Long Beach Workplace Discrimination Lawyer

Long Beach Workplace Discrimination Attorney

We spend a substantial portion of our time at our jobs and should be provided with a respectful work environment. Unfortunately, many of us may encounter bias at work at some point in our careers. If you have faced workplace discrimination, a skilled Long Beach workplace discrimination lawyer from The Law Office of Briana Kim can help you.

Our Attorney, Briana Kim, PC, attentively represents clients in Long Beach who have received unfair work treatment. With years of experience in employment law, we leverage our knowledge to secure adequate compensation for our clients.

Work Discrimination in California Explained

Under California law, employees are afforded various protections, including the right to a work environment free from discrimination. Though not all negative actions carried out by someone at work constitute discrimination, you can determine whether discrimination at work has occurred by asking who is involved, what actions were taken, and why they were taken.

Who Can Perpetuate Discrimination

A supervisor or manager may subject an employee to discrimination. You may also face workplace discrimination at the hands of a colleague who is in your same department or by another employee who you may not work with directly.

Workplace discrimination can also be perpetrated by a client. However, it is the employer’s responsibility to respond appropriately to any discriminatory act against their staff.

Types of Discrimination

Workplace discrimination can include receiving lower pay for the same work, being assigned menial tasks, or being passed over for opportunities or promotions you may otherwise be qualified for or entitled to.

Enduring workplace harassment because of your protected characteristics and facing retaliation for reporting your employer for bias can also be deemed workplace discrimination.

Reasons for Discrimination

It is illegal for an employer to discriminate against you because of certain protected characteristics, including:

• Race or color
• Religious beliefs
• National origin
• Age
• Sex
• Marital status
• Pregnancy
• Sexual orientation
• Gender Identity
• Disability
• Military status

If your employer has allowed you to be subjected to bias at work from a supervisor, a colleague, or a client due to one of the above reasons, you have protections under the law.

Options Available When Facing Discrimination at Work

Unfair treatment at work can become demoralizing and often leads to economic loss and emotional distress. If this happens to you, you should be aware of your options.

Talking With Your Employer

Your first available option is to discuss your concerns with your company’s human resources department. They may help you assess your current situation and determine available solutions. Any discussions with HR may be part of your employment record and can be helpful if you file a complaint with the Civil Rights Department (CRD) or Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) later on.

Filing a Complaint

Sometimes, speaking with your employer may not be sufficient to stop workplace discrimination from taking place. In this case, you may resort to filing a complaint with the EEOC or the CRD. Once the department receives your complaint, they should proceed with an investigation.

Your employer has an opportunity to respond to the complaint, and the necessary authorities may decide to award you any financial compensation due to the bias you experienced. They may also require your employer to pay additional damages and civil penalties.

Filing a Legal Claim Against Your Employer

In certain cases, it may be more appropriate to file a claim against your employer directly. To do this, you should request a right-to-sue letter from the Civil Rights Department or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

How a Long Beach Workplace Discrimination Lawyer Can Help

Working with a Long Beach workplace discrimination lawyer may provide added relief throughout your workplace discrimination case. These are some of the ways they can help:

• Reviewing Case-Specific Information: They can assess the facts of your case and the pieces of evidence available, and they can inform you of an adequate legal course of action.
• Assisting With Procedural Matters: An attorney can shed light on the steps you must take to properly file your complaint with the relevant authorities to avoid any delays and increase the chances of success.
• Providing Strong Representation: If your claim goes in front of a jury, a skilled employment law attorney can offer vigorous legal representation to ensure you receive the most optimal resolution to your case.

FAQs

How Much Can You Get for Workplace Discrimination?

If you file a claim against an employer, there is no specific amount you may be entitled to. Pursuing a claim with the Civil Rights Department or the EEOC can lead to compensation for out-of-pocket expenses incurred throughout the process and damages for emotional distress. Compensation following a win in civil court can include any lost wages, damages for emotional distress, and even punitive damages.

How Much Does an Employment Lawyer Cost in California?

The cost of an employment lawyer in California depends on several factors. An attorney’s fee may be influenced by their years of practice and the complexity of your case. Some attorneys may charge an upfront fee, and others may request an hourly commission. In certain cases, a fee is assessed based on any compensation awarded in a case. It is recommended that you consult with an attorney to learn more about their fees.

Is It Worth Filing a Claim for Workplace Discrimination?

Whether or not it is worth filing a claim for workplace discrimination is dependent on the individual. If you have suffered from bias in your job, and it has affected your work and mental and emotional health, it is recommended that you file a claim if there is sufficient evidence. By filing a claim against an employer, you may also contribute to creating a healthier work environment for future employees.

Should I Tell My Employer I Filed an EEOC Complaint?

You do not have to tell your employer if you filed an EEOC complaint or a complaint with California’s Civil Rights Department. The agency should provide your employer with a notice of the complaint and an opportunity to respond. You are protected from facing retaliation after filing a workplace discrimination complaint. You can contact the relevant agency if your employer has retaliated against you for filing a claim.

Get Legal Consultation for Workplace Discrimination Cases

It may feel daunting to go against your employer. You are not alone. A seasoned Long Beach workplace discrimination lawyer can work with you to file a complaint against your employer and ensure you are well-compensated for what you have undergone.

When you work with Briana Kim, PC, you can rest assured that your case will receive the compassionate attention it deserves. We are a boutique law firm based in Long Beach with extensive experience in employment law. Schedule a consultation today to learn more about how we can help. We speak Korean.