What is a Calabasas workplace discrimination claim actually worth to me?
Workplace discrimination in Calabasas leaves you feeling like your career stopped dead. What you recover depends on the specific harm you suffered. California law allows recovery for lost wages, benefits, and damages for emotional distress. It also lets you claim for costs you paid out of pocket because of the discrimination.
Each discrimination case has unique facts. The full compensation available under California law depends on how the discrimination affected your income, your mental well-being, and your career path. Understanding these categories of loss helps build your case.
How long do I have to file a workplace discrimination claim?
Most California personal injury and employment claims must be filed within two years, as stated in California Code of Civil Procedure (CCP) § 335.1. However, if your claim is against a city, county, or public agency in Calabasas, you must present a written claim within six months (California Government Code § 911.2).
For example, if you were discriminated against by an employer that is a public entity, like a city department, the six-month deadline applies. It is critical to confirm the correct deadline for your specific situation. While the deadline is generally paused if an injured person is a minor (CCP § 352), this pause does not apply to claims against public entities (CCP § 352(b)).
What kinds of workplace discrimination does California law cover?
California law protects Calabasas workers from discrimination based on many characteristics. This includes age, ancestry, gender identity, mental or physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, national origin, race, religion, sex, and sexual orientation. Retaliation for reporting discrimination is also illegal.
If your employer makes decisions about hiring, firing, promotions, pay, or work assignments based on these protected characteristics, that is unlawful discrimination. This also applies to harassment that creates a hostile work environment. Our firm focuses on protecting employee rights in cases like these. You can learn more about specific protections on our workplace discrimination practice area page.
Where do I file a workplace discrimination claim from Calabasas?
In Los Angeles County, personal injury and employment cases are generally filed in the judicial district where the incident occurred. For incidents in Calabasas, your case would be filed with the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. Under Los Angeles Superior Court Local Rule 2.3, cases are assigned to a Personal Injury Hub department.
The appropriate courthouse for a Calabasas claim is typically the Van Nuys Courthouse East, located at 6230 Sylmar Ave, Van Nuys, CA 91401. This is the assigned courthouse for the Northwest District, which covers Calabasas. Confirming the specific filing location with an attorney for your unique facts ensures your claim starts correctly.
What should I do after experiencing workplace discrimination?
- Document Everything: Write down details of discriminatory incidents. Note dates, times, people involved, and what was said or done. Save emails, texts, or other communications.
- Report the Discrimination Internally (if safe): Follow your company's policy for reporting discrimination. This creates an official record and gives your employer a chance to address the issue.
- Keep Records of Your Work Performance: Maintain copies of performance reviews, commendations, or any other documents showing your positive contributions at work.
- Seek Medical or Psychological Help: Discrimination causes real stress and emotional harm. Get help from a doctor or therapist and keep records of your treatment.
- Consult an Attorney: Speak with a lawyer who understands California employment law. They can assess your situation, explain your options, and help you understand specific deadlines that apply to your case.
What does working with Casa Legal Los Angeles involve?
We start by listening to your story. We need to understand the details of what happened in your Calabasas workplace and how it affected you. From there, we collect evidence like communications, company policies, and witness statements.
We work to build a strong case for you. This often means communicating with your employer or their legal team. We aim to secure the compensation you deserve, whether through negotiation or, if necessary, by taking your case to court. We keep you informed at every step, explaining the legal process clearly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA)?
The California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) is a state law that protects Calabasas employees from harassment and discrimination in the workplace. FEHA prohibits discrimination based on protected characteristics like race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, and age, covering employers with five or more employees. It also protects employees who report discrimination from retaliation.
Can my employer fire me for reporting discrimination?
No, California law prohibits employers from retaliating against employees for reporting discrimination or participating in an investigation of a discrimination claim. This protection applies to workers in Calabasas and across the state. If you report discrimination and then face negative actions like termination, demotion, or reduced hours, that could be illegal retaliation.
Do I have to go through my company's HR department first?
You are generally encouraged to report discrimination through your company's internal HR process if one exists. This can sometimes resolve the issue quickly and creates a record. However, you also have the right to file a complaint directly with an external agency like the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). An attorney can help you decide the best path for your specific situation.
Are there different deadlines for federal discrimination claims?
Yes, federal discrimination claims have different deadlines than state claims. For example, to file a charge of discrimination with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), you generally have 180 days from the date of the discriminatory act, or 300 days if a state or local agency enforces a law prohibiting employment discrimination on the same basis. This is a separate process from state law claims, and you should discuss both with an attorney to ensure you do not miss any deadlines.
Workplace discrimination can be devastating. Let us help you assert your rights. Call Casa Legal Los Angeles at 888-585-2529 for a confidential consultation. No attorney's fees unless we win — and no case costs either.