Protecting Torrance workers' rights. No attorney's fees or case costs unless we win.
How long do you have to file a workplace discrimination claim in Torrance?
Most workplace discrimination claims in California must be filed within specific time limits, often within one to three years depending on the type of claim and agency involved. For instance, claims filed with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) generally have a three-year deadline from the date of the discriminatory act. If you are pursuing a lawsuit directly in court, the deadline will vary.
A claim against a government entity in Torrance, such as a city department or public school, has a much shorter deadline. You generally have six months to present a written claim to the public entity (Cal. Gov. Code § 911.2) before you can file a lawsuit. An attorney can help determine the exact deadline for your specific facts.
What can you recover in a workplace discrimination case?
California law allows recovery for several types of harm suffered due to workplace discrimination. This can include lost wages and benefits, such as back pay and front pay if you were wrongfully terminated or demoted. You may also recover for emotional distress, which includes harm to your reputation, anxiety, and other non-economic losses. Punitive damages may be available in cases where the employer's conduct was particularly egregious, showing oppression, fraud, or malice (Cal. Civ. Code § 3294(a)). What a claim is worth depends on the specific facts and the evidence presented.
What should you do if you experience workplace discrimination?
If you believe you have faced discrimination in your Torrance workplace, taking immediate steps can protect your rights.
Document everything: Keep detailed records of discriminatory incidents, including dates, times, locations, names of those involved, and what was said or done. Save emails, texts, performance reviews, and any other relevant documents.
Report the behavior: Follow your employer's internal complaint procedures, if they exist. Report the discrimination to your human resources department or a manager, preferably in writing.
Seek medical or psychological care: If the discrimination has caused you emotional distress, stress, or other health issues, seek care from a doctor or therapist. This creates a record of your suffering.
Do not quit prematurely: Leaving your job without proper legal advice could impact your ability to recover certain damages. An attorney can advise you on your options.
Talk to an attorney: Contact an attorney who focuses on employee rights. They can evaluate your situation, explain your legal options, and help ensure you meet critical deadlines.
Where does a workplace discrimination lawsuit get filed from Torrance?
Workplace discrimination lawsuits originating in Torrance are generally filed in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. Under Los Angeles County rules, such cases are assigned to a specific judicial district and department. For incidents occurring in Torrance, cases are typically filed in the Southwest District, located at the Torrance Courthouse. The Torrance Courthouse is located at 825 Maple Ave, Torrance, CA 90503. A lawsuit is filed in the judicial district where the incident occurred and is then assigned to that district’s Personal Injury Hub department (LASC Local Rule 2.3; General Order re Assignment and Transfer of Personal Injury Cases, effective May 17, 2024).
What kinds of workplace discrimination does California law cover?
California law protects employees from discrimination based on many characteristics under the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). FEHA covers discrimination based on race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age (40 and over), sexual orientation, veteran or military status, and pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. This protection extends to all aspects of employment, including hiring, firing, promotions, training, and compensation. Our firm focuses on a wide range of employee rights matters, including retaliation and whistleblowing protections. For more detailed information on specific protections, explore our employment law hub.
What does working with Casa Legal Los Angeles involve?
When you work with Casa Legal Los Angeles, you get a team focused on protecting the rights of employees in Torrance. We investigate your claim thoroughly, gather evidence, and work to build a strong case. We communicate with your employer or their legal counsel on your behalf. Our goal is to achieve the best possible outcome for you, whether through negotiation, mediation, or litigation. We pursue the full compensation available under California law.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the California Civil Rights Department (CRD)?
The California Civil Rights Department (CRD), formerly known as DFEH, is a state agency that investigates and mediates complaints of discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations. Before filing a lawsuit for workplace discrimination, you generally must first file a complaint with the CRD and receive a "right-to-sue" letter. This process helps ensure that all administrative remedies are exhausted.
Can my employer retaliate against me for reporting discrimination?
California law strictly prohibits employers from retaliating against an employee for reporting discrimination or participating in an investigation. If your employer takes adverse action against you, such as firing, demoting, or harassing you, because you complained about discrimination, you may have a separate claim for retaliation. These actions are illegal under FEHA. More information on these protections is available on our page about retaliation.
Are independent contractors protected from workplace discrimination?
The extent to which independent contractors are protected from discrimination under California law can be complex. While FEHA primarily protects "employees," some aspects of the law may apply to independent contractors depending on the specifics of the relationship. It's important to discuss your status with an attorney, as misclassification as an independent contractor is also a common issue.
Does the size of my employer matter for a discrimination claim?
Yes, the size of your employer can matter. Under California's FEHA, employers with five or more employees are covered by most discrimination provisions. However, some protections, like those against harassment, apply to all employers regardless of size. The number of employees can also affect which federal anti-discrimination laws apply to your workplace.
If you have experienced workplace discrimination in Torrance, do not hesitate to seek help. 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.
Serving Torrance
Our attorneys represent clients throughout Torrance and the greater Los Angeles area.
Where a Torrance claim is filed
A personal injury claim arising in Torrance is filed in Torrance Courthouse, Southwest District of the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles.
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 (LASC Local Rule 2.3; General Order re Assignment and Transfer of Personal Injury Cases, effective May 17, 2024).
Catchment boundaries change. Confirm the filing courthouse on the court's official locator before relying on it.
Source: Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles — Local Rules, Chapter 2 (verified August 23, 2026).
Deadlines that apply in Torrance
The California filing deadlines that apply to an incident in Torrance (Los Angeles County) come from state statute, not a local rule. These are the deadlines cited most often.
2 years — personal injury lawsuit
Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1 — two years from the date of injury for most personal injury and wrongful death claims.
6 months — claim against a public entity
Cal. Gov. Code § 911.2 — a written claim must be presented to the public entity within six months for claims involving death or injury to person or personal property, before a lawsuit may be filed.
Injured minors
Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 352 — the limitations period is generally tolled while the injured person is a minor, but the six-month government claim deadline is not tolled the same way.
This is general information about California law, not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Deadlines change with the facts and with who the defendant is — a claim against a city, county, transit agency, or the state triggers a much shorter deadline, and delayed discovery, tolling, and other exceptions apply. Casa Legal Los Angeles is licensed to practice in California. Confirm any deadline with an attorney.
Sources: California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1; California Government Code § 911.2 (verified August 23, 2026).