Can I still file a workplace discrimination claim in Bradbury if I've been fired?
Yes, you can still file a workplace discrimination claim in Bradbury even if your employment has ended, including after you've been fired. California law protects employees from discrimination in all aspects of employment, from hiring through termination.
Being fired or suffering any other adverse employment action because of a protected characteristic like age, race, gender, religion, or disability is illegal. California's Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in the workplace.
Where does a Bradbury workplace discrimination claim get filed?
A workplace discrimination claim for an incident in Bradbury generally gets filed in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. Specifically, the case will be handled by the Northeast District's Personal Injury Hub department.
The Pasadena Courthouse, located at 300 E Walnut St, Pasadena, CA 91101, serves as the primary courthouse for cases from the Bradbury area. Los Angeles County Local Rule 2.3 and the General Order regarding Assignment and Transfer of Personal Injury Cases direct how these claims are assigned.
What steps should I take after experiencing workplace discrimination?
- Document everything: Keep detailed records of discriminatory incidents, including dates, times, locations, who was involved, and what was said or done. Save emails, texts, performance reviews, or any other relevant documents.
- Report the discrimination: Follow your employer's internal reporting procedures, usually outlined in the employee handbook. If no clear procedure exists, report it to human resources or a supervisor.
- Preserve evidence: Do not delete any evidence from your personal devices or accounts. If you have evidence on company devices, consider how to preserve it legally before returning equipment.
- Seek medical or psychological help: Discrimination can take a severe toll on your health. Document any medical or psychological treatment you receive related to the stress or harm caused by the discrimination.
- Contact an attorney: An experienced workplace discrimination attorney can help you understand your rights, evaluate your claim, and guide you through the process. A lawyer can also help you determine the specific deadlines that apply to your situation, which might include filing a complaint with a government agency first.
How long do I have to file a claim, and what can I recover?
Most California personal injury claims, which can include certain aspects of employment harm, must be filed within two years (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1). However, workplace discrimination claims often involve specific administrative deadlines that are much shorter, sometimes requiring a complaint to be filed with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) first.
A claim against a city, county, or public agency must be presented within six months (Cal. Gov. Code § 911.2). The deadline is generally paused while an injured person is a minor under Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 352, but § 352(b) removes that pause for claims against public entities under the Government Claims Act.
California law allows recovery for several types of harm in discrimination cases. This includes lost wages and benefits, emotional distress, and sometimes punitive damages if the employer's conduct was particularly egregious. What a claim is worth depends on the specific facts; California law allows recovery for medical costs, lost earnings, and non-economic harm.
What types of workplace discrimination cases do we handle in Los Angeles County?
We represent employees in Bradbury and across Los Angeles County who have faced illegal workplace discrimination. This includes discrimination based on age, race, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, and medical condition.
Our work also covers cases of sexual harassment, retaliation for reporting discrimination, and wrongful termination. If you believe your employer has treated you unfairly or illegally, our team can help you understand your options. We also assist employees with other types of employee rights issues, including those involving wage and hour disputes and leave and accommodations.
What is involved in working with Casa Legal Los Angeles?
When you work with Casa Legal Los Angeles, we start by listening to your story. We investigate the facts of your situation, review your employment history, and gather evidence to build your case. Our goal is to pursue the full compensation available under California law for the harm you have suffered.
We handle all communications with your former employer, their attorneys, and any government agencies involved. We prepare and file necessary complaints, attend mediations, and represent you in court if a lawsuit becomes necessary. We handle a variety of employment law matters, including workplace discrimination, for individuals across Los Angeles County, including those in Baldwin Park and Agoura Hills.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is "protected characteristic" workplace discrimination?
Workplace discrimination happens when an employer treats an employee or job applicant unfavorably because of a protected characteristic. These characteristics include age (40 and older), race, national origin, ancestry, religion, creed, color, disability (physical or mental), genetic information, marital status, medical condition, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, and military or veteran status. California's Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) provides strong protections against this type of discrimination.
Do I need to file a complaint with a government agency first?
For most workplace discrimination claims in California, you must first file an administrative complaint with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). This must happen before you can file a lawsuit in court. These agencies investigate claims and may attempt to mediate a resolution. Failing to meet these administrative deadlines can prevent you from pursuing your claim in court later.
How does the Pasadena Courthouse handle discrimination cases from Bradbury?
The Pasadena Courthouse is part of the Northeast District of the Los Angeles County Superior Court. Under local rules, personal injury cases, including those arising from employment harm in Bradbury, are assigned to the Personal Injury Hub department in the district where the incident occurred. This courthouse is responsible for managing cases from Bradbury, handling filings, hearings, and trials for residents of the area.
What if my employer retaliates against me for reporting discrimination?
California law strongly prohibits retaliation against an employee who reports discrimination, participates in a discrimination investigation, or opposes discriminatory practices. If your employer takes adverse action against you, such as firing you, demoting you, or reducing your hours, because you engaged in these protected activities, you may have a separate claim for retaliation. Reporting retaliation is just as important as reporting the initial discrimination.
If you believe you have experienced workplace discrimination in Bradbury, contact Casa Legal Los Angeles today for a confidential consultation. Call us at 888-585-2529. No attorney's fees unless we win – and no case costs either.