Does an employer always break the law when they treat me unfairly in Santa Clarita?
No, an employer does not always break the law just because their treatment feels unfair. California law protects employees from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation based on specific protected characteristics or activities. An employer can fire an at-will employee for many reasons, provided those reasons are not illegal discrimination or retaliation.
Workplace discrimination happens when an employer treats an employee or job applicant unfavorably because of their race, religion, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, disability, medical condition, or other protected categories. An employer might face legal action if their actions, even if seemingly neutral, disproportionately harm a protected group without a business necessity.
How long do you have to file a workplace discrimination claim in California?
Most California workplace discrimination claims, including those against private employers, generally have a deadline of two years to file a lawsuit in court (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1). This two-year period typically starts from the date of the discriminatory act. However, claims against a city, county, or other public agency in Santa Clarita must be presented within six months of the incident under Cal. Gov. Code § 911.2, which is a much shorter deadline.
Before filing a lawsuit, many workplace discrimination claims first require filing a complaint with an administrative agency, such as the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). These agencies have their own, often shorter, deadlines. For example, a complaint with the CRD generally must be filed within three years of the discriminatory act.
The deadline is generally paused while an injured person is a minor under Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 352. However, Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 352(b) removes that pause for claims against public entities under the Government Claims Act. For workplace claims, this minor tolling usually applies to situations where a minor is the direct target of discrimination.
Where does a workplace discrimination claim get filed in Santa Clarita?
A workplace discrimination lawsuit originating from Santa Clarita is generally filed in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. Under LASC Local Rule 2.3 and the General Order regarding Assignment and Transfer of Personal Injury Cases (effective May 17, 2024), a case from Santa Clarita is filed in the judicial district where the incident occurred and is assigned to that district's Personal Injury Hub department.
For cases in the North Valley District, which includes Santa Clarita, this means filing at the Chatsworth Courthouse, located at 9425 Penfield Ave, Chatsworth, CA 91311. Remember that administrative complaints with agencies like the CRD or EEOC precede court filings and are handled through their own systems, not directly at the courthouse.
What types of workplace discrimination does California law prohibit?
California law prohibits discrimination in employment based on many protected characteristics. These include race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, age (40 and over), sexual orientation, veteran or military status, and political affiliations.
Beyond discrimination, California also prohibits workplace harassment based on these same protected characteristics. Employers must take reasonable steps to prevent harassment and discrimination from occurring and to correct it promptly if it does. Retaliation against an employee for complaining about discrimination or harassment, or for participating in an investigation, is also illegal.
California law also protects employees who engage in certain activities, such as reporting unsafe working conditions or whistleblowing on illegal activities. Casa Legal Los Angeles handles a wide range of employee rights matters, including retaliation claims in Santa Clarita and other related issues.
What should you do if you believe you are experiencing workplace discrimination?
If you believe you are experiencing workplace discrimination in Santa Clarita, taking specific steps can help 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 any relevant emails, texts, or other communications.
- Review company policy: Check your employer's policies on discrimination and harassment, often found in employee handbooks. Follow your company's internal reporting procedures, if you feel safe doing so.
- Preserve evidence: Do not delete any evidence related to your claim, such as performance reviews, disciplinary notices, or communications that demonstrate differential treatment.
- Consult an attorney: Speak with a California employment law attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can explain your rights, assess the strength of your claim, and guide you through the process, including filing a complaint with the appropriate administrative agency or a lawsuit. This is important to ensure you meet all deadlines.
- Seek medical attention if needed: If the discrimination has caused you emotional distress or other health issues, seek care from a doctor or therapist and keep records of these visits.
What working with Casa Legal Los Angeles involves
Working with our firm for a workplace discrimination claim means you will have an advocate who understands California employment law. We begin by listening to your story and evaluating the facts of your situation to determine if you have a valid claim. Our goal is to pursue the full compensation available under California law for damages such as lost wages, emotional distress, and other harm resulting from discrimination.
We handle all communications and filings with your employer and any necessary government agencies, such as the California Civil Rights Department or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. We prepare your case for settlement negotiations or, if necessary, for litigation. Our firm handles a variety of employment law cases across Los Angeles County, serving communities like Santa Clarita and Azusa, as well as Bell and Baldwin Park.
We work on a contingency fee basis. This means no attorney's fees unless we win – and no case costs either. We believe every employee deserves access to justice without upfront financial barriers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is retaliation in the workplace?
Workplace retaliation occurs when an employer takes adverse action against an employee for engaging in a protected activity, such as reporting discrimination, participating in an investigation, or whistleblowing on illegal conduct. The adverse action could include demotion, termination, reduction in pay, or any other negative change in employment terms or conditions.
Can I be fired for complaining about discrimination?
No, you cannot be legally fired for complaining about discrimination. California law prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who report discrimination, either internally to the company or externally to an administrative agency. If an employer fires you after you make such a complaint, it may be considered illegal retaliation.
Do I have to file a complaint with the CRD or EEOC before suing?
For most workplace discrimination claims, you must first file a complaint with an administrative agency like the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) before you can file a lawsuit in court. This process is called "exhausting administrative remedies" and is a mandatory step before pursuing litigation. The deadline for filing with the CRD is generally three years from the discriminatory act.
Where is the closest court for a Santa Clarita workplace discrimination case?
A workplace discrimination lawsuit for an incident occurring in Santa Clarita would generally be filed at the Chatsworth Courthouse, which is part of the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. This courthouse is located at 9425 Penfield Ave, Chatsworth, CA 91311, and serves the North Valley District for such filings.
If you believe your rights have been violated in the workplace in Santa Clarita, speak with an experienced employment law attorney. Call Casa Legal Los Angeles today at 888-585-2529 for a consultation. No attorney's fees unless we win – and no case costs either.