Riverside Employment Lawyer

The relationship between an employee and their employer is not always an easy one. Disagreements, opposing personal beliefs, and practices that do not always line up can lead to significant conflict in the workplace. In some instances, these problems grow in severity until they reach a point where the law has been broken. If you find yourself needing to pursue legal action against your employer, it is important to have an experienced Riverside employment lawyer on your side.

What Is Employment Law?

Employees are the backbone of any company, so their rights must be protected fully. In the state of California, it is against the law for employers to discriminate against an employee because they are part of a protected class, such as a certain race or gender. Employers are also required to provide fair compensation and accommodation to their employees.

In situations where these requirements are not met, Riverside employment attorneys work with employees who have been harmed, discriminated against, or forced into a hostile work environment. In many cases, with the help of an employment lawyer, these workers can receive the appropriate accommodation or compensation.

What Areas Do Employment Lawyers Cover?

Each employment lawyer will have different practice areas that they specialize in. Not every Riverside employment lawyer has the same skills and expertise. Some of the most common practice areas that employment lawyers work within are harassment, discrimination, medical concerns, retaliation, wrongful termination, and wage theft concerns. Each of these cases must be approached differently, so it is beneficial to work with a Riverside employment attorney who is familiar with a variety of practice areas.

Harassment

Harassment is often considered any type of behavior, either from a coworker or a supervisor, that creates a hostile work environment for an employee. This can come in many forms and, unfortunately, is not uncommon in the workplace. One of the most prevalent forms of harassment is sexual in nature. While women are the most common target of sexual harassment, it can happen to anyone regardless of gender.

The two primary forms of sexual harassment are creating a hostile working environment and quid pro quo agreements. Hostile work environment harassment can include unwanted physical contact, inappropriate jokes, or anything that keeps an employee from completing their work. Quid pro quo agreements refer to situations where an individual’s job or promotion is withheld unless they agree to perform some type of sexual favor for a supervisor. All forms of harassment are illegal in the state of California.

Discrimination

Like harassment, discrimination against an employee is illegal in the state of California. The laws in place to protect against discrimination cover every part of the business, including advertising, employee transfers, working conditions, upward mobility, and more. Several attributes, considered protected classes, cannot be used by an employer as a basis to reject a potential employee or as a reason to fire an employee.

Some protected classes pertain to former careers or relationships, like marital or veteran status. Others focus on physical and medical needs, such as disabilities, genetic issues, and medical conditions. Another category of protected class centers on attributes such as race, religion, sexual orientation, and age. If an employee believes that they have experienced discrimination because of one of these, they may have a case against their employer.

Medical Concerns

An employee’s medical needs must also be accommodated by their employer. This can be accomplished in a variety of ways. Employees who welcome a child are allowed maternity or paternity leave, as well as additional accommodations like less strenuous duties during the pregnancy. Additional accommodations should also be made available for employees who have a disability. These accommodations include any adjustments to their workspace or requirements that allow them to complete their work effectively. Employers are also required to offer paid sick leave for employees dealing with a medical condition, employees seeking preventative care, and employees who have been victims of domestic violence or assault.

Retaliation

Choosing to pursue legal action against an employer can be a difficult decision for many reasons. Navigating the investigation or case itself may be stressful and time-consuming, but the fear of retaliation from your employer can also be a concern. Retaliation happens when an employer denies an employee certain rights or protections because they brought illegal practices to light.

Retaliation can take many forms, depending on the specific circumstances of the situation. Some forms of retaliation pertain directly to the job, such as being demoted, receiving a significant pay cut, an unwanted transfer, or termination. Other forms of retaliation are more social in nature and may include bullying from coworkers or managers and exclusion from social activities.

Wrongful Termination

Losing a job is often overwhelming and brings concerns about supporting yourself and your family financially. This stress can be compounded if you suspect that your employer let you go for illegal reasons. The reasons to pursue a wrongful termination case may include breach of contract on the part of your employer, being fired because you are part of a protected class, or being fired as an act of retaliation.

If your wrongful termination claim is successful, you may receive significant compensation. Depending on the specifics of your case, you could be entitled to back pay that was withheld, attorney’s fees, compensation for distress, and more. You may also be eligible for compensation for wrongful termination if your employer fails to provide adequate notice that there is a large layoff happening.

Wage Theft

Employers are required to provide accurate information to employees regarding their rate of pay. This means that the employer must share the pay rate, as well as any other pertinent information when a new employee is hired. Employers must also provide updated information if it changes.

There are many ways that an employer may commit wage theft. You may have a case for wage theft if you believe you have not been paid at your correct pay rate, you were not allowed to take breaks at the correct time, or have not received payment for overtime work. In most cases, there is a three-year limit on when you can file a wage theft claim, so if you believe you have not received the correct pay, it is important to file a claim as early as possible.

FAQs About Riverside, CA Employment Law

How Much Does an Employment Lawyer Cost in Riverside, California?

Many factors determine the cost of a Riverside employment lawyer. The skills and experience of the lawyer, the complexity of the case they are preparing, and the area where the case is taking place will all have an impact on the cost. Some employment lawyers offer a flat price for their services, while others charge hourly fees. Others work from contingency fees, meaning you are not required to pay their fees unless you win.

What Do Employment Lawyers Deal With?

Riverside employment lawyers work with cases covering any number of topics, depending on their level of expertise and their practice areas. Many employment attorneys work with discrimination cases, defending employees who have experienced discrimination or harassment because of a protected status, like race. Others focus on cases dealing with personal injury, wrongful termination, and various types of retaliation.

What is an Employment Advocate?

An employment advocate is an individual who will work with you to ensure that you fully understand your rights as an employee in the state of California. Employment advocates are part of an experienced team that offers resources, education, and support to employees in California who are facing a difficult employment law case. They will work with you to build a strong case, make sure you are protected as an employee, and provide monetary support when necessary.

Why Would You Need an Employment Lawyer in Riverside, CA?

When you choose to pursue legal action against your employer, it is important to be as prepared as possible. Understanding and navigating the legal system can be confusing and overwhelming. Working with an experienced Riverside employment lawyer can provide you with the knowledge, support, and peace of mind you need to win your case. The team at the Law Offices of Corbett H. Williams has the experience and knowledge to guide you through your employment law case successfully.

How Do I Find an Employment Lawyer in California?

Finding the best employment lawyer for your case is an important step. To find an experienced and effective Riverside employment attorney, there are several things you should consider. First, look at their education and experience for insight into how knowledgeable and comfortable they are with employment law. Also, examine the practice areas they specialize in. The fact that they are an employment lawyer does not necessarily mean they will be the best fit for your case.

Dealing with discrimination, injury, or harassment in the workplace is difficult and can feel isolating. The choice of whether to pursue legal action against your employer for any of these things is not an easy decision to make. It is important to have experienced, knowledgeable legal representation as you navigate an employment law case. With almost two decades of experience, the team at the Law Offices of Corbett H. Williams can help. Contact us today to get started.