Bakersfield Employment Lawyer

Dealing with workplace injustices can be an unsettling experience that places a large amount of stress and burden onto a person. As employment-based lawsuits require a significant amount of time, energy, and evidence to prove, victimized employees may feel overwhelmed trying to get what they deserve. As such, it is recommended to hire an experienced and talented Bakersfield employment lawyer who will fight for their client’s best interests.

Lawyers for Justice, PC fights for workers who have been unlawfully wronged in the workplace. With years of experience under their belts, the legal team at Lawyers for Justice, PC holds negligent and reckless employers responsible for their actions. Whether they are nationwide companies or Fortune 500 businesses, Lawyers for Justice, PC is there every step of the way.

To get started on a claim, call today for a FREE consultation at 818-647-9323 or fill out the online contact form. 

Defining Employment Law

Employment law is referred to as the section of the law that governs employment practices, standards, and relationships between employers and employees. It covers a broad range of topics from workers’ rights to hiring practices. If an employee has suffered an injustice and would like to file a claim, it is recommended that they consult with an experienced employment attorney to ensure that they have a valid claim.

Types of Employment Cases We Handle 

Lawyers for Justice, PC handles a variety of employment cases, from workplace discrimination to workplace retaliation. Depending on the nature of the case, it is recommended to try to resolve the issue internally before consulting with an attorney. However, if the situation does not get better, an employee seek out legal representation, especially if the issue resembles any of the following:

• Catastrophic Personal Injury– Cases where an employee has suffered a life altering injury that has high associated medical costs. 
• Consumer Rights- Claims that violate fair trade practices such as fraud, false advertising, and scams.  
• Employment Discrimination- Claims where employees are mistreated based on their characteristics like race, gender, religion, and age.
• Hostile Work Environment- When an employer has created an abusive/intimidating workplace that is offensive, cruel, and severe.  
• Sexual Harassment- When an employer/employee makes unwanted advances onto another person.  
• Wage and Hour Violations- Claims where an employer has negligently, or recklessly not paid their employees. 
• Workplace Injury- When an employee has been injured in the workplace/while on the job and has not received proper compensation yet. 
• Workplace Retaliation- Claims against an employer for purposefully mistreating an employee because of a just and lawful action they are rightfully allowed to do.  
• Wrongful Termination- When an employer terminates an employee for an unlawful or illegal reason.   

What Laws Protect Bakersfield Employees?

In Bakersfield, every employee is protected against any unlawful workplace practices or standards as per a series of federal and state laws. Depending on the nature and complexity of the employment case, California may offer additional laws and measures that protect employees from more unique forms of workplace injustices. 

However, if an employee suspects that their employer may be employing unethical or unlawful workplace practices, they should understand which laws were violated before filing a claim with a skilled attorney. 

• Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)– Protects workers over 40 from discrimination
• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)– Protects against disability discrimination
• California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA)– Prohibits discrimination and harassment in employment
• California Labor Code Section 2802– Requires employers to reimburse employees for necessary expenses
• California Minimum Wage Laws– Sets minimum wage requirements that may exceed federal standards
• Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)– Sets standards for minimum wage, overtime pay, and child labor
• Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)– Entitles eligible employees to unpaid, job-protected leave for family and medical reasons
• National Labor Relations Act (NLRA)– Protects the rights of employees to organize and collectively bargain
• Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA)– Ensures safe and healthful working conditions
• Title VII of the Civil Rights Act– Prohibits workplace discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin
• Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act– Requires employers to provide notice in cases of mass layoffs

How Much Does A Bakersfield Employment Lawyer Cost?

Employment lawyers can charge a variety of different pay structures, but most tend to operate on a contingency fee basis. This means that an attorney does not charge their clients for any upfront legal fees and only collects compensation if they win their client’s case.

By hiring a lawyer who operates on a contingency fee, clients are able to afford the legal services of talented and seasoned lawyers and the lawyer could be more invested in their client’s case.

Recoverable Damages In Employment Cases

In Bakersfield employment cases, employees can recover a series of damages that can cover physical, emotional, and financial costs. Depending on the nature of a case, the applicable damages can vary, but they will be categorized as either economic, non-economic, or punitive damages. Understanding the different types can serve as a good basis when employees talk to their attorneys about their case.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are referred to as calculable costs that have accumulated due to the improper employment incident in question. This type of compensation is intended to compensate victims for any financial hardships they encountered, in an effort to make them financially whole again.

Some of the most common damages in employment cases are expenses such as lost wages, back pay, medical expenses, physical therapy costs, and lost benefits. 

Non-Economic Damages

On the other hand, non-economic damages are incalculable costs that have accrued as a result of the employment incident in question. 

This means that damages that are deemed as subjective are applicable and victims can be compensated for long term issues like: pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. This can vary on a case-by-case basis. 

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are a rare form of damages used to punish the wrongdoer for exhibiting egregious or reckless behavior, and to prevent others from performing similar actions in the future. Unlike compensatory damages, punitive damages go beyond just covering costs.

It sends a strong message about the severity of the defendant’s conduct. In order for punitive damages to be issued, the employer would have behaved in an extremely negligent or reckless manner.

Contact Lawyers for Justice, PC Today

Bakersfield employees should not have to carry the burden of trying to lawfully fix a workplace that is naturally conducting unethical and illegal practices. Lawyers for Justice, PC can help and ensure that every employee’s right is protected. 

With years of experience representing employees from a variety of cases, Lawyers for Justice, PC is committed to fight for their best interests.
To get started on a claim, call today for a FREE consultation at 818-647-9323 or fill out the online contact form.