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California Employment Law Attorney - Wave Law Firm, APC
If you've experienced discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, or other unlawful treatment in the workplace in California, you may be entitled to legal recourse under California employment law. At Wave Law Firm, APC, we can help protect the rights of employees and helping them navigate the complex legal process. We understand the stress and challenges that come with facing mistreatment at work, and we're here to help you get the justice you deserve.
What is California Employment Law?
California employment law provides robust protections for employees in the state. These laws cover a wide range of issues, including:
Discrimination based on protected characteristics such as race, gender, age, disability, etc.
Harassment, including sexual harassment
Wrongful termination
Retaliation for engaging in protected activities
Wage and hour violations, such as unpaid overtime or meal/rest break violations
Failure to provide required leave under laws like the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) or California Family Rights Act (CFRA)
California's employment laws are generally more protective of workers than federal laws. For example, California's Fair Employment and Housing Act prohibits discrimination and harassment based on more protected characteristics compared to federal law.
According to a study by the National Employment Law Project, California has some of the strongest employment laws and enforcement mechanisms in the United States. These laws have helped countless California workers who have faced illegal treatment in the workplace.
What are some common signs of employment law violations?
There are many potential signs that your employment rights may have been violated under California law. Some common red flags include:
Being passed over for a promotion or treated differently than coworkers due to your race, age, gender, or other protected characteristic
Experiencing unwanted sexual advances, offensive comments, or other harassment at work
Being fired after reporting discrimination, harassment, safety violations, or other unlawful conduct
Not receiving overtime pay for hours worked over 40 per week or 8 per day
Being denied meal or rest breaks
Having your job threatened for taking legally protected leave, such as FMLA leave
If you've experienced any of these issues or other concerning treatment at work, it's important to speak with an employment attorney to understand your rights and options.
How common are employment law violations in California?
Unfortunately, employment law violations are all too common in California. According to data from the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing, the agency received nearly 25,000 complaints of employment discrimination and harassment in 2020 alone. Many more violations likely go unreported due to fear of retaliation or lack of awareness of legal rights.
What compensation is available for employment law violations?
If you've experienced an employment law violation, you may be entitled to various types of compensation, depending on the specific circumstances. Potential remedies include:
Back pay for lost wages
Front pay for future lost wages
Emotional distress damages
Punitive damages meant to punish especially egregious violations
Attorney's fees and costs
Reinstatement to your job
Required policy changes at your workplace
An experienced employment attorney can assess your case and advise you on the full range of compensation you may be able to seek.
How can Wave Law Firm, APC help with your Employment Law case?
At Wave Law Firm, APC, our attorneys have experience handling cases throughout California. We can help you navigate the state's complex employment laws and help you build strong case. When you work with us, you can expect:
Free case evaluation: We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to review your case and determine if you have a valid employment law claim.
Legal guidance: Our firm will guide you through every step of the legal process, from gathering evidence to negotiating with your employer and representing you in court, if necessary.
No upfront fees: We work on a contingency basis, which means you don't pay any legal fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Aggressive representation: We're not afraid to stand up to employers of any size to protect your rights and fight for the justice you deserve.
Personalized attention: We understand that every case is unique, and we take the time to listen to your story, understand your goals, and develop a tailored legal strategy for your needs.
Top 10 FAQs about California Employment Law
What is California employment law? California employment law refers to the set of state laws and regulations that govern the rights and responsibilities of employers and employees in California.
What are some key areas covered by California employment law? Key areas include discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, wage and hour issues, and leave rights.
What is considered workplace discrimination in California? California law prohibits employment discrimination based on protected characteristics such as race, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, and more.
What counts as wrongful termination? Wrongful termination occurs when an employee is fired for an illegal reason, such as discrimination, retaliation, or violation of public policy.
What should I do if I think my employment rights have been violated? If you suspect an employment law violation, you should document the issue and consult with an experienced employment attorney to discuss your legal options.
What is the statute of limitations for employment law claims in California? The deadline to file varies depending on the type of claim, but can range from 1 year to 3 years in most cases. It's important to act quickly to preserve your rights.
Can I be fired for reporting discrimination or other unlawful conduct? No, California law prohibits retaliation against employees who report suspected violations in good faith. Firing someone for making a complaint is illegal.
Am I entitled to overtime pay? Non-exempt employees in California are entitled to overtime pay for hours worked over 8 in a day or 40 in a week. Some exemptions apply.
Do I need an attorney for an employment law issue? While not required, working with an experienced employment attorney can significantly improve your chances of a successful outcome and ensure your rights are fully protected.
How much does it cost to hire an employment law attorney? Many employment law attorneys, including those at Wave Law Firm, APC, work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay no upfront fees and the attorney only gets paid if they win compensation for you.
Contact a California Employment Law Attorney Today
If you believe your rights have been violated under California employment law, don't hesitate to contact Wave Law Firm, APC. We are ready to fight for you and help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve. Call us today at (831) 515-1010 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free case evaluation. Don't let unlawful treatment at work go unchallenged – let Wave Law Firm, APC advocate for you and help you move forward.