Los Angeles Employment Discrimination Lawyer: Protecting Your Rights with Cohen Injury Law Group
Understanding Employment Discrimination
Employment discrimination occurs when an employee or job applicant is treated unfairly due to characteristics such as race, gender, age, disability, religion, or national origin. Despite various federal and state laws designed to prevent such discrimination, it remains a significant issue in workplaces across Los Angeles and beyond.
At Cohen Injury Law Group, we specialize in representing victims of employment discrimination. Our experienced attorneys are committed to protecting your rights and ensuring that you receive the justice you deserve.
Types of Employment Discrimination
- Race and Color Discrimination
- Overview: Treating an employee unfavorably because of race or characteristics associated with race, such as skin color, hair texture, or facial features, is prohibited under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
- Examples: Racial slurs, offensive or derogatory remarks, or displaying racially offensive symbols.
- Gender and Sex Discrimination
- Overview: Discrimination based on gender, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity is illegal under Title VII and California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA).
- Examples: Unequal pay for equal work, harassment, and unfair treatment in hiring, promotions, or job assignments.
- Age Discrimination
- Overview: The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) protects employees and job applicants aged 40 and over from discrimination based on age.
- Examples: Denial of promotions to older employees, forced retirement, or inappropriate comments about an employee’s age.
- Disability Discrimination
- Overview: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and FEHA prohibit discrimination against individuals with disabilities.
- Examples: Failure to provide reasonable accommodations, harassment, or exclusion from certain jobs due to a disability.
- Religious Discrimination
- Overview: Title VII prohibits employers from discriminating based on religious beliefs or practices.
- Examples: Refusal to accommodate religious practices, harassment due to religious attire, or denial of promotions because of religion.
- National Origin Discrimination
- Overview: Discrimination based on an individual’s country of origin, ethnicity, or accent is prohibited under Title VII.
- Examples: Harassment, unfair treatment in hiring or promotions, or inappropriate comments about an employee’s national origin.
Legal Protections Against Employment Discrimination
Employees in Los Angeles are protected by both federal and state laws against employment discrimination. These laws include:
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964: Prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
- The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA): Protects employees aged 40 and older from discrimination.
- The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities.
- California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA): Provides broader protections than federal laws, covering additional categories such as sexual orientation and gender identity.
Steps to Take if You Experience Employment Discrimination
- Document the Discrimination: Keep detailed records of discriminatory incidents, including dates, times, locations, individuals involved, and any witnesses.
- Report the Discrimination: Report the behavior to your employer or human resources department. Many companies have policies in place to address discrimination complaints.
- File a Complaint: If the issue is not resolved internally, you can file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH).
- Consult an Employment Discrimination Lawyer: Seek legal advice from an experienced employment discrimination lawyer to understand your rights and options.
How Cohen Injury Law Group Can Help
At Cohen Injury Law Group, we are dedicated to fighting for employees who have been subjected to discrimination. Our approach includes:
- Comprehensive Case Evaluation: We start with a thorough evaluation of your case to understand the specifics of your situation and the best course of action.
- Gathering Evidence: Our team assists in collecting and preserving crucial evidence that supports your claims of discrimination.
- Filing Complaints: We help you file complaints with relevant authorities, such as the EEOC or DFEH, ensuring all necessary documentation is included.
- Negotiating Settlements: Often, we can negotiate settlements with employers to secure fair compensation without the need for a lengthy court battle.
- Litigation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to court and advocate vigorously on your behalf.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What qualifies as employment discrimination?
Employment discrimination includes unfair treatment based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information. This can manifest in various forms such as hiring, firing, promotions, salary, job assignments, and training opportunities.
How do I prove employment discrimination?
Proving discrimination typically involves demonstrating that you were treated differently from other employees due to a protected characteristic. Evidence may include emails, witness testimony, and employment records showing patterns of unfair treatment.
What compensation can I receive in an employment discrimination case?
Compensation may include back pay, front pay, compensatory damages (for emotional distress), punitive damages (to punish the employer), and reimbursement for legal fees and court costs.
How long do I have to file a discrimination complaint?
The timeframe for filing a complaint depends on the type of discrimination and the governing law. Generally, you must file with the EEOC within 180 days of the discriminatory act, but this may be extended to 300 days if state laws apply.
Can my employer retaliate against me for filing a discrimination complaint?
Retaliation for filing a discrimination complaint is illegal. If you experience retaliation, such as demotion, termination, or harassment, you may have an additional claim against your employer.
Why Trust Cohen Injury Law Group
Experience and Expertise: Our attorneys have extensive experience in handling employment discrimination cases and possess deep knowledge of federal and state laws.
Personalized Attention: We provide personalized legal services, taking the time to understand your unique situation and tailoring our approach to meet your needs.
Track Record of Success: We have a proven track record of achieving favorable outcomes for our clients, whether through settlements or litigation.
Compassionate Advocacy: We are committed to fighting for justice on behalf of our clients, providing compassionate support throughout the legal process.
Call our Los Angeles Employment Discrimination Lawyer today!
Employment discrimination is a serious issue that affects many individuals in the workplace. If you believe you have been subjected to discrimination, it is crucial to understand your rights and take action to protect them. Cohen Injury Law Group is here to support you every step of the way, providing expert legal representation and working tirelessly to ensure you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you stand up against employment discrimination. Your rights matter, and we are here to defend them.