- Hour disputes. In California, you legally must receive breaks every four hours you work. If you encounter any of the following conflicts over your hours, you can take legal action:
- You do not receive the breaks you should be getting.
- You are pressured to work through your breaks.
- You are not compensated for your off-the-clock work.
- Workplace harassment. You deserve to work in a safe environment. If anyone is repeatedly harassing you verbally or physically and does not stop upon you asking them to, you should consider your legal options. For instance, harassment includes but is not limited to the following behavior from anyone whom you work with, not just your supervisor:
- Touching you without your consent
- Making suggestive comments about your gender, sexual orientation, or sexual activity
- Sending you inappropriate photos, videos, or messages
- Bribing you into sexual activity in exchange for benefits like a promotion
- Pressuring you into sexual activity with threats like termination
- Workplace retaliation. You should feel comfortable bringing up serious issues at your workplace. If you bring an issue to your employer’s attention and you are fired because of it, then you can take legal action.
- Wrongful termination. Being fired for unfair reasons is known as wrongful termination. For example, in the horrible event that you are let go for one of the following reasons, you should consult with an employment attorney:
How Can an Employment Lawyer Help?
If you are dealing with any of the distressing situations above, you could benefit from a consultation with an employment attorney in Palmdale, CA. Your lawyer can help you file a strong claim that helps you make your case. They can handle all of the technicalities of the claim process, including:
- Identifying what claim to file. Depending on the circumstances of your situation, you might be confused about what legal action you need to file. Your lawyer can review the acts of your situation and determine whether you have the grounds to take legal action and explain exactly what steps you have to take.
- File accurate paperwork. Filing your claim in a clear, timely manner is an important part of making sure you can get the help you need. Your lawyer can make sure all of the necessary paperwork is accounted for and that you completed everything properly.
- Collecting evidence. No matter what situation you are taking legal action about, you will need to be able to prove what happened. Your lawyer will know what evidence you need depending on your situation and can help you secure all of the documents that you have to gather to make your point.
- Fight for you in the courtroom. Your employment disputes could be resolved without a trial, as many cases are often resolved through negotiation. However, if you do end up having to go to court, your lawyer can provide strong evidence and a detailed argument to advocate for your rights.
What Are the Possible Outcomes for an Employment Law Violation?
If you take legal action against your employer, there are several possible outcomes you could see. What ultimately happens depends on the precise factors of your situation but could include:
- Getting reinstated at your job
- Receiving compensation for emotional distress
- Getting back pay that you have been owed
- Receiving front pay for compensation you are likely to lose
- An end to sexual harassment or any other form of harassment
If your claim is denied and you do not receive a positive outcome like the ones above, you might be frustrated and scared of the ramifications. Your lawyer can help protect your rights and can appeal the outcome in some cases to try and change the situation.
Employment Law FAQs
Q: How Much Do Employment Lawyers Charge in California?
A: If you want to hire an employment lawyer in California, you are sure to encounter a wide range of fees. The amount you can expect to pay will be based on what precise services you require your employment lawyer for. You can also expect your lawyer’s reputation and years of experience to influence how much they charge.
Q: How Do I Find an Employment Attorney in California?
A: While you might be tempted to go with the first or the most inexpensive employment attorney you hear about, it is important to do thorough research to find the attorney who is right for you. You should research which attorneys have experience working with your specific type of employment dispute and who have a proven track record of success.
Q: What Are My Employee Rights in California?
A: As an employee in California, you have a right to minimum wage, a 10-minute break every four hours, and a 30-minute break for every five hours you work. You also have a right to a safe workplace that is free of harassment or discrimination based on factors like your gender, sexual orientation, disabilities, and more. If you are unsure if your rights are being violated or have proof that they are, you should reach out to an employment attorney.
Q: Can I Sue My Employer in California?
A: If your employer breaks the law, you have the option to file a relevant employment claim. For instance, you can file a wage claim if they don’t pay you what you should be receiving, or you can file a sexual harassment claim if you are dealing with sexual harassment at work. If you are unsure what claim to file or whether you are justified in filing any claim against your employer, consulting with a California employment lawyer can help you clarify.
Q: What Evidence Do I Need to Prove My Employment Law Claim?
A: To prove your employment law claim, you are going to need solid evidence, such as testimonies from witnesses like your colleagues, friends, and family members. You could also use written or electronic documents, such as emails or text messages, that demonstrate harassment, retaliation, or other illegal behavior. Depending on your situation, you could also use pay stubs and your records of work hours that your employer is legally required to hold for several years.
Consult With an Experienced Palmdale Employment Lawyer Today
At Nosrati Law, A Professional Corporation, we are eager to help you with any sort of employment dispute you might be facing. Whether you are dealing with a wage dispute or a case of harassment because of a disability, you deserve better, and you should not have to go through this alone. Our team of seasoned employment lawyers is ready and willing to look at your case with zero judgment. We can draw on our legal experience in Palmdale to determine if you have the grounds to take legal action and what precise actions you should take.
We are here to advocate for you in whatever way possible and will give your case the individual attention and focus you need. When you choose to work with us, you will get personalized attention and guidance from an attorney, not an assistant or a paralegal.
If you are ready to consult with a legal professional, contact our team today.
