Discrimination in the workplace is something that no employee should have to endure. However, it happens quite frequently in workplaces across the country, according to Garden Grove discrimination attorneys. In fact, during 2023 the EEOC received over 80,000 complaints of workplace discrimination. Even though laws are in place to prevent this type of behavior, it still happens almost every day.
Victims of workplace discrimination may receive several different types of legal relief, including financial compensation. Victims of discrimination received over $665 million in 2023 as compensation for damages. Additionally, employers may be required to adjust policies or provide training to prevent discrimination in the future.
If you have been the victim of workplace discrimination, you need a discrimination lawyer in Garden Grove who will fight to protect your rights. Gutierrez Law Firm has been helping protect the rights of employees in the workplace for over 16 years. Contact our Garden Grove employment attorneys who specialize in work discrimination today to schedule a free consultation and let us show you how we can help.
Why Hire The Garden Grove Discrimination Lawyers From Gutierrez Law Firm?
Discrimination cases are very personal, and you need a Garden Grove discrimination attorney who will take the time to get to know you and your situation. At Gutierrez Law Firm, you will never be just another case number in our office. You will always get the personal attention you deserve, and our caring team will take the time to listen and fully understand your case.
Our founding Garden Grove discrimination lawyers have devoted their entire careers to helping victims just like you. Using a client-centered approach, she will personally work with you to develop a winning strategy for your case. Let us put our experience to work for you and help you get the justice you deserve. Give us a call today to get started.
What Is Discrimination in Garden Grove?
Discrimination happens when someone is treated unfairly or differently because of some of their characteristics. The law protects employees from discrimination based on a variety of characteristics, including:
- Race or color
- Ancestry or national origin
- Age (over 40)
- Religion
- Mental or physical disability
- Sex, gender
- Sexual orientation
- Gender identity
- Medical condition
- Genetic information
- Marital status
- Military or veteran status
Both job applicants and employees are protected from discrimination under California’s laws. For example, if an employer interviews a job applicant but refuses to hire them because of their race, the applicant has a valid claim for discrimination. Similarly, if someone faces retaliation after reporting such treatment, they may need the expertise of a Garden Grove wrongful termination lawyer to assist with their legal options.
Recently, pregnancy discrimination has increased in the workplace. The EEOC has stated that pregnancy discrimination cases often include some of the most overt discrimination of any of the cases they handle. Some new laws have been put in place to help prevent this type of discrimination.
Pregnancy discrimination occurs when a female is treated differently due to pregnancy, childbirth, or a medical condition resulting from pregnancy or childbirth. The laws also prevent an employer from retaliating or discriminating against you for requesting to take your legally protected leave associated with pregnancy.
When Do The Discrimination Laws Apply in Garden Grove?
The California discrimination laws apply to all employers in the state with 5 or more employees. These laws apply to all phases of the employment process. This includes:
- Interviewing
- Hiring
- Job assignments
- Salary adjustments
- Layoffs
- Termination
Discrimination can occur at any step of the employment process, from the initial application all the way to termination. Regardless of which step the conduct occurs at, the employer may be held liable and required to pay compensation to the victim.
The law also requires that employers post certain information in the workplace regarding discrimination. The California Civil Rights Department has developed an employer toolkit that provides valuable resources to help employers meet these requirements.
Filing A Garden Grove Claim For Discrimination
The process of filing a discrimination claim usually starts with filing a complaint with the EEOC, the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing, or both. There are specific timeframes in which the complaint must be filed (180 days for EEOC complaint and 1 year for Dept of Fair Employment and Housing complaint). Your complaint will then be investigated along with any evidence presented in support of your claim.
If your claim is found to have merit, you will be issued a “Right to Sue” letter. Once you receive this document, you may proceed with filing a lawsuit in court, if necessary. You will need as much evidence as possible to go along with your claim. Keep detailed records of any interactions or conversations that could be considered discrimination. Obtain the contact information of any potential witnesses to the discriminatory behavior.
Remember that discrimination cases rarely have direct evidence that clearly proves discrimination. These cases are often proven using inference from the evidence presented. Therefore, it is helpful to have an experienced attorney who knows how to gather and present the evidence necessary to win these cases. Contact a Gutierrez Law Firm Garden Grove discrimination attorney today to let us help you put together a winning case.
Remedies Available In Garden Grove Discrimination Cases
There are several types of remedies available in discrimination cases. In some cases, your employer may be required to change their policies or provide training to employees to help prevent discrimination in the future. Victims may also be entitled to recover financial compensation.
Victims can be entitled to recover both economic and non-economic damages. Common economic damages in discrimination cases include:
- Lost wages
- Future lost earnings
- Job search expenses
- Medical expenses, such as mental health counseling
In addition, they may also be compensated for non-economic damages. These can include items such as mental anguish, anxiety, and PTSD.
Schedule A Free Consultation With Gutierrez Law Firm’s Garden Grove Discrimination Attorney Today
If you have been treated unfairly at work because of your race, gender, age, or other protected characteristic, you may have a claim for discrimination. Contact a Garden Grove employment attorney from Gutierrez Law Firm today for a free consultation so that we can learn more about you and your situation. We will fight tirelessly to help protect your rights and get you the justice you deserve.
We have helped hundreds of other clients going through similar situations, and we can help you too. Let our discrimination attorneys in Garden Grove be your trusted ally through the entire process. Call or text us today at (213) 460-8380 to put our experience to work getting you the compensation you are legally owed.