Should I keep quiet about illegal activity at my Pasadena workplace?
No, you should not keep quiet if you witness or are asked to participate in illegal activity at your Pasadena workplace. California law protects employees who report illegal or unethical conduct by their employers. Speaking up might feel risky, but the law aims to prevent employers from punishing you for doing the right thing.
What steps should I take if I experience retaliation at work?
If you face retaliation at your job in Pasadena, document everything you can. This includes dates, times, names of individuals involved, and details of the retaliatory actions, such as sudden negative performance reviews, demotions, or reduced hours. Keep copies of any relevant emails, text messages, or other communications. Report the retaliation internally through official channels, like HR, if your company has them. If internal reporting does not resolve the issue or if you fear further retaliation, consider speaking with an attorney who focuses on employment law. They can explain your rights and help you decide your next steps. For specific advice on your situation, call us at 888-585-2529.
What kinds of workplace retaliation and whistleblowing cases are covered?
California law protects workers in Pasadena from many types of retaliation. This includes retaliation for reporting illegal activities like wage theft, discrimination, or harassment. It also covers whistleblowing when you report violations of state or federal laws to government agencies. Protected activities can also include taking protected medical leave, requesting reasonable accommodations for a disability, or participating in a workplace investigation. Retaliation can appear as wrongful termination, demotion, reduced pay or benefits, undesirable transfers, or any adverse employment action taken because you exercised your rights.
How long do I have to file a retaliation claim in California?
Most California personal injury claims, including some aspects of employment retaliation that cause personal harm, must be filed within two years (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1). However, if your claim involves a public entity, like the City of Pasadena or a state agency, you must present a written claim within six months (Cal. Gov. Code § 911.2) before you can file a lawsuit. The deadline is generally paused while an injured person is a minor under Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 352, but Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 352(b) removes that pause for claims against public entities under the Government Claims Act. Because deadlines have exceptions and vary based on the specifics of your case, confirm what applies to your own facts with an attorney. California law allows recovery for lost wages, emotional distress, and sometimes punitive damages when an employer acts with malice or oppression.
Where do I file a retaliation lawsuit for a Pasadena incident?
A retaliation lawsuit arising from an incident in Pasadena is generally filed in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. For Los Angeles County, a personal injury case, which can include certain employment claims, is filed in the judicial district where the incident occurred. It is then 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). This means your case would likely be heard at the Pasadena Courthouse, located at 300 E Walnut St, Pasadena, CA 91101. However, court catchment boundaries can change, so you should always confirm the proper filing location on the court's official locator.
What does working with Casa Legal Los Angeles involve?
Working with Casa Legal Los Angeles means having an advocate on your side who understands California employment law. We start by listening to your story and evaluating the specifics of your situation to determine if your rights were violated. Our team then gathers evidence, handles communications with your employer or their legal team, and works to build a strong case. We pursue the full compensation available under California law for losses like unpaid wages, lost benefits, and emotional distress. Our goal is to protect your rights and help you achieve a fair outcome without adding financial stress. We also handle cases for workers in other communities like Carson and Diamond Bar.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is "whistleblowing" in the context of Pasadena employment?
Whistleblowing refers to when an employee reports an employer's illegal activities or violations of public policy to an external governmental agency. This could involve reporting fraud, environmental violations, or unsafe workplace conditions by a business operating in Pasadena. California law provides strong protections against retaliation for employees who engage in such protected activities.
Can I be fired for reporting sexual harassment at my Pasadena job?
No, you cannot be legally fired or retaliated against for reporting sexual harassment at your Pasadena job. California's Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who report harassment, participate in an investigation, or oppose discriminatory practices. If you were fired after reporting harassment, you might have a claim for wrongful termination.
Does the six-month public entity claim deadline apply to all employers in Pasadena?
No, the six-month public entity claim deadline (Cal. Gov. Code § 911.2) specifically applies when your employer is a government agency, such as the City of Pasadena, Pasadena Unified School District, or another public entity. For private employers in Pasadena, the general statute of limitations for employment-related claims, which can vary but often includes a two-year period, typically applies. Consulting an attorney can clarify which deadlines apply to your specific employer.
What if I am still employed but my employer is retaliating against me?
Even if you are still employed in Pasadena, your employer cannot retaliate against you for engaging in protected activities. Retaliation does not only mean termination; it can include demotion, denial of promotion, reduction in pay or hours, or creating a hostile work environment. You have rights whether or not you have been fired, and you should document any adverse actions you experience.
Experiencing retaliation or being a whistleblower can be a stressful time, especially when your livelihood is at stake. This information is general legal information, not legal advice, and creates no attorney-client relationship. If you believe your rights have been violated, contact Casa Legal Los Angeles. We are here to help Pasadena workers understand their options. Call us at 888-585-2529 for a conversation about your situation. No attorney's fees unless we win — and no case costs either.