What happens if my Pasadena employer retaliates against me for speaking up?
If your employer in Pasadena retaliates against you for exercising your workplace rights, California law provides ways to seek justice. Retaliation means your employer takes adverse action against you, like demotion, firing, or harassment, because you reported illegal activities or asserted your rights. California protects employees who report discrimination, harassment, wage violations, or unsafe working conditions. State and federal laws make it illegal for an employer to punish an employee for engaging in protected activities. This includes complaining about discrimination based on age, gender, race, religion, disability, or other protected characteristics. It also covers reporting unpaid wages, refusing to engage in illegal acts at work, or taking legally protected leave. Workers who report violations of the law are often called whistleblowers, and they have specific protections under California law. Casa Legal Los Angeles works with employees who have faced illegal retaliation in the workplace.How long do I have to file an employment claim in California?
Most employment claims in California have strict deadlines, and these can vary based on the type of claim you have. Generally, you have two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit for personal injury or wrongful death claims (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1). However, many employment claims operate under different, often shorter, deadlines. For instance, claims for wage and hour violations might have a three-year deadline, while claims filed with the Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) can have deadlines as short as one year from the discriminatory act. A claim against a city, county, or public agency, such as the City of Pasadena or Los Angeles County, must be presented within six months of the incident (Cal. Gov. Code § 911.2). This short deadline applies before you can even file a lawsuit. The deadline is generally paused while an injured person is a minor (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 352), but that pause does not apply to claims against public entities under the Government Claims Act. Because deadlines are complex and have exceptions, confirm the deadline that applies to your specific situation with an attorney.What kinds of employee rights cases are covered by California law?
California law covers many kinds of employee rights cases, protecting workers from various forms of unfair or illegal treatment. These cases often involve discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, and wage and hour disputes. For instance, if you were fired for an illegal reason, this could be a wrongful termination claim. The law also protects employees who have been denied proper breaks, overtime pay, or minimum wage. California has robust protections against discrimination based on characteristics like race, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, and disability. Workers also have rights related to taking leave for medical reasons or family care, and they are protected from retaliation for exercising these rights. We advocate for employees across Los Angeles County, including those in Bellflower and Santa Paula, who have experienced these kinds of workplace issues. You can learn more about specific types of claims, like those related to leave and accommodations in Pasadena or issues for executive employment in Pasadena, on our website.Where is an employment claim from Pasadena filed?
An employment claim from Pasadena against a private employer is generally filed in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. Under Los Angeles County rules, a personal injury case is filed in the judicial district where the incident occurred and is assigned to that district's Personal Injury Hub department (LASC Local Rule 2.3; General Order re Assignment and Transfer of Personal Injury Cases, effective May 17, 2024). The Pasadena Courthouse at 300 E Walnut St, Pasadena, CA 91101, serves the Northeast District of Los Angeles County. While some claims may initially go through administrative agencies like the Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) or the Labor Commissioner, the eventual lawsuit will be heard in the superior court. Claims against government entities follow a different process, starting with the six-month government claim. Understanding the correct court and process is important to make sure your claim proceeds without delay. We also serve employees in San Dimas and Bell who face similar issues.What should I do after experiencing a workplace rights violation?
After experiencing a workplace rights violation, taking certain steps can help protect your claim. Documenting events, understanding your rights, and seeking legal counsel are important.- Document Everything: Keep detailed records of dates, times, specific incidents, and the names of any witnesses. Save emails, texts, performance reviews, or any other documents related to your employment and the issues you're experiencing.
- Review Company Policies: Understand your employer’s policies on discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. Check your employee handbook or company website.
- Report the Violation Internally (if safe): Follow your company's official complaint procedures, if they exist and you feel it is safe to do so. A written report is usually best.
- Avoid Discussing with Co-Workers: Keep details of your claim confidential to avoid misunderstandings or further complications.
- Do Not Quit Without Advice: Resigning can sometimes weaken a claim for wrongful termination or constructive discharge. Get legal advice before making this decision.
- Contact an Attorney: Speak with an attorney experienced in California employment law to discuss your options and determine the best course of action. This is general information, not legal advice; you should confirm what applies to your own facts with an attorney.
What does working with Casa Legal Los Angeles involve?
Working with Casa Legal Los Angeles means we commit to pursuing the full compensation available under California law for your employment claims. We focus our practice on personal injury and employment law. Our team investigates the facts of your case, gathers evidence, and builds a strategy tailored to your specific situation. We handle communication with your employer or their legal representatives. Our goal is to secure a fair outcome through negotiation or, if necessary, by taking your case to court. We aim to ease your burden so you can focus on yourself. We offer a no attorney's fees unless we win — and no case costs either. You can explore more about our approach to fighting for employees, including those facing retaliation in Pasadena, on our website.Frequently Asked Questions
What is wrongful termination in Pasadena?
Wrongful termination occurs when an employer fires an employee for an illegal reason, violating California's labor laws or public policy. For example, if you were fired because of your age, gender, race, or for reporting unsafe working conditions, that could be wrongful termination. Pasadena employees have legal protections against such actions.How do I know if my employer is discriminating against me?
Employer discrimination involves treating an employee unfairly based on a protected characteristic like race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age (over 40), or disability. This can manifest in hiring, firing, promotion decisions, or daily treatment. If you believe you are being treated differently than others in similar situations due to a protected characteristic, you may be experiencing discrimination.What if my employer denied my request for leave?
California and federal laws, such as the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the California Family Rights Act (CFRA), provide employees with rights to take leave for certain medical or family reasons. If your employer denied a legally protected leave request, or retaliated against you for taking leave, you may have a claim. These laws have specific eligibility requirements, so reviewing your individual circumstances is important.Can I sue a public entity in Los Angeles County for an employment violation?
Yes, you can sue a public entity in Los Angeles County, including the City of Pasadena, for employment violations, but the process is different and has a much shorter deadline. Before filing a lawsuit, you must present a formal written claim to the public entity within six months of the incident (Cal. Gov. Code § 911.2). If this claim is rejected, you then have six months from the date of the rejection notice to file a lawsuit in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles.If your rights as an employee in Pasadena have been violated, reach out to Casa Legal Los Angeles. Call us today at 888-585-2529 for a confidential discussion about your situation. No attorney's fees unless we win — and no case costs either.