If you think you may have been the victim of workplace discrimination in Riverside, California, it’s important to understand your rights, what options are available to you, and what possible monetary damages you may be entitled to. Your suffering deserves to be compensated, and there are legal options available to you. The employment discrimination attorneys at Eldessouky Law can help.
Below you will find information on workplace discrimination in California, including what it is, how to tell if you’ve been a victim of workplace discrimination, and what you can do about it.
What is Workplace Discrimination in Riverside, California?
According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), workplace discrimination is defined as “treating a person differently, or less favorably, for some reason.” Discrimination can occur almost anywhere in the workplace, from job interviews and promotions to pay and benefits. In California, the primary law that prohibits discrimination is the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) (Cal. Gov. Code § 12940).
Types of Workplace Discrimination
Workplace discrimination in Riverside can manifest in several forms, including but not limited to:
- Race Discrimination: Treating employees or job applicants unfavorably because of their race or characteristics associated with race.
- Gender Discrimination: Unfair treatment based on gender, including sexual harassment and gender identity discrimination.
- Age Discrimination: Unfair treatment of employees over the age of 40.
- Disability Discrimination: Unfavorable treatment of employees or job applicants because of a physical or mental disability.
- Religious Discrimination: Treating employees unfavorably because of their religious beliefs.
- National Origin Discrimination: Unfair treatment based on an individual’s country of origin or ethnicity.
- Sexual Orientation Discrimination: Treating employees unfairly based on their sexual orientation.
- Pregnancy Discrimination: Unfair treatment due to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.
How to Tell if You’ve Been a Victim of Workplace Discrimination
There are many signs that you may be a victim of workplace discrimination. If you have experienced any of the following, you may have a workplace discrimination claim:
- You were treated differently than other employees who are not in the same protected class.
- You were passed over for a promotion or job opportunity that you were qualified for.
- You were demoted or had your hours reduced.
- You were wrongfully and unfairly terminated.
- You were paid less than other employees who are not in the same protected class.
- You were harassed or subjected to offensive comments or jokes based on your protected class.
- You were retaliated against for reporting discrimination or participating in an investigation.
Proving Discrimination in Riverside Against an Employer
Although every case is different, there are some general things that you will need to prove to have a successful workplace discrimination claim against an employer in Riverside, California:
- Protected Class: You must show that you are a member of a protected class. Protected classes include age, sex, race, disability, religion, and sexual orientation.
- Adverse Treatment: You must demonstrate that you were treated adversely because of your membership in a protected class.
- Burden of Proof: The burden of proof in a California discrimination case is on the employee. You must prove that the employer discriminated against you.
- Evidence of Discrimination: Your claims must be supported by sufficient evidence. This could include documentation, witness testimonies, and any records showing that your employer knew about the discrimination and did nothing.
Steps to Take if You’ve Been Discriminated Against
- Document Everything: Keep detailed records of any incidents of discrimination, including dates, times, locations, and the people involved.
- Report the Discrimination: Inform your employer’s human resources department or use your company’s reporting procedures to document your complaint.
- Seek Legal Advice: Contact an experienced Riverside discrimination lawyer to discuss your case and explore your legal options.
- File a Complaint: You may need to file a complaint with the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) or the EEOC before taking legal action.
Why Should You Hire a Riverside Discrimination Lawyer?
Handling a legal issue by yourself is possible, but it’s not always in your best interest. California employment law is complex and ever-changing. An experienced Riverside discrimination lawyer will know how to investigate your claim, build a strong case, and negotiate on your behalf.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim for Workplace Discrimination in Riverside?
The statute of limitations for filing a discrimination claim with the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) is three years from the date of the last discriminatory act (Cal. Gov. Code § 12960). After the DFEH issues a Right to Sue Notice, the claimant has one additional year to file a lawsuit under FEHA in civil court.
Why Choose Eldessouky Law for Your Workplace Discrimination Case?
The attorneys at Eldessouky Law have experience handling all types of workplace discrimination cases in Riverside, California. We understand the complex laws and procedures involved in these cases and will fight tirelessly to get you the justice and compensation you deserve. We handle cases on a contingency basis, which means you don’t have to pay any upfront fees. We only get paid if we recover compensation for you.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Riverside Employment & Workplace Discrimination Attorney
If you believe you have been the victim of workplace discrimination, don’t hesitate to contact Eldessouky Law today. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case and answer any questions you may have. We will evaluate your claim and let you know what options are available to you.
There is no charge for the initial consultation, and you are under no obligation. You can contact our office by either calling 714-409-8991 or by filling out one of our online contact forms. Let Eldessouky Law fight for your rights and ensure you get the justice you deserve with the help of a skilled Riverside discrimination lawyer.
