What happens if my employer fires me after I complain about discrimination in Burbank?
If your employer fires you because you complained about discrimination, that action might be illegal retaliation. California law protects workers who speak up about unfair treatment, even if their original discrimination claim is not fully proven. Being fired for exercising your rights is often as serious as the discrimination itself.
How long do I have to file a discrimination claim in California?
You have a limited time to act after experiencing workplace discrimination in Burbank. Most personal injury claims, which can include claims for discrimination leading to emotional distress, must be filed within two years (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1). However, if your claim involves a city, county, or public agency, you generally must present a written claim to that entity within six months of the incident (Cal. Gov. Code § 911.2). If you were a minor when the discrimination occurred, the deadline is generally paused under Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 352, but this pause does not apply to the six-month deadline for claims against public entities. Confirm the exact deadline for your specific situation with an attorney.
California law allows for recovery of economic damages, like lost wages and benefits, and non-economic damages, such as emotional distress and pain and suffering, when you experience workplace discrimination. The specific compensation depends on the facts of your case. Our firm pursues the full compensation available under California law for our clients.
What kinds of workplace discrimination does California law prohibit?
California law prohibits discrimination based on many protected characteristics, ensuring fairness for all workers in Burbank. This includes discrimination based on age, ancestry, gender identity, mental or physical disability, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and veteran or military status. Harassment, wrongful termination, and unfair treatment in hiring, promotions, or pay are all forms of discrimination. We focus on protecting the rights of employees against these illegal practices. If you believe you have faced unfair treatment at work, you may have a workplace discrimination claim.
California law also protects employees from retaliation when they report discrimination, participate in an investigation, or oppose discriminatory practices. An employer cannot fire, demote, or otherwise punish an employee for asserting their rights. To learn more about your rights as an employee, you can visit our Workplace Discrimination hub.
Where do I file a workplace discrimination lawsuit from Burbank?
If you need to file a lawsuit for workplace discrimination that happened in Burbank, your case will be heard in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. Under local rules, a personal injury case arising from an incident in Burbank is generally filed in the North Central District and assigned to that district's Personal Injury Hub department. The appropriate courthouse is the Burbank Courthouse, located at 300 E Olive Ave, Burbank, CA 91502. While this is the usual process, confirm your specific filing location with an attorney as court catchment boundaries can change.
What should I do after experiencing workplace discrimination?
- Document everything. Keep detailed records of discriminatory incidents, including dates, times, locations, names of individuals involved, and any witnesses. Save emails, texts, or other communications.
- Report the discrimination internally. Follow your company's policy for reporting discrimination. Do this in writing if possible, to create a clear record.
- Seek medical attention if needed. If you experience stress, anxiety, or other health issues due to the discrimination, see a doctor. Keep records of all medical appointments and treatments.
- Do not sign anything without legal advice. Your employer might try to offer you a severance package or ask you to sign documents. Consult with an attorney before signing anything that could affect your legal rights. For questions about severance, see our Burbank Severance and Contracts page.
- Contact a Burbank workplace discrimination attorney. An attorney can review your situation, explain your rights, and help you understand the specific deadlines that apply to your claim. They can help you protect your interests and pursue legal action if appropriate.
What does working with Casa Legal Los Angeles involve?
Working with Casa Legal Los Angeles means we handle the legal complexities while you focus on your well-being. We start by listening to your story and gathering all the facts about your workplace discrimination claim. Our team then investigates, collects evidence, and communicates with your employer or their legal representatives. We aim to achieve a fair resolution through negotiation or, if necessary, by taking your case to court. We protect your rights as an employee in Burbank, whether you are dealing with a hostile work environment or wrongful termination. Our focus is on employee rights; you can find more information about how we help workers on our Burbank Employee Rights page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between discrimination and harassment?
Discrimination refers to adverse employment actions, such as being fired, denied a promotion, or paid less, based on a protected characteristic. Harassment involves unwelcome conduct based on a protected characteristic that becomes severe or pervasive enough to create a hostile work environment. Both are illegal under California law and can lead to legal claims.
Can I be fired for reporting discrimination?
No, California law prohibits employers from retaliating against employees for reporting discrimination, participating in an investigation, or opposing discriminatory practices. If you are fired, demoted, or otherwise punished after reporting discrimination, you may have a separate claim for retaliation. This protection applies to workers across Burbank and extends to many other cities like Azusa and Bell.
How long do I have to file a discrimination lawsuit in California?
Most discrimination lawsuits have a two-year deadline for filing under Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1. However, claims against public entities, such as the City of Burbank or Los Angeles County, must first be presented within six months under Cal. Gov. Code § 911.2. Missing these deadlines can prevent you from pursuing your claim, so it is important to contact an attorney quickly. Similar deadlines apply in other communities such as Baldwin Park and Bellflower.
What damages can I recover in a workplace discrimination case?
In a successful workplace discrimination case, you can recover economic damages, which include lost wages, benefits, and out-of-pocket expenses. You may also recover non-economic damages for emotional distress, pain, and suffering caused by the discrimination. The specific recovery depends on the facts of your case and applicable California law.
Workplace discrimination can be devastating. If you are a Burbank worker experiencing unfair treatment, contact Casa Legal Los Angeles today. Call us at 888-585-2529 for a confidential discussion about your rights. No attorney's fees unless we win—and no case costs either.