What if your employer in La Cañada Flintridge fired you because of your age?
If your employer in La Cañada Flintridge let you go because of how old you are, California law protects you from discrimination based on age. It is illegal for companies to make employment decisions like hiring, firing, or promotions based on an employee's age, especially for those 40 and older.
State and federal laws make it illegal to treat an employee or job applicant worse because of age. You have rights, and our firm works to protect those rights for workers across Los Angeles County.
Where do you file a discrimination claim in Los Angeles County?
Workplace discrimination claims for incidents in La Cañada Flintridge are generally filed in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. Under local rules, a case like this is filed in the judicial district where the incident occurred and is assigned to that district's Personal Injury Hub department. For La Cañada Flintridge, this often means your case would be heard at the Burbank Courthouse, located at 300 E Olive Ave, Burbank, CA 91502.
Always confirm the specific courthouse for your claim with an attorney, as catchment boundaries can change. Filing in the correct court is a step in protecting your rights against unfair treatment at work.
What should you do after experiencing workplace discrimination?
- Document everything. Keep detailed records of any discriminatory actions, including dates, times, locations, individuals involved, and specific comments or behaviors. This includes emails, texts, performance reviews, or other written evidence.
- Report internally. Follow your company's internal reporting procedures, if they exist. This often means reporting the behavior to HR or a supervisor. Make sure to keep a record of your report.
- Seek medical attention if needed. Discrimination can cause significant emotional and physical distress. Talk to a doctor or therapist if you are experiencing health issues related to the stress of your workplace situation.
- Do not sign anything. Avoid signing severance agreements or other documents without first consulting an attorney. These agreements might waive your right to pursue a discrimination claim.
- Contact an attorney. An attorney can assess your situation, explain your rights, and help you understand the next steps. They can assist in gathering evidence and filing a claim.
How long do you have to file a discrimination lawsuit?
Most personal injury and employment claims in California, including many discrimination cases, must be filed within two years (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1). However, if your claim is against a city, county, or other public entity in La Cañada Flintridge, you must first present a written claim to that entity within six months of the incident (Cal. Gov. Code § 911.2). This six-month deadline is strict and an attorney can help you meet it.
The deadline is generally paused while an injured person is a minor under CCP § 352, but § 352(b) removes that pause for claims against public entities under the Government Claims Act. Failing to meet these deadlines can mean losing your right to pursue a claim for the compensation available under California law.
What types of discrimination does California law prohibit in La Cañada Flintridge?
California law protects employees in La Cañada Flintridge from discrimination based on many characteristics. Employers cannot discriminate based on age (40 or older), ancestry, color, religious creed, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military and veteran status, national origin, race, sex, or sexual orientation. Retaliation for reporting discrimination is also illegal, as explained on our La Cañada Flintridge retaliation and whistleblowing page.
These protections extend to all aspects of employment, from hiring and promotions to pay, job assignments, benefits, and firing. If you believe you have faced discrimination based on any of these protected traits, you have rights. Our workplace discrimination lawyers stand up for employee rights.
What does working with Casa Legal Los Angeles involve?
When you work with Casa Legal Los Angeles, we start by listening to your story. We gather the facts of your situation and explain how California's employment laws apply to you. Our team will review your employment history, any relevant company policies, and the specifics of the discriminatory actions you faced. We focus on building a strong case designed to pursue the full compensation available under California law.
We handle all communication with your employer or their legal team, preparing and filing all necessary legal documents. Our goal is to shoulder the legal burden so you can focus on moving forward. We also help workers in other Los Angeles County cities like Azusa and Bell.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is considered unlawful workplace discrimination in California?
Unlawful workplace discrimination in California involves treating an employee or job applicant unfavorably because of their race, religion, national origin, age (40+), disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, or military status. This includes unfair treatment in hiring, firing, pay, job assignments, promotions, layoff, training, fringe benefits, and any other term or condition of employment. The California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) is the primary state law prohibiting these actions, ensuring that employees in places like La Cañada Flintridge are protected.
Can I be fired for reporting discrimination at my job in La Cañada Flintridge?
No, California law prohibits employers from firing, demoting, or otherwise retaliating against an employee for reporting discrimination or participating in a discrimination investigation. This protection extends to employees who make good-faith complaints, even if those complaints do not ultimately lead to a finding of discrimination. Such actions are considered unlawful retaliation. You can learn more about related protections for employees in La Cañada Flintridge on our employee rights page.
What kind of compensation can I seek in a discrimination lawsuit?
In a successful discrimination lawsuit, you may seek compensation for various damages. These can include lost wages and benefits (back pay), future lost wages and benefits (front pay), emotional distress, and attorney's fees and court costs. In some cases, punitive damages may also be available, designed to punish particularly egregious employer conduct. The specific compensation depends on the facts of your case and the evidence presented.
How do I know if I have a valid workplace discrimination claim?
Determining if you have a valid workplace discrimination claim requires an evaluation of the specific facts of your situation under California law. Generally, you need to show that you are a member of a protected class, that you suffered an adverse employment action (like being fired or denied a promotion), and that your protected characteristic was a motivating factor in that action. Consulting an attorney is the best way to assess the strength of your potential claim and understand your options.
If you've experienced workplace discrimination in La Cañada Flintridge, you don't have to face it alone. Contact Casa Legal Los Angeles today at 888-585-2529 for a confidential discussion about your rights. No attorney's fees unless we win — and no case costs either.