Your rights, our fight.

We spend a large amount of our lives at work. No matter the job, every Californian deserves to be treated with respect while earning a living. Both state and federal laws require employers to fairly compensate employees and prohibit workplace discrimination. 

Unfortunately, not all employers abide by the law, and their employees can suffer. You have rights if you have been at the receiving end of discriminatory treatment by your employer or unfairly compensated. 

Seek justice with the help of an employment lawyer in Torrance, California, like the experienced team at Lawyers for Justice, PC.

Laws that Govern Employment Cases in Torrance

Statutes governing employment discrimination disputes on the federal level include the following:

• Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII). The Act, covering various aspects of employment, prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin.
• Americans with Disabilities Act. This law prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in employment. It mandates employers to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.
• Age Discrimination in Employment Act. Protects employees who are 40 and older from discrimination based on age. Covers hiring, promotion, compensation, and termination decisions.
• Equal Pay Act. Requires employers to pay men and women equally for performing equal work.

California law expands upon federal laws via the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) by covering additional categories such as marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and medical conditions. Both state and federal law also govern wage and hour standards, including:

• Fair Labor Standards Act. This federal law establishes minimum wage, overtime pay eligibility, record keeping, and child labor standards. It sets the federal minimum wage and requires employers to pay overtime for hours worked beyond 40 a week.
• California Labor Code. California has its own set of labor laws that govern various aspects of employment, including minimum wage, meal and rest breaks, and overtime. California often provides more stringent standards than the federal government, and employers must comply with the state’s requirements.
• Meal and rest breaks. California law requires employers to provide employees with specified meal and rest breaks based on hours worked.
• Minimum wage laws. Both federal and California laws establish minimum wage standards. The state minimum wage is generally higher than the federal minimum wage in California.

If you are unsure which standards your employer is observing or believe they are violating your rights, consult an employment attorney in Torrance, California, as soon as possible.

What Are the Most Common Types of Employment Disputes Handled by Lawyers in Torrance?

Torrance employment law attorneys handle many different disputes, with the most common being:

• Wage and hour,
• Sexual harassment,
• Hostile work environment,
• Discrimination, and
• Wrongful termination.

No matter the dispute, a Torrance employment lawyer like the ones at Lawyers for Justice, PC, can help.

How Can an Employment Lawyer in Torrance Assist with Wrongful Termination Cases?

Wrongful termination occurs when an employee is fired for reasons that violate employment laws or breach the terms of an employment contract. 

An experienced employment lawyer in Torrance can evaluate your termination’s circumstances to determine if it falls under wrongful termination. Then, they can help assess whether there are any violations of state or federal employment laws or contractual agreements and assist in gathering evidence to support your claim. This evidence can include employment records, emails, witness statements, and any documentation related to the termination. Strong evidence is crucial in establishing the grounds for a wrongful termination case. 

Before pursuing a lawsuit, an employment lawyer can help you file administrative complaints with relevant agencies such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH), depending on the nature of the claim. 

What Are the Specific Laws in Torrance Regarding Workplace Discrimination, and How Can an Employment Lawyer Help?

In addition to the laws mentioned above, if following the employer’s internal processes does not resolve the issue, or if you prefer not to use them, you can file a complaint with the state’s employment agency. In California, the primary agency is the DFEH. You can file an online complaint through the department’s website or visit one of its many state-wide offices in person. Be aware that you only have one year from the date of the alleged discriminatory act to file a complaint with the DFEH, so speak with a Torrance employment attorney as soon as possible to ensure you preserve your rights.

Compensation Available for Employment Law Cases

If an employer breaks a labor law in California, workers may be entitled to various remedies and protections, depending on the specific violation and the applicable state and federal laws. Possible remedies for employees include:

• Unpaid wages,
• Meal and rest break pay,
• Overtime pay,
• Expense reimbursement,
• Waiting time penalties,
• PAGA claims,
• Retaliation protections,
• Class action lawsuits, and
• Private right of action.

Workers in Torrance must be aware of their rights and seek legal advice if they believe their employer has violated labor laws. Employers often have access to more resources to fight legal claims, putting you in a less advantageous position even if you believe you have a strong case. 

Trust the Employment Law Team at Lawyers for Justice, PC

At Lawyers for Justice, PC, we focus on all aspects of employment law and have over a decade of experience serving clients in Torrance and throughout California.

We know how overwhelming it can be for a worker to take on their employer, and we make it our mission to balance the scales and give you the best possible chance to recover the compensation you deserve. With a proven track record of success and a bilingual staff, our team is ready to help. 

To schedule a free consultation, give us a call or fill out our online contact form to get started today.