Everyone should have a workplace where they feel safe. Unfortunately, workplace discrimination is a common element throughout all fields of labor. If you believe that you are the victim of discrimination, speak with a La Cañada Flintridge workplace discrimination lawyer.
At MM Law, we understand how difficult it can be to endure workplace discrimination. Our founder, Maralle Messrelian, has years of experience representing the people of La Cañada Flintridge and greater Southern California in matters involving Employment Law. We also assist clients facing complex Wage and Hour disputes, ensuring that their rights are protected in the workplace. We maintain a small team so that we can give personalized attention to each client’s case. With us, you are treated as a person, rather than just another case.
Workplace discrimination in California is defined as unfair, unequal, or cruel behavior towards a person based on prejudice of a characteristic defined in California Government Code §12940. Workplace discrimination can come from many sources, such as co-workers, bosses, or anyone in your place of work. California also has strict workplace harassment laws that protect employees from mistreatment tied to these characteristics. Some examples of protected characteristics include: Some examples of protected characteristics include:
Workplace discrimination cases in California are, unfortunately, common. In 2023, the Civil Rights Department (CRD) received 14,982 cases that they immediately approved for further legal action taken by the victims, with thousands more cases requiring further investigation.
Workplace discrimination cases can be challenging for you to handle on your own. Companies can have extensive legal resources to protect themselves and add pressure against you. Hire a workplace discrimination lawyer who can help you with the various steps in your case.
Your La Cañada Flintridge workplace discrimination attorney can represent your interests and provide the needed guidance to get the compensation you deserve. Your attorney can aid in the following steps in discrimination cases:
It is important to establish if your case is viable before filing an official workplace discrimination complaint. A workplace discrimination lawyer can go over your case. Some key factors they may consider are whether the discrimination was based on protected characteristics, whether there were material effects from the incidents, and whether the company has five or more employees.
Evidence is a critical part of any workplace discrimination case. Once you suspect that you have been a victim of discrimination, begin collecting any relevant documentation. Work emails or texts, pay stubs, notes on the time and date of incidents, and witness accounts are all excellent resources to have later on. Your attorney can help decide what evidence to focus on.
California does not require a discrimination report to a company’s human resources department before filing a claim. However, doing so can be beneficial in your case, as courts tend to examine whether you tried to get the issues resolved internally. Speak with your workplace discrimination attorney to decide whether to approach HR or your employer.
If filing an internal report does not solve the issue or you decide to forgo that step, the next part of a workplace discrimination case is to file a complaint with the CRD. You may do so through their online form, by mail, or in person. The closest office to La Cañada Flintridge is located in downtown Los Angeles on 4th Street, a few blocks from Pershing Square.
The CRD will review your evidence, may contact your employer, and can investigate your case. A right-to-sue notice from the CRD is required before you can file a claim against your employer. You may get one either through an investigation or by immediate request. After receiving the letter, you can file a claim.
The vast majority of workplace discrimination claims are resolved before reaching trial, making the negotiation process a crucial aspect in getting just compensation. Having a workplace discrimination attorney can largely affect the monetary damages you qualify for and receive. If your case does go to trial, your attorney can represent you against your employer’s legal team.
The length of a workplace discrimination case in La Cañada Flintridge, CA, relies on the details of the case. Case timelines can range from a few months to years. Whether the CRD requires an investigation can affect when the claim can be filed. Litigation for a workplace discrimination case depends on how quickly a settlement can be reached or if a trial is needed. Case timelines vary on a case-by-case basis.
How you prove workplace discrimination in La Cañada Flintridge, CA, depends on the evidence. Having physical documentation of unfair treatment, witnesses that affirm harassment, and clear timelines can all contribute to proof. Failure to document incidents or waiting too long can be detrimental in showing that discrimination occurred. Begin collecting evidence early on in the process.
When approaching your La Cañada Flintridge workplace discrimination case, it’s understandable to want to know the average settlement for a claim in California. Discrimination claims have no set average in the state. Compensation is based on the type of discrimination, the severity of the offense, and other details specific to your case. Speak with a workplace discrimination attorney to get an estimate for what you may be eligible to receive.
How much a workplace discrimination attorney costs depends on a variety of variables, such as the complexity of the case, the work hours required, and the fee structure. At MM Law, we charge all our cases on a contingency fee basis. This payment model means that we only charge you if we win compensation from your employer. Speak with our team to discuss a potential payment percentage based on winning your case.
The team at MM Law cares about the trauma you’ve experienced. Contact us today for a free consultation so we can learn your story. You may also visit our downtown Glendale office—located on N Brand Boulevard, a few blocks from the Museum of Neon Art.