Discrimination in the workplace is illegal. Hiring decisions, promotions, salary increases, and similar benefits cannot be awarded or withheld based on factors such as race, color, or sex that are beyond the control of the employee. Likewise, decisions to fire, demote, or otherwise make conditions unpleasant for an employee based on his, her, or their national origin, age, or disability is also illegal under federal law.
If you’ve suffered discrimination in your job and need an experienced employment discrimination lawyer in Redondo Beach, California, please call Kirtland & Packard, LLP’s discrimination lawyer today at (310) 536-1000 for a free consultation.
Two Types of Employment Discrimination
There are two primary types of employment discrimination:
- Treatment discrimination, marked by employees being singled out and treated differently as individuals or a group
- Impact discrimination, marked by company policy that unfairly impacts a specific group of people
Employment discrimination can present in several ways, but wrongful termination cases are the most notable examples. However, you don’t have to lose your job to have a reasonable employment discrimination case in the state of California. If you suspect you have been discriminated against, out employment lawyers welcome the opportunity to meet with you free of cost and obligations, fully understand your situation, and help you decide how best to move forward.
What is Employment Discrimination?
Employment discrimination occurs when an employee is treated differently based on factors they have no control over. Under federal law, this includes race, color, religion, sex (pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information.
In the state of California, employees are protected against all forms of discrimination covered by federal law, but extends those same protections to include:
- Ancestry
- Physical and mental disabilities
- Medical condition
- Marital status
- Gender expression
- Military or veteran status
- Criminal history
- Political affiliation
- Union activity
- Whistleblowing
Proving an employment discrimination case requires looking deep into a company’s internal matters with a fearless, relentless passion. Our Redondo Beach employment discrimination lawyers have just such a passion. We know how to make a compelling case and demonstrate that the discriminatory decisions that negatively affected your career were not reasonable, understandable personnel choices.
Who is Protected?
By and large, you are protected against employment discrimination in the state of California so long as you work for a company that employs five or more people. Certain religious employers are exempt from discrimination laws. So too are small businesses with fewer than five employees – although the latter can still be held accountable for discrimination in certain circumstances.
State and local governments are subject to anti-discrimination laws and employees of the State of California or any of its municipalities enjoy the full protection of anti-discrimination laws intended to protect all employees from mistreatment.
Are Applicants Also Protected?
Job applicants are protected against discrimination by state and federal law. If you have been denied employment based on discriminatory factors, you may be entitled to seek justice through legal action. The lawyers at Kirtland & Packard have decades of experience identifying and fighting against all forms of employment mistreatment. We are prepared to take viable cases as far as needed to help ensure justice is served.
Our employment lawyers can help with:
- Discrimination
- Sexual harassment
- Wrongful termination
- Wage & overtime violations
- OSHA violations
- Whistleblower intimidation
Call (310) 536-1000 for a free consultation.
Why Choose Kirtland & Packard as employment discrimination lawyers in Redondo Beach, CA
The attorneys at Kirtland & Packard have significant experience handling complex and high-profile employment discrimination cases. We have taken on some of the state’s largest employers, including celebrities and large and powerful corporations. We have a long and proud history of fighting for the rights of workers throughout the state of California, and a proven track record of results. We are here to help employees facing discriminatory mistreatment get the equitable and fair treatment our existence as a human beings entitles us to.
We do not believe anyone, under any circumstances, should face discrimination. We are here to hold employers accountable for their actions and to help victims of mistreatment get the justice they are due.
Contact Kirtland & Packard Discrimination Lawyers in Redondo Beach Today
If you’ve suffered employment discrimination in or around Redondo Beach, California, please call Kirtland & Packard, LLP today at (310) 536-1000 for a free consultation. We serve Torrance, Manhattan Beach and surrounding South Bay communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the protected categories for workplace discrimination?
Under FEHA, protected categories include race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, age (40 and over), marital status, military status, and pregnancy. Federal law under Title VII provides overlapping protections. A Redondo Beach employment discrimination attorney from our team can identify which protections apply to your specific situation.
How do I prove employment discrimination?
Discrimination is rarely admitted outright. Evidence typically includes emails and written communications, inconsistent application of workplace policies, differential treatment compared to similarly situated employees, suspicious timing between a protected event and an adverse action, and witness accounts. An employment discrimination lawyer in Redondo Beach builds the evidentiary record needed to support your claim before critical deadlines pass.
How long do I have to file a discrimination claim in Redondo Beach?
Under FEHA, you generally have three years from the date of the discriminatory act to file a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department. After receiving a right-to-sue letter, you have one year to file a civil lawsuit. Federal EEOC charges in California must typically be filed within 300 days. A wrongful termination lawyer in Redondo Beach or a discrimination attorney can confirm which deadlines apply to your case.
What compensation can I recover in a discrimination case?
Recoverable damages may include lost wages and benefits, lost future earning capacity, emotional distress, and attorney's fees. In cases involving malicious or oppressive conduct, punitive damages may also be available under California law. An employment attorney in Redondo Beach can evaluate the full scope of damages available based on the specific facts of your situation. Every case is handled on a contingency basis. You pay nothing unless we win.