state laws, do not have a cap.

Q: How Much Can You Sue for Discrimination in Burbank, California?

A: In Burbank, California, there is no maximum amount that you can sue for discrimination. The average amount of damages varies significantly. Multiple factors affect how much you might receive, including how strong your evidence is, the type of claim, the severity, how big the company is, and the company’s willingness to settle.

Contact MM Law Today

You don’t have to fight this alone. At MM Law, our values and standards guide our practice. We believe in professionalism, integrity, empathy, and honest communication with our clients. With years of experience, we can guide you through the legal process and aim for a successful outcome.

Because we aren’t a large firm, our clients receive personalized attention and focus. We are also a contingency law firm, which means you won’t pay unless you receive compensation.

Contact our team today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you.