When an employer makes decisions based on bias instead of merit, it violates state and federal law. A Burbank employment attorney can help you protect your rights and hold your employer accountable. To discuss your case, call (310) 499-0140 or contact YMS LLP online for a free and confidential consultation.
Why Choose Our Burbank Workplace Discrimination Attorneys
- Extensive Litigation Background: Our attorneys have successfully represented clients in state and federal courts, as well as arbitration, handling complex discrimination and retaliation cases.
- Personalized Legal Strategy: Each case receives hands-on attention from our attorneys, ensuring that every client’s unique goals and challenges are addressed.
- Proven Record of Results: With more than 85 years of combined experience, our legal team has recovered significant outcomes for employees across California.
Recognizing Workplace Discrimination
Discrimination in the workplace happens when an employer treats an employee or applicant unfairly because of a protected trait rather than their performance or qualifications. This behavior can be direct or subtle, often hiding behind company policies or biased decisions.
Examples of discriminatory conduct include:
- Denying promotions or raises for biased reasons
- Terminating or demoting employees after medical leave or pregnancy
- Refusing reasonable accommodations for disabilities
- Unequal pay for substantially similar work
- Harassing or isolating employees based on protected characteristics
Protected characteristics under California law include:
- Race or color
- Religion or creed
- Gender, sex, or gender identity
- Pregnancy or marital status
- Age (40 and over)
- Disability or medical condition
- National origin or ancestry
- Sexual orientation
- Military or veteran status
Even when discrimination is not openly expressed, patterns in decision-making or treatment may reveal unlawful bias.
Employee Protections Under California Law
California provides comprehensive protections against workplace discrimination under the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), found in Government Code §12940. This law prohibits employers with five or more employees from discriminating against or harassing individuals based on protected characteristics. Other key protections under FEHA include:
- Reasonable Accommodation: Employers must provide accommodations for employees with disabilities or religious needs unless it creates an undue hardship (Government Code §12940(m)).
- Protection from Retaliation: Employers cannot discipline or terminate workers who report discrimination or participate in an investigation (Government Code §12940(m)).
Fair Pay Requirements
The California Equal Pay Act (Labor Code §1197.5) ensures employees performing substantially similar work receive equal compensation regardless of gender, ethnicity, or background.
Employees who experience discrimination can seek damages for lost wages, emotional distress, and, in some cases, punitive damages intended to deter future misconduct.
How a Burbank Workplace Discrimination Attorney Can Help
Employment discrimination cases are complex and require a detailed understanding of California and federal law. A skilled employment attorney in LA can make a significant difference by:
- Conducting a Comprehensive Review: Assessing emails, evaluations, and workplace records to identify evidence of bias.
- Filing Administrative Complaints: Submitting claims to the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) within the legal deadlines.
- Negotiating Settlements: Advocating for fair compensation while avoiding unnecessary litigation when possible.
- Litigating in Court: Presenting a compelling case at trial if settlement efforts fail.
- Preventing Retaliation: Taking immediate legal action if your employer retaliates against you for asserting your rights.
Your attorney’s role is to ensure your claim is handled strategically, efficiently, and with your best interests at the forefront.
Take Action with YMS LLP
If you have been denied fair treatment at work because of who you are, call (310) 499-0140 or complete our online form to schedule a free and confidential consultation. Our Burbank workplace discrimination attorney will listen to your story, explain your rights, and help you pursue justice under California law.