Workplace discrimination lawsuits effectively hold companies liable when they violate employment law. In addition, workplace discrimination actions can be started to stop illegal behavior and offer compensatory damages to workers who have been discriminated against.
Learn below why you should hire an attorney if you think you have been discriminated against on the job. Law Office of Joseph Richards P.C. may be able to assist in your Orange County workplace discrimination case.
Do You Have A Valid Workplace Discrimination Case?
According to state and federal law, workplace discrimination cases are for workers in a protected category. In addition, several laws describe the protected classes that could qualify for a workplace discrimination case.
What Are The Common Types of Workplace Discrimination Cases?
There are many types of employment discrimination that can lead to a lawsuit, such as discrimination for
- Sex and gender
- Pregnancy
- Disability
- Taking leave under the Family & Medical Leave Act
- Race
- Religious beliefs
- Sexual harassment
- Workplace retaliation
- Age
Employer discrimination cases are usually complicated, and companies typically contest them. You can bet your employer will have a team of lawyers to fight your claim. That is why it is critical to have an Orange County workplace discrimination attorney fighting for you for these reasons:
There Are Complex Laws With Strict Deadlines
State and federal discrimination laws could be relevant to your claim, including those administered by the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). You must have a workplace discrimination attorney who understands the laws that could apply to your situation. Your attorney will know the time limits you must follow to file your complaint.
Collecting Discrimination Evidence Is Complex
It is easy to say you were discriminated against at work, but how do you prove it? The alleged discrimination against you could be subtle, and no employer will ever admit they acted illegally to discriminate against you. It takes a great deal of research and evidence collecting to prove one of these challenging cases. If you are unrepresented, it is unlikely you can collect enough information on your own to prove an employment discrimination case.
A workplace discrimination attorney who knows how to collect discrimination evidence is essential to a successful claim. For example, your lawyer knows how to subpoena critical documents and collect witness statements in a deposition.
Running A Cost-Benefit Analysis
Another significant benefit of retaining a workplace discrimination attorney is they can perform a cost-benefit analysis for you. They will show you the strengths and weaknesses of your potential workplace discrimination claim. They will show you what discovery will cost and what damages you could receive. Your attorney will tell you how likely it is that you will win. Some discrimination cases are financially worth pursuing, and your attorney will tell you your options.
Assessing Alleged Discrimination Is Tricky
Not all unfair treatment in the workplace is discrimination. For something illegal to happen, you must be in a category defined by federal or California antidiscrimination laws. In some situations, this can be easy to prove. For instance, if you are pregnant and fired, this could be a more straightforward discrimination case. But only some categories are that simple.
Further, being in a protected group under state and federal law is not enough to win your case. You also must prove your company acted against you because of the protected status. Some examples of an adverse employment action are firing someone, denying a promotion, or reducing shifts to lower one’s commissions. But, again, it takes an experienced attorney to determine if there was discrimination accurately.
Getting Every Detail Correct On The Administrative Complaint Is Vital
You should rely on a skilled attorney to help you file your discrimination complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH). The administrative complaint must cover every action your company took that broke discrimination laws. Therefore, having a workplace discrimination attorney available to draft the complaint is vital to a successful claim.
You Get Closure
You also get closure when you work with a workplace discrimination attorney. Your lawyer will assist you in moving on from this challenging experience. The resolution can come when you prevail in a trial, but a case may likely be settled before going to court. If you receive compensation, it can help you transition financially and emotionally.
How Long Will My Workplace Discrimination Case Take?
The length of an employment discrimination case can vary widely. A discrimination claim must be done under the applicable federal law or filed with the state of California within 300 days of the alleged discrimination. How long the case takes depends on whether your attorney can resolve it in negotiations or if a trial is necessary. Many cases take at least a few months, and some may take over a year.
What Can You Do To Protect Yourself?
If you suspect you are being discriminated against at work, you should keep a written record of incidents, including dates and times. For example, if you overhear a supervisor talking negatively about you taking leave for a pregnancy, you should note this in your records. Having as much information as possible about alleged discrimination incidents is critical to the success of your claim.
You should speak to an attorney as soon as you think discrimination is occurring against you at work. However, it is the right time to obtain legal advice if you are still waiting to see the employer attempting to resolve the situation.
Speak To An Orange County Discrimination Lawyer Now
Do you think you were discriminated against in the workplace? Many state and federal laws ban workplace discrimination. However, if your case is provable, you may be entitled to compensation in a discrimination lawsuit.
Law Office of Joseph Richards P.C. has experienced workplace discrimination attorneys who can safeguard your rights. Contact us now at 888-883-6588 for a complimentary consultation. Our Orange County attorneys also help people who have suffered workplace discrimination in Riverside County, San Bernardino County, and throughout the Inland Empire.
