Pasadena Workplace Discrimination Lawyer

Workplace discrimination can be traumatizing. Those who have experienced discrimination at their workplace may be wondering how to seek compensation. The employment discrimination laws in California exist to make sure employers are held accountable for poor behavior and to help create a positive work environment for employees. A Pasadena workplace discrimination lawyer can determine if you have grounds for a claim and help you begin the process.

At MM Law, Marelle Messrelian and her experienced team have helped many Pasadena residents navigate complex employment law matters, holding employers accountable for discrimination and harassment. We understand how challenging, frustrating, and emotional these cases can be, and we’re here to support you throughout the legal process with empathy and compassion.

According to the Civil Rights Department, there were 14,982 cases of workplace discrimination filed in 2023. These cases involved discrimination against employees due to gender, race, pregnancy, and more. Discrimination can take place in many different fields. Whether you work in a restaurant or at a hospital, your rights should be protected.

What Is Workplace Discrimination?

Everyone deserves to work in an environment without fear of discrimination, harassment, or mistreatment of any kind. Under workplace harassment laws, you also have the right to do your job without any issues relating to a protected characteristic, such as a disability or your religion.

Workplace discrimination can come from co-workers, employers, managers, and other people in your place of work, such as clients or customers. Discriminatory behaviors can include:

• Unfair treatment: It is illegal to discriminate against you based on your race, religious background, sex, or age. Unfair treatment can include anything related to hiring or wrongful termination, promotions, wage and hour, or training.
• Harassment: ​​If you are treated offensively based on your race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, or genetic information, this could be classified as harassment. Workplace harassment is anything that is offensive, intimidating, or hostile. Offensive jokes, physical assaults or threats, and insults can also be classified as harassment.
• Inappropriate questions about your genetic and medical information: It is not acceptable for an employer to ask if you have a disability when you apply for a job. They also cannot ask you about your medical history unless you request an accommodation or they believe a specific medical condition would prevent you from safely performing your job duties.
• Denial of a reasonable workplace adjustment due to your religious beliefs or disability: This may include the ability to take leave for religious holidays, job reassignments, and alternatives to workplace policies or practices.

Anti-Discrimination Laws in California

It’s estimated that 91% of people believe they have experienced workplace discrimination. The Fair Employment and Housing Act expressly prohibits any type of discrimination based on characteristics such as race, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, nation of origin, age, medical condition, veteran status, and more. Discrimination based on these things can look like:

• Firing someone
• Not hiring someone
• Creating a work policy that only benefits certain types of people
• 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 law protects the following people from workplace discrimination:

• Current employees
• Job applicants
• Independent contractors
• 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 discriminated 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 Pasadena 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 Lawyer Can Help

Navigating a case can be tricky, but a Pasadena workplace discrimination attorney can help. Not only will an attorney provide you with sound legal advice, but they can also help you:

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

FAQs

Q: Should I Tell HR I’m Getting a Lawyer?

A: It is not recommended to tell HR you are getting a lawyer. It is advised to be more strategic. If you tell HR, you risk tensions at work if you are still employed there. Instead, collect evidence, keep documents of everything, and consult with an attorney first. A legal representative can help you decide when and how to disclose your legal steps, if at all, in a way that protects your rights and your job status.

Q: Should I Hire a Workplace Discrimination Lawyer for My Case in Pasadena?

A: You should hire a workplace discrimination lawyer for your case in Pasadena. An attorney can help you understand your rights, meet strict filing deadlines, and avoid common mistakes. If your case moves into settlement talks or court, a lawyer becomes even more essential to navigate the process and protect your rights and interests.

Q: Is It Worth It to File a Claim for Discrimination?

A: It can be worth it to file a claim for discrimination depending on many factors, such as the strength of your evidence, your emotional endurance, and the potential compensation. Discrimination cases are often lengthy and stressful. If you have clear proof and damages, like lost wages or emotional distress, a claim may succeed. A lawyer can assess your case’s viability.

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.