Experiencing discrimination and harassment in the workplace can make going to work an extremely difficult and emotional experience. If you find yourself in this situation, a Long Beach workplace discrimination lawyer can help you understand your options for taking back control of the situation.
Our attorneys, James R. Kristy and Kurt Kananen, are aggressive advocates for our clients who have suffered negative employment actions in the workplace. We work throughout California from our Los Angeles area-based office of Kristy & Kananen, tirelessly seeking to right the wrongs you have suffered at work. We are confident in our representation, not backing down from even the largest employer who has committed illegal actions against you.
Workplace discrimination can affect every part of your life, from your income to your sense of security on the job. At Kristy & Kananen, we provide the results-driven legal support employees in Long Beach need when their rights are violated. Since 2003, we have stood up for workers who faced unlawful treatment and secured them the compensation they were owed.
Our firm focuses on employment law and has earned a reputation for achieving exceptional results, bringing clients financial stability and peace. With millions recovered for employees, we have the experience and success record to fight for you in cases involving discrimination, wrongful termination, retaliation, or other unlawful actions by your employer.
You may not be discriminated against or subject to any other retaliatory employment actions based upon numerous classifications that are protected under California law, including:
Once you suspect occupational discrimination, begin scrutinizing how you and your co-workers are treated in the future. Some specific signs of mistreatment, including racial discrimination, to watch for include:
Essentially, if certain employees consistently receive better opportunities, promotions, or benefits while those in protected classes receive less favorable treatment, it could indicate discrimination.
California has worker-friendly employment laws that may entitle you to financial compensation for workplace discrimination and mistreatment. Our employment law firm can advise you to take these steps:
If internal reporting fails, you can file a complaint with the California civil rights Department (CRD) or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
Our workplace discrimination lawyers offer these and other services for harmed employees ready to seek a remedy:
We provide complete support throughout the process of reporting discrimination and seeking justice. Additionally, legal representation by our employment lawyers can help you negotiate with your employer to resolve the matter, potentially preventing a lengthy court battle.
Discrimination remains a serious employment law issue in California, with recent data being a reminder of how pervasive the problem remains. Total employment in Long Beach was approximately 234,000 persons in 2023, spread across a diverse economy that includes shipping, healthcare, education, tourism, and small businesses.
In 2022, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) received 1,819 charges in California alleging unlawful discharge, many of which involved multiple claims of discrimination based on race, gender, or age bias.
Enforcement efforts at the national level remain significant. In Fiscal Year 2023, the EEOC secured a record $665 million in monetary relief for victims of discrimination. Over $440 million was collected through private sector settlements, while more than $200 million was obtained for federal employees.
In Long Beach neighborhoods, such as Belmont Shore, Bixby Knolls, and Alamitos Beach, workers facing discrimination may have their cases heard at the Governor George Deukmejian Courthouse, 275 Magnolia Ave, Long Beach, CA 90802. This courthouse handles civil matters, including employment discrimination claims filed under California law.
Being sexually harassed at work can not only cause workplace issues but also take a mental toll on the person who is being harassed. It is essential that this behavior stop and that your employer does not tolerate it. If you have reported sexual harassment to your manager and nothing has been done or you have been fired and retaliated against, you need legal representation. You have the right to be free from harassment in the workplace, and your employer has a duty to maintain a nonhostile work environment. Together, we can seek compensation for what you have suffered as a result of workplace sexual harassment or harassment on other grounds.
If you believe a company or employer is treating you unfairly due to your race, gender, age, disability, religion or other protected characteristic, it is essential to consult with an employment law attorney.
Discrimination in the workplace can be subtle or overt. Either way, it can have a serious impact on your career, income and emotional well-being. The right employment lawyer will help you determine whether you have a valid claim. They will also help you develop a strategy to address the wrongdoing and hold the responsible parties accountable.
An employment law attorney can provide critical support if you face occupational discrimination:
Each of these steps is designed to protect your rights and help to ensure that your voice is heard. Whether you are still employed or have already been terminated, speaking with an employment attorney early in your situation can help facilitate a positive outcome in your case.
If you are a victim of discrimination, you do not have to face your legal journey alone. Our experienced employment law attorneys can help you understand your rights, navigate the legal system and pursue justice. Taking action now can help you reclaim your dignity and prevent future harm to others in similar situations.
If you were subjected to discrimination at work, California’s employment laws provide important resources to secure the compensation you are owed. Whether your attorney secures a settlement through negotiations, an administrative complaint, or direct action in court, the goal of a Long Beach workplace discrimination attorney is to see that you are financially and emotionally restored.
If the discrimination kept you from being promoted, those losses can be factored into your settlement. An attorney can calculate the difference between what you earned and what you could have earned. That way, you do not suffer financial losses due to your boss’s discriminatory promotion practices.
Discrimination can also lead to wrongful terminations or constructive discharge. The loss of a job due to discrimination can be devastating, and an attorney can determine the value of that loss. Administrative complaints and direct negotiations are an effective means of recouping what was wrongfully taken from you.
If your case goes to court, you have the option of pursuing non-economic damages for the emotional hardship you suffered. This is commonly referred to as pain and suffering. These non-economic damages can significantly increase the value of your settlement. In rarer cases, where the dispute goes to trial, a court may award punitive damages aimed at punishing the employer for egregious misconduct.
The first step you should take if you were subjected to discrimination is to begin documenting the incidents. You can take detailed notes about when the misconduct occurred and where, along with the names of potential witnesses. You should also collect evidence to support your claim because state and federal workplace discrimination laws require complainants to prove their claim based on detailed evidence.
Then, you should notify your employer or someone with HR about the incident. If they do not take decisive action to address the misconduct, you have every right to hire an attorney with experience in handling workplace discrimination cases.
Choosing the right attorney for a workplace discrimination case can vastly improve the outcome of your case. Look for a lawyer with a strong background in employment law and proven experience in discrimination claims.
Ask about their approach, recent successes, and whether they work on a contingency basis. It’s also important to select someone who communicates clearly and makes you feel confident in their ability to represent your interests. Reading client reviews and scheduling an initial consultation can help you decide if the attorney is the right fit for your needs.
A: The cost of a discrimination lawyer depends on the complexity of the case and the attorney’s fee structure. Some work on contingency, meaning they only get paid if they win you compensation, while others charge hourly or flat rates. During your initial consultation, your attorney can discuss their fee and billing practices. A reputable attorney should be open and upfront about what they charge for legal services.
A: Yes. Employees in California can file a workplace discrimination claim through the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) or the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). In some cases, you may also pursue a civil claim, especially if the administrative complaint process does not resolve the dispute. Filing a claim holds employers accountable for unlawful conduct and gives you the opportunity to seek important remedies.
A: Employees who prove workplace discrimination in California may recover back pay, the value of lost benefits, and, if they go to court, damages for emotional distress. In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded at the conclusion of a trial if an employer’s conduct was especially harmful. The size of any settlement or trial verdict depends on your specific losses, and an attorney can calculate what your claim may be worth.
A: Filing a workplace discrimination claim itself does not usually require large upfront costs. The expense often depends on which attorney you hire and the complexity of the case. Many employment lawyers handle these cases on a contingency basis, which means you won’t pay attorney’s fees unless your claim is successful. The contingency fee should be disclosed in the attorney-client agreement.
A: In California, employees typically have three years from the date of the alleged discriminatory act to file a complaint with the Civil Rights Department. After receiving a right-to-sue notice, you generally have one year to pursue your case in court. Missing these deadlines can prevent you from recovering compensation, so it’s important to act promptly.
We can help you through any situation involving discrimination or harassment at work. To learn more, get in touch with our office today and schedule a free consultation. Call us at 866-981-1498 or contact our office online now.
Contact Kristy & Kananen to discuss your employment law, construction defect or insurance-bad-faith claim. There are no attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
To meet with an experienced lawyer to discuss your employment law matter, construction
defect or insurance bad faith claim. There are no attorney’s fees unless we recover
compensation on your behalf.
Contact Us Today 866-981-1498
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