Lawyers for Justice, PC is a trusted Los Angeles employment discrimination law firm dedicated to defending employees against unlawful treatment and holding employers accountable. The firm’s experienced workplace discrimination lawyers understand the emotional and financial strain discrimination can cause. They are relentless in their pursuit of justice, advocating for workers who have experienced discrimination based on race, gender, age, disability, or other protected characteristics.

Lawyers for Justice, PC is committed to ensuring that California workers are treated with fairness and respect. The firm is available 24/7 for free case consultations. Call (213) 772-5010 or fill out the easy contact form to speak with a representative.

What is Workplace Discrimination?

Workplace discrimination in Los Angeles occurs when an employer treats an employee or job applicant unfairly due to their protected characteristics. 

These characteristics include race, gender, age (40+), religion, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, pregnancy, or other traits protected by California and federal law. 

Discrimination can take many forms, such as unequal pay, harassment, denial of promotions, or wrongful termination.

What are the Different Types of Workplace Discrimination? 

Race and Ethnicity Discrimination

Discrimination based on race or ethnicity occurs when an employer treats an employee unfairly due to their skin color, ancestry, or cultural background. This can include denying promotions, making offensive remarks, or favoring employees of a different race. Such actions violate California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and federal laws.

Gender and Sex Discrimination

Gender discrimination happens when employees are treated unfairly based on their gender or sex. This includes unequal pay, denying opportunities, or making decisions influenced by gender stereotypes. It also encompasses discrimination against transgender individuals and non-binary employees, who are protected under California law.

Age Discrimination (40+)

Age discrimination involves treating employees over the age of 40 less favorably due to their age. Examples include: passing over older workers for promotions, forcing early retirement, or making age-based comments. Both state and federal laws prohibit such behavior.

Disability Discrimination

Discrimination against employees with physical or mental disabilities includes refusing reasonable accommodations, denying job opportunities, or harassment due to their condition. California law protects individuals with disabilities and ensures their right to equal treatment in the workplace.

Religious Discrimination

Religious discrimination occurs when employees are treated unfairly because of their beliefs or practices. Employers must reasonably accommodate religious observances unless it creates undue hardship, and failure to do so violates anti-discrimination laws.

Pregnancy Discrimination

Pregnancy discrimination happens when employees are treated unfairly due to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. Employers must provide reasonable accommodations, such as modified duties or time off, to pregnant workers.

Sexual Orientation Discrimination

Discrimination based on sexual orientation involves unfair treatment due to an employee’s sexual identity or relationships. California law protects LGBTQ+ workers from such behavior, ensuring equal rights and opportunities.

National Origin Discrimination

National origin discrimination occurs when employees face bias due to their country of origin, accent, or perceived immigration status. Actions like harassment or denying promotions based on origin are illegal under state and federal laws.

By law, all employees are entitled to work in an environment free from these types of discrimination, and legal remedies are available for those who experience it.

Common Examples of Workplace Discrimination

While workplace discrimination can take many different forms, some of the most common examples of employment discrimination come in the form of:

• Rejecting a qualified candidate based on their race, gender, or age,
• Terminating an employee after they disclose a pregnancy.
• Making derogatory comments about an employee’s religion, sexual orientation, or ethnicity.

• Paying employees less for the same work due to gender or race.
• Denying bonuses or raises to certain groups of employees.
• Passing over qualified employees for promotions in favor of less-qualified individuals from a preferred group.
• Assigning less favorable tasks or shifts to employees due to their age, gender, or national origin.
• Denying reasonable accommodations for disabled or pregnant employees.

What is Workplace Hiring Discrimination?

Workplace hiring discrimination occurs when employers make hiring decisions based on factors unrelated to a candidate’s qualifications, skills, or experience, violating anti-discrimination laws. This includes rejecting applicants due to their race, gender, age, or other protected characteristics. 

Discriminatory practices can take many forms, such as asking illegal questions during interviews, refusing to consider qualified individuals from certain backgrounds, or favoring certain groups over others for biased reasons. 

How Do I Prove Workplace Discrimination?

Proving workplace discrimination requires compelling evidence to demonstrate that an individual was treated unfairly due to a protected characteristic, such as race, gender, age, disability, or religion. Employees should begin by documenting every incident of discrimination, including dates, times, locations, and the individuals involved. Preserving relevant communications, such as emails, messages, or performance reviews, can help establish a clear timeline and reveal patterns of unfair treatment.

Comparing an employee’s treatment to that of others in similar roles is also critical. For instance, if coworkers with comparable qualifications received promotions or better assignments while the employee was overlooked, this could suggest discriminatory practices. Witnesses who observed the unfair treatment or experienced similar issues can further support the case.

Before pursuing legal action, it is essential to file a formal complaint with the employer, typically through the HR department, and retain copies of all correspondence. This demonstrates an effort to resolve the issue internally. If the discrimination persists or remains unaddressed, consulting an employment lawyer is advisable to evaluate the evidence and navigate the legal process. Thorough documentation and witness testimony are key components of a strong workplace discrimination case.

What Laws Protect Los Angeles Workers from Workplace Discrimination?

California State Laws Protecting from Employment Discrimination

Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA): Offers broader protections than federal laws, prohibiting discrimination based on traits such as sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, and medical conditions.

The Bane Act (California Civil Code Section 52.1): Protects individuals from threats, intimidation, or coercion that interfere with their constitutional or legal rights. It applies to a wide range of rights violations, including police misconduct, hate crimes, or workplace discrimination, and allows victims to sue for damages, including emotional distress and punitive damages.

California Equal Pay Act: Strengthens pay equity by prohibiting wage discrimination based on gender, race, or ethnicity. Employers must ensure equal pay for substantially similar work, considering skill, effort, responsibility, and working conditions, and they are required to provide valid, non-discriminatory reasons for any pay disparities.

California Pregnancy Disability Leave: Provides additional protections for pregnant employees, including reasonable accommodations. It allows eligible employees to take up to four months of unpaid leave for pregnancy-related conditions and ensures their right to return to their job or a comparable position.

Federal Laws Protecting Workers from Employment Discrimination

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964: Prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It applies to employers with 15 or more employees and ensures equal opportunities in hiring, promotions, and workplace conditions, while also protecting against retaliation for reporting discrimination.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Protects employees with disabilities from discrimination and requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations. This law also prohibits retaliation against employees who assert their rights under the ADA and promotes equal access to employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA): Protects workers aged 40 and older from age-based discrimination. It applies to hiring, promotions, pay, and other employment practices, ensuring that age is not used as a factor in employment decisions unless justified by the nature of the job.

Equal Pay Act (EPA): Mandates equal pay for equal work regardless of gender. It requires employers to provide equal compensation for jobs requiring equal skill, effort, and responsibility, performed under similar working conditions, unless pay differences are based on merit, seniority, or other legitimate factors.

What Damages Can I Recover in a Workplace Discrimination Case? 

In workplace discrimination cases, employees may be entitled to recover various types of damages intended to compensate for the harm suffered and, in some instances, to penalize the employer for their unlawful actions

Back Pay and Front Pay

Compensation may include lost wages and benefits from the time of the discriminatory act, such as termination or demotion, up to the resolution of the case. This is intended to financially restore the employee to the position they would have been in if the discrimination had not occurred. Additionally, front pay may be awarded to cover the projected income the employee would have earned had they remained employed.

Compensatory Damages 

These address non-economic harms like emotional distress, pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life caused by the discrimination. They compensate for the personal impact beyond financial losses.

Lost Benefits

Recovery of the value of employment benefits you lost due to the discrimination, such as health insurance, retirement contributions, stock options, bonuses, or other perks.

Attorneys’ Fees and Court Costs 

Many employment laws allow employees to recover reasonable legal fees and associated costs, ensuring that pursuing justice remains financially feasible. The damages recoverable in a discrimination case depend on the unique circumstances, the severity of the discrimination, and the applicable state and federal laws. 

Consulting with an experienced Los Angeles employment discrimination attorney can help clarify the potential remedies available and guide employees through the legal process.

Lawyers For Justice – Top Rated Workplace Discrimination Lawyers in Los Angeles

Employees who have experienced workplace discrimination do not have to face it alone. Lawyers for Justice, PC offers guidance, protection, and aggressive representation to ensure employees receive the justice they deserve. 

With a proven track record of advocating for Los Angeles workers and securing millions in settlements, the firm is prepared to fight for employees’ rights against workplace discrimination.

Taking the first step toward justice is simple—contact Lawyers for Justice, PC for a FREE case consultation. The firm is dedicated to standing up to discriminatory practices, allowing employees to focus on reclaiming their peace of mind.

Proven Success in Fighting Workplace Discrimination

Founded in 2008 by Edwin Aiwazian, Lawyers for Justice, PC has grown into one of the nation’s leading employment litigation firms. The firm is dedicated to defending the rights of employees who have experienced discrimination based on race, gender, age, disability, or other protected characteristics.

Whether addressing misconduct by regional employers or Fortune 500 corporations, Lawyers for Justice, PC holds all employers accountable for discriminatory practices. The firm is committed to leveling the playing field for Los Angeles workers and ensuring that workplace rights are respected for all.

Frequently Asked Questions about Employment Discrimination in Los Angeles