Employment Lawyer West Covina
Facing an employment law issue like sexual harassment, wage dispute, or wrongful termination can be overwhelming for an employee. Employers often have vast resources to fight claims, meaning workers often feel like they are fighting a losing battle.
However, workers in California have rights. If you’ve experienced wrongful treatment in the workplace and believe you may have an employment law claim, it’s time to contact an employment lawyer in West Covina.
What Are the Most Common Types of Employment Disputes Handled by Lawyers in West Covina?
Employment attorneys in West Covina are licensed to practice throughout the state of California and can handle a variety of disputes that arise in the workplace. The following are some of the most common types of issues addressed by the employment law team at the Lawyers for Justice, PC:
- Wrongful termination. Wrongful termination cases arise when an employer fires an employee in violation of state or federal laws. This could involve termination based on discrimination, retaliation for whistleblowing, or breaches of employment contracts.
- Workplace discrimination. When an employee is treated unfairly based on characteristics, such as race, gender, age, disability, or other protected attributes under state or federal law, they have the right to pursue an anti-discrimination claim.
- Hostile work environment. A hostile work environment involves persistent, unwelcome behavior that creates an uncomfortable or intimidating workplace. This can include harassment, offensive comments, or discriminatory actions.
- Wage and hour disputes. These types of claims include unpaid overtime, failure to provide meal and rest breaks, or misclassification of employees.
- Sexual harassment. While not exclusively an employment law matter, sexual harassment includes but is not limited to, unwelcome advances, requests for sexual favors, and offensive comments.
- Workplace injury. Employees who sustain injuries or illnesses on the job may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Employment lawyers can assist injured workers in navigating the workers’ compensation system.
If you have suffered one of the above on the job, as a worker in California, you have rights. Seek the advice of an employment lawyer in West Covina to discuss your situation,
What Are My Rights Rights as a California Worker?
Employment law is a constantly changing area of the law, and understanding what rights employees hold and what duties an employer has is important. Here are some of the rights a worker in California holds.
- Freedom from discrimination. Protection against discrimination based on race, religion, sex, national origin, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and age (for individuals 40 and older). This freedom includes the right to a workplace free from harassment.
- Equal and minimum wage. Protection against wage discrimination based on gender for substantially similar work, and the right to receive at least the state-mandated minimum wage for hours worked.
- Overtime pay. Right to receive overtime pay for hours worked beyond the standard 8 hours in a workday or 40 hours in a workweek, as per California labor laws.
- Meal and rest breaks. Right to meal breaks of at least 30 minutes (unpaid) if the workday exceeds five hours, a second meal break if the workday exceeds ten hours, and the right to rest breaks of 10 minutes for every four hours worked.
- Workers’ compensation. Right to file a workers’ compensation claim for injuries or illnesses sustained on the job.
- Leave. Right to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave per year under the California Family Rights Act (CFRA) for certain family or medical reasons. Right to take up to four months of unpaid leave for pregnancy-related disabilities under the California Pregnancy Disability Leave Law.
- Protection against retaliation. Protection against retaliation for exercising certain rights as an employee, such as filing a complaint, reporting workplace violations, or participating in investigations.
- Privacy. Right to privacy in the workplace, including protection against unwarranted searches and monitoring of personal communications.
- Occupational safety and health. Right to a safe and healthy workplace, as outlined by the California Occupational Safety and Health Act (Cal/OSHA).
- Accommodations. Right to reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA).
If you have any questions about these rights, including whether your employer may have violated them, seek legal help from our team of experts today.
What Are the Specific Laws in West Covina Regarding Workplace Discrimination and How Can an Employment Lawyer Help?
Federal and state laws control workplace discrimination cases, so there aren’t specific laws in West Covina addressing such claims. West Covina employment attorneys, like the team at Lawyers for Justice, PC, have the knowledge to handle a wide range of employment disputes, including discrimination claims.
The only city-specific employment laws in California generally address wage and hour regulations. But California-barred attorneys can practice statewide, and employment lawyers in West Covina have both the experience and local knowledge to be your biggest advocate while navigating the legal process.
How Can an Employment Lawyer in West Covina Assist with Wrongful Termination Cases?
Power imbalances within the workplace can make employees feel vulnerable. All too often employees hesitate to confront their employers because they fear potential retaliation or jeopardizing their career advancement. Additionally, the complex nature of employment laws and the legal process can be overwhelming for individuals without legal expertise.
Employers are also in a better financial position when it comes to pursuing legal action and having easier access to attorneys. Paying legal fees and covering court fees pose a significant obstacle for many employees, especially those with limited resources.
An employment attorney in West Covina can assess your case’s strengths and weaknesses and present you with your legal options. Then, they can help you pursue the best path of action and be your legal advocate throughout the process. Employment law is complicated, but an experienced attorney at your side can take the stress and worry off your shoulders.
Contact Us
If you have experienced a violation of your legal rights while on the job and don’t know where to turn, give the employment law team at Lawyers for Justice, PC, a call today. With years of experience representing clients throughout California and millions of dollars earned on their behalf, we are here to fight for you. Call us to set up a consultation or fill out our online contact form to get started.