Working in Hawaiian Gardens shouldn't mean facing unfair treatment because of who you are. When your employer treats you differently because of your race, gender, age, religion, disability, or other protected characteristic, that is illegal workplace discrimination.
California law protects employees from discrimination. If you believe you have been subjected to unlawful discrimination at work, you may have legal options to seek justice.
Where do you file a workplace discrimination claim in Hawaiian Gardens?
If you need to file a lawsuit related to workplace discrimination occurring in Hawaiian Gardens, the case will generally be filed in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. Specifically, the case is assigned to the Governor George Deukmejian Courthouse, located at 275 Magnolia Ave, Long Beach, CA 90802. In Los Angeles County, 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, as per LASC Local Rule 2.3 and the General Order re Assignment and Transfer of Personal Injury Cases, effective May 17, 2024. This applies to civil actions like discrimination claims as well.
Because the catchment boundaries can change, it is always wise to confirm the correct filing courthouse on the court's official locator before relying on this information for your specific case.
What should you do after experiencing workplace discrimination?
After you experience workplace discrimination, take steps to protect your rights.
- Document everything. Keep a detailed record of discriminatory incidents, including dates, times, locations, names of individuals involved, and what was said or done. Save emails, text messages, or other communications that might be relevant.
- Report the discrimination. Follow your employer's internal complaint procedures, if they exist. Report the discrimination to a supervisor, HR department, or another designated person. This step often helps establish that your employer was aware of the issue.
- Preserve evidence. Do not delete any evidence. Keep copies of your performance reviews, pay stubs, employee handbook, and any other documents related to your employment.
- Seek legal advice. Speak with an attorney who focuses on employment law. They can help you understand your rights and the deadlines that apply to your situation.
- Know the deadlines. Workplace discrimination claims often have strict deadlines, including those set by government agencies like the Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Missing a deadline can prevent you from pursuing your claim.
How long do you have to file a workplace discrimination lawsuit?
The time you have to file a workplace discrimination lawsuit can vary significantly. Most personal injury claims, including those for discrimination, must be filed within two years under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. However, if your claim involves a public entity in Hawaiian Gardens, such as the city or a local transit agency, you must present a written claim to that public entity within six months of the incident under California Government Code § 911.2. Failing to meet this six-month deadline can bar you from filing a lawsuit later.
The deadline is generally paused while an injured person is a minor under California Code of Civil Procedure § 352. However, California Code of Civil Procedure § 352(b) removes that pause for claims against public entities under the Government Claims Act.
What kinds of workplace discrimination does California law prohibit?
California law prohibits discrimination based on many protected characteristics. These protections apply to job applicants, employees, and former employees in Hawaiian Gardens workplaces.
Discrimination may be based on an individual's:
- Race or color
- Religion
- National origin or ancestry
- Physical or mental disability
- Medical condition (including cancer or genetic characteristics)
- Genetic information
- Marital status
- Sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions)
- Gender, gender identity, or gender expression
- Sexual orientation
- Age (40 and older)
- Military or veteran status
Discrimination can take many forms, including refusal to hire, wrongful termination, demotion, unequal pay, harassment, or denial of promotion. Our Hawaiian Gardens employee rights attorneys also help employees facing retaliation for asserting their rights.
What does working with Casa Legal Los Angeles involve?
Working with Casa Legal Los Angeles means you have an advocate dedicated to fighting for your rights. We conduct a thorough investigation into your workplace discrimination claims, gathering all necessary evidence and witness statements. We help you understand the legal process and work to build a strong case.
Our focus is on helping employees in Hawaiian Gardens pursue the full compensation available under California law. This can include lost wages, emotional distress, and other damages you incurred because of the discrimination. For more information on workplace discrimination, visit our employment law hub.
If you're dealing with discrimination, know that you do not have to face your employer alone. For assistance in nearby cities, we also serve areas like Azusa and Bellflower.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is "protected characteristic" discrimination?
Discrimination based on a "protected characteristic" means unfair treatment in the workplace because of attributes like your race, gender, age (40+), religion, disability, or sexual orientation, all of which are safeguarded under California law. It is illegal for an employer to make employment decisions based on these characteristics.
Can you be fired for reporting discrimination in Hawaiian Gardens?
No, California law makes it illegal for an employer in Hawaiian Gardens to fire, demote, or otherwise penalize an employee for reporting discrimination or participating in an investigation into discrimination. This protection is called anti-retaliation, and it encourages employees to speak up without fear of reprisal.
What if your employer denies your discrimination claim?
If your employer denies your discrimination claim, that does not mean your claim is invalid. Many employers will defend themselves against such allegations. It is important to have an attorney review your case to determine the next steps, which may include filing a claim with a government agency or proceeding with a lawsuit in the Los Angeles Superior Court.
How much does it cost to hire an attorney for a discrimination case?
At Casa Legal Los Angeles, we take workplace discrimination cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no attorney's fees unless we win your case. You also pay no case costs if there is no recovery.
Do not let workplace discrimination in Hawaiian Gardens go unchallenged. Speak with an attorney today to understand your options. Call Casa Legal Los Angeles at 888-585-2529 for a confidential discussion about your situation. No attorney's fees unless we win — and no case costs either.