At Elite Employment Law we understand that workplace discrimination is a serious issue affecting many employees across the state. If you have experienced discrimination while working or seeking employment in California, it is important to know your rights and the options available to hold employers accountable for their actions.
If you think you may have been discriminated against by your employer, seek the advice of a proven Laguna Hills discrimination attorney. Call today to schedule your free initial consultation.
The Process of Filing a Discrimination Complaint
Before pursuing a lawsuit against an employer for discrimination in California, it’s necessary to file a complaint with the Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH). This step is essential as you must exhaust all available administrative remedies before hiring a Laguna Hills employment lawyer.
Our attorney can guide you through this process, including:
- Filing the initial complaint with DFEH
- Requesting an immediate right-to-sue notice (if appropriate)
- Filing the complaint in California Superior Court
- Serving the complaint on your employer and other relevant parties
Recognizing Signs of Workplace Discrimination
Discrimination in the workplace can occur in many ways. Common indicators include:
- Biased hiring practices
- Mockery or harassment based on protected characteristics
- Unequal application of workplace rules
- Unjustified changes in work responsibilities or compensation
- Exclusion from important events or meetings
- Unexplained negative performance assessments
Protected Characteristics Under California Law
The California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) prohibits discrimination based on numerous protected characteristics, including:
- Race and color
- National origin and ancestry
- Age (40 and over)
- Religion
- Disability (mental and physical)
- Sex and gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions)
- Sexual orientation
- Gender identity and gender expression
- Medical condition
- Genetic information
- Marital status
- Military and veteran status
Forms of Employment Discrimination
Discrimination can occur at any stage of employment, including:
- During the hiring process
- In promotion and advancement decisions
- Through unfair termination or constructive discharge
- Denying training opportunities or benefits
- Through harassment or the creation of a hostile work environment
- By failing to provide reasonable accommodations
Discrimination in the Hiring Process
Even if you weren’t hired, you may still have experienced discrimination. Be wary of inappropriate questions during interviews or on job applications regarding protected characteristics. While employers may inquire about your ability to perform essential job functions, they generally cannot require medical or psychological exams unless all applicants are subject to the same requirements.
Potential Damages
The facts of your case, including the length of employment, your specific employer, and much more play into the damages you may claim in an employment discrimination lawsuit.
Possible monetary damages from an employment discrimination case may include:
- Loss of income from a missed promotion or a demotion
- Lost wages
- Lost benefits
- Emotional trauma
- Attorneys’ fees and legal costs
- In rare cases, you could receive punitive damages if the employer’s behavior was egregious.
Depending on your case, you could be entitled to other types of monetary damages. Additionally, you may be able to seek equitable remedies that force your employer to take specific actions. A court could order an employer to hire you or to provide reasonable accommodations for you to do your job.
Speak to a Laguna Hills Discrimination Lawyer Today
Employment law is complex and always changing. Attempting to navigate a discrimination case on your own can be overwhelming and time-consuming.
Don’t let fear or hesitation prevent you from seeking justice. If you reside in Laguna Hills or surrounding areas and have been discriminated against by your employer, contact our discrimination attorney at Elite Employment Law today for a free consultation. Let us stand up for your rights and help you achieve the fair treatment you deserve in the workplace.