Californians deal with illegal situations at work all the time. Workplace complaints, harassment suits, whistleblowing retaliation, and all sorts of situations can arise in the workplace. A Los Angeles employment attorney can provide you with protection and fight to hold your employer accountable if you’ve experienced a violation of your rights at work. When it comes to how to choose the best employment law attorney in Los Angeles, the choice will depend on your circumstances.
Why Should You Hire an Employment Law Attorney?
Employment law is an all-encompassing field of law that deals with anything connected to the workplace. Employment lawyers focus on labor laws, and they bring with them the collective knowledge of employment laws and regulations they have amassed over their respective careers. They can provide guidance, judgment, and advice that you simply cannot get without their involvement. Here are some of the major situations that employment lawyers can help you with:
- Wrongful Termination: There are situations where you may be fired without reasonable cause, often in a retaliatory action for doing something that angered your employer. While California is an “at-will” state when it comes to terminating employment, there are certain situations that constitute wrongful termination, such as discriminatory actions or whistleblower retaliation. If you believe you have lost your job due to your employer’s illegal actions, contact an employment attorney.
- Wage and Hour Issues: Situations can arise where your paycheck is not the full amount you were told it would be, or you were never given your overtime pay. Dealing with financial issues can be difficult on your own. Speaking to an experienced employment lawyer can help alleviate some of your fears.You have options, and you have rights. California labor laws enforce minimum wage and overtime requirements, as well as the idea that you deserve your full pay as you were promised.
- Workplace Discrimination: State and federal law both prohibit discrimination in the workplace against anyone who falls under a protected class. That includes race, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, disability status, national origin, religion, and many other factors that some employers turn into a painful situation for the one being discriminated against.Workplace discrimination is illegal and immoral, and you should contact an employment lawyer if you believe you are being discriminated against.
- Sexual Harassment: Regrettably, sexual harassment claims happen all the time in workplaces across the country. Every worker has the right to feel safe and secure in the workplace, and harassment of any kind should be prohibited at every level.Sexual harassment can include untoward advances, crude or cruel jokes, lewd comments, or requests for sexual favors. If any of this behavior has happened to you, you should contact an employment lawyer and start building a harassment case against your employer.
- Disability Discrimination: People with disabilities are entitled to reasonable accommodations at work under California labor laws. Refusal or failure to provide reasonable accommodations like wheelchair access or other equipment that makes things easier for certain employees is illegal. Contact an employment lawyer to start building a civil claim against your employer for failing to provide you with the makings of a safe and secure workplace.
- Family and Medical Leave: Every employee who needs time off to deal with a medical situation or to care for their loved ones dealing with a medical situation is allowed to do so under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). If your employer denies your medical leave or fires you for trying to take medical leave, contact an employment lawyer who can help you understand your rights as they exist under California labor laws.
Choosing the employment lawyer that is a good fit for your situation is paramount to succeeding in your case. You should choose a lawyer who has a great track record, is empathetic to your case, and is knowledgeable about what you need. They should also communicate effectively, both with their needs and on behalf of yours. Above all, you should choose a lawyer who understands your plight and can provide consistent, sound counsel for your situation.
FAQs
Q: What Do Most Attorneys Charge Per Hour in California?
A: Many lawyers charge an hourly rate for their services. What goes into that rate is a combination of experience, market rates, and their specific field of law.
According to LawPay, as of 2022, the average hourly rate of a California lawyer was $358. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean you will pay that amount. It all depends on the lawyer at hand, their availability, their personalized fees, their willingness to take on your case, and what exactly you want them to do for you.
Q: What Are My Rights as an Employee in California?
A: California has labor laws in place that are very protective of employees and their rights. California employees have the right to rest and meal breaks, safety at the workplace, minimum wage and overtime, workers’ compensation if injured on the job, and a nondiscriminatory workplace. They shouldn’t have to fear any sort of retaliation for reporting unsafe or illegal workplace conduct.
If any of these rights are violated in any way, you should reach out to an employment lawyer. They can help.
Q: What Are the Fair Labor Laws in California?
A: The California Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) is a set of state laws established to protect the rights of workers across the state. These laws set the rules for minimum wage, overtime pay, anti-discriminatory practices, and employee rights at nearly every level.
The FLSA covers nearly every private and public sector employee with few exceptions. It also describes the various overtime pay exemptions that some employees fall under, such as administrative or professional exemptions.
Q: What Are Those Acts That Are Considered Unfair Labor?
A: Any employer action that goes against the FLSA is considered unfair. This can include:
- Coercive or retaliatory action towards employees’ union activity.
- A violation of your employment contract.
- Retaliation for reporting employer wrongdoing.
- Not paying employees the full amount they are owed, including overtime.
- Refusing to honor employee sick days or vacation days.
If your employer has committed any of these acts against you, reach out to an employment lawyer and start building a case.
An Employment Lawyer Can Help Your Case
At the Law Offices of Miguel S. Ramirez, we are dedicated to providing you with sound legal counsel for your employment suit. We can help you make sure that your employee rights are not being violated and that you are not being taken advantage of by dishonest employers. Contact us as soon as you can to schedule a consultation.