Attorneys Who Protect Employees
Sacramento Workplace Discrimination Lawyers
What Counts as Workplace Discrimination Under California and Federal Law?
Federal civil rights laws (Title VII) and California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) work together to prohibit businesses from discriminating against current and prospective employees on the basis of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, pregnancy, or marital status. These laws also forbid retaliation against workers who assert these rights.
If an employer were to demote, penalize, refuse to hire, wrongfully terminate, or otherwise adversely act against you because of one of these factors, it would be considered a violation of your civil rights and anti-discrimination laws. When this happens, you have the right to take legal action to recover monetary damages.
Depending on the situation, you may receive compensation for any of the following:
- Lost wages
- Monetary benefits
- Emotional distress
- Punitive damages
- Legal fees
At the Velez Law Firm, our lawyers are committed to helping Californians defend their rights in the workplace. We handle all employment discrimination claims and have taken on businesses of all sizes, including some of the largest companies in the nation. We know what it takes to pursue these cases and we don’t shy away from going to trial when necessary.
Schedule a free consultation with our Sacramento workplace discrimination attorneys by calling (916) 507-2223 or sending us your availability using our contact form.
Filing a Workplace Discrimination Claim in California
To open a case under state employment laws, you must typically request a right-to-sue letter from the Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) within one year of the verifiable instance of discrimination. After the letter is issued, you then have one year to file the lawsuit. Alternatively, you may file the case under federal law by submitting a claim through the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
Proving Workplace Discrimination
Discrimination in the workplace can take a variety of forms, from failure to hire or promote someone based on race or age to employers demoting or releasing workers because of their medical conditions.
However, discrimination cases can be extremely complex and difficult to pursue. For example, although both California and federal law prohibit corporations from acting against employees due to disabilities and medical conditions, employers can fight discrimination charges on the basis that accommodations would have presented an unreasonable financial burden.
That’s why it’s important to have an experienced and skilled legal team. A good workplace discrimination lawyer may assist you in gathering evidence that shows your employer either did not meet with you to discuss reasonable accommodations or did not genuinely consider them. They can also help you prove that your employer withheld information about medical leave even though they knew of your condition, which would be a violation of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and California Family Rights Act (CFRA).
- Age / Gender Discrimination $5.2m Verdicts And Settlements
- Medical Professional Disability Discrimination $1.8m Employment Discrimination
- Retaliation For Use Of FMLA / CFRA Leave $1.5m Verdicts And Settlements
- Sexual Harassment Verdict / Judgment $1.1m Employment Harassment
- Age Discrimination $1.1m Employment Discrimination
- African American Race Harassment $250k Verdicts And Settlements
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Unmatched Experience
With nearly 60 combined years of litigation experience, we have experience that cannot be duplicated. Our track record and client stories speak for themselves in showing the work we’ve done for our clients.
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Aggressive Representation
When it comes to protecting workers, we don’t pull punches. We’re used to taking the fight to larger opponents and are committed to empowering our clients to make choices, not concessions.
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Client-Focused
While our attorneys are top-tier, we remain focused on our clients. We work directly with our clients and focus our approach on their stories and experiences. Our attention to detail and care continues to set us apart.
Reach us by phone at (916) 507-2223 or send an email inquiry to get the conversation started.