Employment law covers a wide range of issues affecting both employers and employees in Pasadena. Whether you are facing discrimination at work, dealing with wage disputes, or encountering wrongful termination, a skilled employment law lawyer can help you in Pasadena navigate the legal complexities surrounding your situation. In this post, we will explore the key issues an employment attorney handles and how they can assist you in ensuring your rights are protected.
Discrimination and Harassment in the Workplace
One of the most common issues employment attorneys handle is discrimination and harassment at work. In Pasadena, employers are prohibited from discriminating against employees based on characteristics such as race, gender, age, disability, religion, and national origin. Unfortunately, discrimination is still prevalent in many workplaces, and it can take many forms, including biased hiring practices, pay disparities, and wrongful termination.
An employment lawyer can help you understand your rights under both state and federal law. For instance, under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, you have the right to work in an environment free from harassment and discrimination. If you experience harassment from colleagues or superiors, an employment lawyer can guide you through the process of filing a complaint with the appropriate authorities or pursuing a lawsuit if necessary.
Wrongful Termination
Wrongful termination occurs when an employee is fired in violation of their legal rights. If you believe you were wrongfully terminated in Pasadena, an employment attorney can help you assess whether your firing was unlawful. California law provides strong protections for employees, including prohibitions against firing someone for reporting workplace safety violations, taking family or medical leave, or participating in whistleblower activities.
A skilled employment attorney will be able to investigate the circumstances of your termination, gather evidence, and determine if you have a viable case for wrongful termination. They can also assist you in negotiating a severance package or pursuing a claim for damages in court.
Wage and Hour Disputes
Wage and hour disputes are another common issue that Pasadena employment attorneys handle. Employees are entitled to certain wages and benefits under the law, including minimum wage, overtime pay, and meal breaks. However, many employees face challenges when employers fail to comply with these wage laws.
If you are not being paid the wages you are owed or if your employer is misclassifying you as an independent contractor to avoid paying benefits, a wage and hour dispute lawyer can assist you in filing claims with the California Labor Commissioner or pursuing legal action. Whether you are experiencing issues related to unpaid overtime, misclassification, or failure to provide mandated breaks, an employment attorney in Pasadena can work with you to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Employee Benefits and Workers’ Compensation
In addition to issues related to wages, employment lawyers in Pasadena frequently handle cases involving employee benefits and workers’ compensation. If you are injured on the job, you are generally entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits can help cover medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs. However, employers and insurance companies may try to deny or minimize the benefits you are entitled to.
An employment law attorney can assist you in navigating the complex workers’ compensation process. They can ensure that your injury is properly documented, that you receive appropriate medical treatment, and that your benefits are not unjustly delayed or denied. Additionally, if you are having trouble accessing employee benefits such as health insurance, retirement benefits, or paid time off, an attorney can help you resolve these disputes with your employer.
Retaliation Claims
Retaliation claims arise when an employee is punished for engaging in legally protected activities, such as reporting illegal activity at work, filing a workers’ compensation claim, or participating in an investigation of workplace misconduct. Retaliation can take many forms, including demotion, suspension, or termination.
Employees in Pasadena are protected by laws that prohibit retaliation, such as the California Labor Code and federal laws like the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA). If you believe you have been retaliated against for engaging in a protected activity, an employment lawyer can help you understand your options. They can help you file a retaliation claim with the appropriate government agency or pursue a lawsuit for damages.
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Violations
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provides eligible employees with the right to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for family and medical reasons without the risk of losing their job. In Pasadena, violations of the FMLA can occur if an employer denies you the leave you are entitled to, retaliates against you for taking leave, or refuses to reinstate you to your position after your leave.
An employment attorney can assist you in asserting your rights under the FMLA and ensure that your employer complies with the law. If you are facing wrongful denial of leave or discrimination for taking FMLA leave, an attorney can guide you through the process of filing a complaint and seeking legal remedies.
Age Discrimination in the Workplace
Age discrimination is a serious issue that affects many older workers in Pasadena. The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) prohibits employers from discriminating against employees aged 40 or older. This type of discrimination can take many forms, such as being passed over for promotions, being excluded from training opportunities, or being subjected to unfair performance evaluations because of age.
If you believe you have been discriminated against because of your age, you may need to speak with an age discrimination lawyer in Pasadena. A skilled employment attorney can help you build a case to demonstrate that age was a factor in your treatment at work. They can also help you navigate the legal process of filing a claim with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or pursuing legal action.
Disability Discrimination
Disability discrimination is another area that employment attorneys handle in Pasadena. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), employers are prohibited from discriminating against employees based on their disability. This includes failure to provide reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities or firing employees solely because they have a disability.
If you are a person with a disability and believe you have been discriminated against in your workplace, an employment lawyer can help you understand your legal options. They can assist you in requesting accommodations from your employer and pursuing legal remedies if you face discrimination because of your disability.
Ensuring Fair Treatment in Pasadena
Employment attorneys in Pasadena handle a wide variety of legal issues, from discrimination and harassment to wage disputes and workers’ compensation claims. Whether you are facing retaliation, need assistance with family leave, or believe you have been wrongfully terminated, a skilled employment attorney can provide the support you need to assert your rights and protect your interests. If you suspect that age discrimination is affecting your career or believe that your employer is violating your rights, speak with an age discrimination lawyer in Pasadena to ensure your case is properly addressed and resolved.