Discrimination Lawyer in Ventura

Serving Ventura County and All of California

You have the legal right to a safe workplace that is free of harassment and discrimination. Unscrupulous employers too often use race, sex, age, and other protected factors to justify hiring, firing, advancement, and disciplinary decisions.

Our California employment discrimination lawyers at Strauss & Strauss, APC can help you pursue legal action if you have been discriminated against, harassed, or wrongfully terminated. We exclusively fight for employees and neverrepresent employers. Our team can assess the facts of your case to determine whether you have a claim and help you understand your legal options.

Do not wait. Call (805) 303-8115or contactour employment discrimination attorneys to schedule a free initial consultation.

Who Is Protected from Employment Discrimination in California?

Anti-discrimination laws exist at the federal and state levels, though many laws only apply to employers that have a certain number of employees. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is the federal agency that handles allegations of discrimination in the workplace.

Federal anti-discrimination laws mandate that employers cannot discriminate based on:

• Race
• Sexual orientation
• Gender identity
• Nationality
• Perceived or actual disability
• Medical condition
• Age (for those 40 or older)
• Political affiliations
• Familial status (including pregnancy and whether you are married or unmarried)

California state laws enhance these protections, offering broader coverage to employees regardless of the size of the employer. This means California employees have more avenues to pursue justice and address grievances against discriminatory practices. The California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) is notably stringent, providing workers robust protection against discrimination. Contact a qualified EEOC lawyer in Ventura for your discrimination case.

Workplace Discrimination in Ventura County

In Ventura County, the vibrant and diverse workforce is a cornerstone of our local economy. However, workplace discrimination remains a pressing issue that affects many residents. Local government entities, such as the Ventura County Human Resources Agency, are dedicated to promoting fair employment practices and addressing discrimination concerns. If you find yourself facing discrimination based on race, gender, age, or any other protected characteristic, it’s crucial to know that you are not alone and that help is available.

Many employees in Ventura experience challenges when reporting discrimination, often fearing retaliation or job loss. This is a common pain point that can leave individuals feeling trapped and uncertain about their rights. Our team understands the unique dynamics of the local job market and the specific challenges faced by workers in Ventura, including the impact of local industries and economic conditions on employment practices.

Additionally, the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) provides resources and guidance for those who believe they have been discriminated against. They can assist you in navigating the complaint process, but it’s essential to act swiftly, as there are strict deadlines for filing claims. Our attorneys are here to help you understand these timelines and ensure that your rights are protected.

Whether you work in the bustling downtown area or one of Ventura's many thriving businesses, we are committed to standing by your side. We know the local landscape and are dedicated to helping you seek justice against workplace discrimination. If you have experienced unfair treatment, don’t hesitate to reach out for a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options.

As the employment landscape continues to evolve, so do the types of discrimination employees might face. From emerging issues like algorithmic bias in hiring processes to subtle forms of ageism in promotional practices, we are prepared to address a wide array of challenges faced by Ventura's workforce. Our commitment is to provide tailored support that reflects the latest developments in employment law. Reach out to a skilled discrimination lawyer from Strauss & Strauss, APC for guidance.

A Deeper Look into Types of Discrimination

Workplace discrimination can manifest in numerous forms, often leaving employees unsure of their standing or how to proceed. Disparate treatment involves intentional discrimination where employees are treated differently based on protected characteristics. For example, if an employer consistently ignores qualified female employees when promotions are available, this could constitute disparate treatment.

Disparate impact refers to practices that may appear neutral but have a disproportionately adverse effect on a particular group. An example includes company policies that inadvertently exclude individuals of certain racial backgrounds due to residency requirements. Addressing these harder-to-prove types of discrimination requires a comprehensive understanding of both law and company practices, often necessitating legal involvement.

Persistent stereotypes, such as assumptions regarding capabilities based on age or religion, can reinforce workplace bias. Vigilant awareness and proactive legal measures can mitigate these issues, ensuring all employees have equal employment opportunities without fear of bias.

Valuable Local Resources for Employees Facing Discrimination

Employees in Ventura have access to a variety of local resources aimed at empowering them against workplace discrimination. For instance, the Ventura County Human Resources Agency is an essential contact for employees seeking information on employment rights and detailed guidance on discrimination matters.

The Ventura Chamber of Commerce supports initiatives for equitable workplace standards, encouraging local businesses to adopt fair employment practices. Regular workshops and networking events provide educational opportunities for both employers and employees on promoting inclusive workplaces.

Additionally, establishments such as the Ventura Community Council offer forums and public discussions where employees can learn about their rights and share their experiences. These platforms not only educate but also inspire collective action towards addressing discrimination.

Engaging with these resources can aid in building a supportive network, offering both immediate help and long-term strategies for those navigating these challenging situations.

What Constitutes Employment Discrimination in California?

Many cases of employment discrimination involve wrongful termination, but many other types of adverse actions qualify if they are motivated by a protected factor.

Common examples of employment discrimination include:

• Discriminatory questions during the hiring process. A job posting cannot advertise that a firm is exclusively looking for certain types of candidates or exclude classes of candidates (such as saying they are not seeking any women candidates). During the interviewing and hiring process, an employer cannot legally ask questions about your marriage, plans to have children, disability, sexual orientation, or other protected factors. If you are asked about any of these non-job-related items and are consequently not hired, you may be the victim of hiring discrimination.
• Unequal pay or benefits. In California, a man and a woman working the same job with similar qualifications must be paid the same amount. Similarly, an employer cannot deny benefits or other forms of compensation to one employee if they are offered to another employee working the same job.
• Inappropriate targeted comments in the workplace. Hostile work environments can result when managers or other employees continually harass an employee to the point where their work performance suffers. Many instances of hostile work environments involve discriminatory comments that target an employee’s belonging to a protected class. For example, a pregnant woman might get frequent comments about her size, or an older worker might get insults about their age or ability to use computers.
• Deliberate exclusion from company events and communications. If someone is repeatedly being left out of department or company-wide communications or being shut out of company-sponsored events, they may be experiencing employment discrimination.
• Failure to promote as a result of someone belonging to a protected class. Though it can be challenging to prove, employers cannot deny advancement opportunities to employees as a direct result of their belonging to a protected class. If you have a stellar work performance but are continuously overlooked for promotions, you may be suffering from employment discrimination.
• Refusal to provide reasonable accommodations to disabled employees. Employers are required to make a good faith effort to provide requested reasonable accommodations to employees with physical and mental disabilities. Employers can only reject accommodations if providing them would represent an “undue hardship,” but this justification is often abused.
• Refusal to provide reasonable accommodations for religious beliefs. Employers must also make a meaningful effort to provide reasonable accommodations for those with sincerely held religious beliefs. This might include allowing an employee a break at a specified time to pray or a modification to a workplace uniform.
• Demotions and reductions of hours. Workplace discrimination can sometimes result in a manager attempting to compel an employee to quit so that they can avoid accusations of wrongful termination. This might include increasingly unfavorable work assignments, severe reductions in hours with no apparent justification, or a demotion despite strong work performance.
• Wrongful termination. An employer cannot fire you as a result of your belonging to a protected class. An employer also cannot retaliate against you for raising concerns about workplace discrimination or filing a report with the EEOC.

Another prevalent form of discrimination involves subtle workplace practices that favor certain groups over others, such as nepotism or favoritism, that disproportionately affect minority groups. This can perpetuate a non-inclusive work environment where some employees feel marginalized or undervalued. Addressing these covert types of discrimination requires awareness and often legal intervention to ensure compliance with fairness standards.

California Anti-Discrimination Laws

In California, federal employment anti-discrimination laws apply to all employers with at least 15 employees. There are several state-level exceptions. All employers in California must pay men and women equally. California employers with at least 4 employees cannot discriminate on the basis of citizenship status. Employers with at least 20 employees cannot discriminate on the basis of any employee’s age.

Cities and localities throughout California have instituted other anti-discrimination protections. For example, San Francisco mandates that employees cannot be discriminated against as a result of their height or weight. We can help you review local rules.

California's progressive stance on anti-discrimination reflects its diverse population and commitment to maintaining inclusive work environments. State legislation often goes beyond federal mandates, offering expanded coverage for various forms of discrimination that might be overlooked elsewhere. Understanding these nuances is key to leveraging your legal rights effectively.

Can You Sue a Business for Discrimination?

If you believe you have experienced employment discrimination, California employment discrimination attorneys can help you hold your employer accountable. We have represented clients in cases involving pregnancy discrimination, age discrimination, disability discrimination, wrongful termination, and more.

The experienced legal team at Strauss & Strauss, APC is committed to exploring all available legal options and will assess whether a civil lawsuit can help you obtain the compensation that you need and deserve.

We can help you recover:

• Back pay for lost wages and benefits
• Punitive damages
• Judgments for emotional distress
• Reinstatement of your job if wrongfully terminated

Addressing discrimination through legal action not only aims to compensate victims but also serves as a deterrent against future discriminatory practices. Legal proceedings can advance workplace equity by prompting policy changes and highlighting the importance of diversity and inclusion within organizations.

If you believe you have experienced employment discrimination, contact us online or call (805) 303-8115to start exploring your legal options with a discrimination attorney in Ventura.