Discrimination in the Workplace

​​The California employment law attorneys at Lawyers for Justice, PC (LFJ) have zero tolerance for discrimination in the workplace. If an employee feels that they have been discriminated against because of their race, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, or age, the firm may be able to help.

LFJ’s powerful team of discrimination lawyers have won hundreds of cases and have recovered millions of dollars for employees in California. The team has fought for employees who have been discriminated against because of their age, because of their sexual orientation, and even won cases against big employers who were racially discriminatory against their employees.

Discrimination in the workplace can take many forms, and sometimes it’s hard to know if a bully boss’s behavior can actually be labeled as discrimination.

• However, workplace discrimination can include:
  – being passed over for a promotion or raise
  – being treated with disrespect
  – being reprimanded for circumstances that your coworkers might not be reprimanded for
  – and more

The state of California has comprehensive laws in place to minimize discrimination and protect employees while in the workplace. The Department of Fair Employment and Housing is the guarding entity that protects California workers, and Lawyers for Justice, PC’s discrimination lawyers uphold them.

Suing An Employer For Wrongful Termination

Workers who have experienced wrongful termination have a specific window of time after being fired to pursue a wrongful termination case. This period of time is defined as the statute of limitations. Statues vary depending on the offense, Which statute of limitations applies will often depend on the specific nature of the wrongful termination. There are some laws that protect whistleblowers, which may vary in time for other wrongful termination claim statues.

A wrongful termination claim can be covered by several laws, including both state and federal. In order for a worker to take advantage of the full scope of their wrongful termination lawsuit, they must adhere to multiple statutes of limitations. Having an employment attorney help with a wrongful termination lawsuit is an employee’s best bet of how to successfully handle their case.

Harassment vs. Discrimination

The difference between employment discrimination and harassment can be nuanced, but it is an important part of employment law of which both employers and employees need to be aware. Discrimination is when a worker suffers adverse employment actions (workplace harassment, unwelcome conduct, age discrimination, or other negative actions done unto them) due to their membership of a protected class, such as race, gender, national origin, age, etc.

Harassment is mistreatment based on a protected class to the point of a hostile work environment. Sexual harassment, gender identity, and other forms of workplace harassment fall under this category to the point where the offensive conduct is so egregious, it can be considered hostile work environment harassment.

While discrimination and harassment are related forms of wrongful conduct in the workplace, understanding the difference between discrimination and harassment can be tricky. Employees under a protected status who feel they may have experienced either, and were treated differently at work, should reach out to an employment attorney for more information on the best course of action.

Workplace Discrimination FAQ

can i sue for discrimination in the workplace? Under California law, it is a civil right to have the opportunity to seek employment and carry out one’s job duties without discrimination based on race, religion, sexual orientation, and other forms of unlawful discrimination. If a worker is discriminated against, they can file an employment discrimination lawsuit against their employer for unlawful discrimination.

how common is discrimination in the workplace? According to recent employment discrimination statistics in 2022, 61% of employees in the United States have experienced or witnessed workplace discrimination. Other statistics found that age discrimination is also prevalent. 45% of American workers have experienced age discrimination in the workplace.

how do you report discrimination in the workplace? Anytime you’re dealing with discrimination or unfair treatment at work, you should start the process to file a discrimination complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Not all employers are covered by EEOC laws. State and local governments and businesses with 15 or more employees must comply, as well as federal agencies with any number of employees. Also, contacting an employment lawyer is the next step after the EEOC.

how to deal with discrimination and harassment in the workplace? Start by reporting the harassing behavior to your human resources officer. Once there is a documentation made of such conduct, it will be easier for an attorney to help establish a case – especially if the behavior is pervasive.

how to fight discrimination in the workplace? Fighting against the victim’s supervisor can be tricky because it could lead to wrongful termination in some cases. The best option for retaliating against offensive conduct in the workplace is to contact an employment law attorney so they can fight on your behalf.

how to file a lawsuit for discrimination in the workplace? State laws protect a reasonable person from harassment at work. First, report the harassing behavior to an HR representative, file a complaint with the EEOC, and then contact an employment law attorney in California so they have can fight for your rights.

how to overcome discrimination in the workplace? Whether it’s national origin discrimination or sexual harassment, harassment in the workplace should never be something an employee should have to “overcome.” Every employee has to the right to have their right to a safe workplace represented. Call an attorney at Lawyers for Justice, PC if you’ve been harassed at work.

what are the federal laws that prohibit workplace discrimination? Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, protects employees and job applicants from employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex and national origin.

Call (323) JUSTICE or visit www.CallJustice.com for a free consultation. LFJ’s mission is to uphold justice in the workplace.