How to Prove Discrimination at Work in California

Employment discrimination is illegal, but it happens every day. It does not always look the same, though. Sometimes discrimination is obvious, but other times, it can be more subtle. Discrimination can appear in many forms for several protected categories. If you are wondering how to prove discrimination at work in California, MM Law can help.

When you contact a California workplace discrimination attorney from our firm, we can help gather evidence, file a formal complaint with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD), and pursue litigation. Having an experienced lawyer on your side can help you receive the justice you deserve.

If you have experienced employment discrimination, you are not alone. In 2023, the CRD reported 4,072 employment complaints and 14,982 employment right-to-sue complaints. Our firm has handled a wide variety of employment discrimination cases, and we know that no two situations are the same.

How MM Law Can Help

Choosing your legal representation is a big decision. When looking for the right attorney, you need someone who will fight for you and keep you in the know throughout the entire legal process. At MM Law, we treat your case personally. Our firm never sees you as a number. Instead, we welcome you into our family with the following values:

• Integrity
• Empathy
• Compassion
• Professionalism
• Honest communication
• Commitment to excellence
• Dedication to achieving justice

By applying years of legal knowledge to your case, we can defend your rights while ensuring the court hears you.

What Is Workplace Discrimination?

Discrimination occurs when someone receives unfair treatment because of certain characteristics. It can occur in many places, but when it happens at work, there are laws that protect you. The California Civil Rights Department handles employment discrimination cases in the state and gives claimants the right to sue.

Workplace discrimination cases occur due to discrimination against a person based on any of the following:

• Race, color
• Religion
• National origin
• Age (40+)
• Mental and physical disability
• Sex and gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions)
• Gender identity and expression
• Sexual orientation
• Medical condition
• Genetic information
• Marital status
• Military or veteran status
• Reproductive health decisions

Workplace discrimination can negatively impact all areas of your life. When discrimination comes between you and your source of income, there can be significant financial costs. Fortunately, the law provides legal protections that allow you to recover what you have lost.

Workplace Discrimination Penalties

If you have experienced discrimination at work, your employer is subject to penalties, which can include fines, front pay, back pay, court and attorney fees, punitive damages, and emotional distress damages. Workplace discrimination violates both state and federal law. The total cost can be substantial.

How to Prove Discrimination at Work in California

Proving workplace discrimination is a process that requires taking careful steps in the legal system. Our workplace discrimination lawyer can help you prove your discrimination case to a judge. As part of their job responsibilities, a lawyer can help you:

• Understand workplace discrimination in California: In California, workplace discrimination is illegal across multiple categories. The first step in seeking justice is understanding how someone discriminated against you.
• Recognize discrimination indicators: Signs of workplace discrimination can look like receiving disparate treatment compared to colleagues, being excluded from meetings or social events, or inappropriate comments or jokes.
• Document potential discrimination: If you believe you are being discriminated against, having proper documentation to prove your case can make all the difference. Keep a record of all communication and try to implement recording tools, such as video, whenever possible.
• Gather evidence: When you are good at keeping documentation, gathering evidence can be a lot simpler. Look for everything you can use to support your claim in court.
• Call witnesses: Witness testimonies can carry significant weight in a discrimination case. If someone sees or hears workplace discrimination occur, they may be able to give testimony to further strengthen your case.

Proving workplace discrimination can be complex, but a knowledgeable lawyer can significantly simplify it for you.

Why Should I Hire a Workplace Discrimination Lawyer?

Navigating workplace discrimination without the help of an attorney can be very difficult. Not only can a lawyer provide legal guidance, but they can also advocate and negotiate on your behalf and represent your case in court. A workplace discrimination lawyer is familiar with the law and how to apply it to your case.

FAQs

What Should I Do if I Feel Discriminated Against at Work?

If you feel discriminated against at work, the first thing you should do is reach out to our employment law attorney for help. Maralle Messrelian at MM Law can help you begin a formal CRD complaint and assist you through every step of the legal process in civil court at the Glendale Courthouse.

Is Workplace Harassment a Form of Discrimination?

Workplace harassment can be a form of discrimination if the harassment targets an employee because of a protected category, such as race, age, sex, or disability. The Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) protects workers against workplace harassment and discrimination by making it unlawful for employers and coworkers to engage in such misconduct.

What Evidence Do I Need to Prove Discrimination at Work?

To prove discrimination at work, you need evidence that shows that you belong to a legally protected category and received unfair treatment. This can include emails, text messages, documentation of different treatments compared to co-workers, and statements from witnesses. When you hire a workplace discrimination lawyer, they can help you gather the necessary evidence.

What Are Five Examples of Discrimination in the Workplace?

Five examples of discrimination in the workplace include discrimination based on age, disability, race, sex, and sexual orientation. Keep in mind that workplace discrimination can occur during hiring, promotions, terminations, compensation, or job assignments. If an employer made you uncomfortable or treated you unfairly because of a protected characteristic, you may have experienced discrimination.

Contact an Employment Discrimination Lawyer Today

When you find yourself wondering how to prove discrimination at work in California, it is time to call a lawyer for help. No one should have to be miserable at a place where they spend hours of their time almost every day. MM Law is ready to hear your case and help you through this difficult time. Seek justice today.