Westwood Employment Lawyer

Westwood Employment Attorney

Labor law violations take many forms, such as not being paid for work you’re asked to do after the workday has ended. Any employee who had their rights violated at work should hire a Westwood employment lawyer to defend those rights.

The Law Offices of Miguel S. Ramirez has represented many clients who experienced unlawful employment practices. California’s labor laws afford strong protections against wage theft, workplace harassment, and other unlawful work-related conduct.

Why Choose the Law Offices of Miguel S. Ramirez

Experiencing wrongful termination, retaliation, or workplace discrimination is unacceptable. When your rights are compromised, it can be daunting, but you don’t have to navigate it alone.

Our firm is committed to defending workers’ rights across Southern California, including Westwood.

With over 20 years of experience, our legal team possesses valuable insight into employment law, having represented both large corporations and individual clients. This background enables us to understand business tactics and effectively advocate for your rights. We prioritize personalized, one-on-one support and are dedicated to helping you get the justice you deserve.

Examples of Employment Law Violations

Some workplace violations are more obvious than others. The Law Offices of Miguel S. Ramirez has experience handling these and other employment-related cases:

• Discrimination: It is unlawful in California to treat employees unfairly based on protected characteristics such as gender, race, age, disability, or religion. Discrimination can occur in hiring, promotions, job assignments, and terminations.
• Harassment: Harassment includes repeated unwanted comments or behavior. This includes unwanted behavior that targets someone due to their protected characteristic. Sexual harassment is a common form of this violation that encompasses inappropriate advances or comments of a sexual nature.
• Wrongful Termination: Employees are protected from being fired for illegal reasons, such as retaliation for reporting discrimination or for exercising their rights under labor laws. Wrongful terminations also refer to any firing that violates the worker’s contract agreement.
• Wage and Hour Violations: Employers must adhere to minimum wage laws, overtime pay requirements, and proper payment for all hours worked. Violations can include unpaid wages, misclassification of employees as exempt from overtime, or failure to provide meal and rest breaks.
• Retaliation: Employees are protected from retaliation for asserting their rights. One protected right is the right to file a discrimination complaint or participate in a discrimination investigation. Retaliation can take various forms, such as demotion, harassment, or termination.
• Family and Medical Leave Violations: Under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and California Family Rights Act (CFRA), employees have the right to take leave for medical reasons or to care for a family member. Employers who deny workers these rights can be held accountable in court.

How Can I Be Compensated Following a Workplace Violation?

You can be compensated following a workplace violation by hiring a Westwood employment lawyer who understands state and federal laws pertaining to employment law. Your attorney may start by reaching out to the employer to see if an appropriate settlement can be reached to compensate you for your financial losses and other hardships.

If the employer is unwilling to pay you a fair settlement, the next step could involve filing an administrative complaint with the appropriate government agency at the state or federal level. The result of the agency’s investigation may lead to approval of the “right to sue.” This designation allows the complainant to take the at-fault party to court.

If the case is then handled through the courts, your attorney can seek a settlement agreement that satisfies both parties. Most cases are resolved through settlements, though there is always a possibility that a case may go to trial where a judge or jury will decide the merits of the plaintiff’s arguments.

FAQs

Q: How Much Does an Employment Lawyer Cost in California?

A: Many employment lawyers, including our founding attorney, work on a contingency fee basis. This means the attorney only gets paid if they win the case or secure a settlement for the client. The contingency fee is usually a percentage of the compensation awarded. The benefit of this arrangement is that clients do not have to worry about paying an up-front fee.

Q: How Do I Get Advice About My Employment Case in California?

A: One way to get advice about your employment case is to schedule a consultation with an employment lawyer. The Law Offices of Miguel S. Ramirez offers consultations where an attorney can evaluate your case and give you advice and valuable insights into labor laws. There are also various nonprofits that can give you helpful information about California’s employment laws.

Q: What Are My Rights as a California Employee?

A: As a California employee, you have various rights, including protection against discrimination and harassment based on protected characteristics, the right to receive fair wages and overtime pay, access to safe working conditions, the ability to take medical leave, and the right to organize or join a union. Understanding these rights can help you advocate for yourself effectively.

Q: Can You Sue Your Employer in California?

A: Yes, you can sue your employer in California under certain circumstances. If you believe you have been wrongfully terminated, discriminated against, harassed, or denied your rights related to wages, workplace safety, or medical leave, you may have grounds to sue. It’s important to consult with an experienced employment attorney to assess your case and navigate the legal process effectively.

Schedule Your Consultation With a Westwood Employment Lawyer Today

Employment law encompasses a wide range of state and federal labor laws. At its core, employment law protects workers and ensures that employees are allowed to work in safe environments that pay fair wages. Violations of any of these laws are a serious matter. Workers can enforce their rights by hiring an employment law attorney.

At the Law Offices of Miguel S. Ramirez, our legal professionals work tirelessly to help workers receive compensation and other remedies if their rights are violated. We understand the importance of being paid fairly and not being subjected to harassment or retaliation in the workplace. To schedule your consultation, contact our office today.