West Hollywood Employment Lawyer

West Hollywood Employment Attorney

Employees have several legal rights and protections, including a safe worksite and a workplace free of harassment and discrimination. Facing unsafe or illegal practices at work can cause employees severe stress over the fear of losing their jobs and livelihood. Some disputes between employees and employers can be worked out internally. However, there are times when employers fail to address workers’ rights violations.

If you are dealing with workplace discrimination, harassment, retaliation, illegal practices, or other unsafe working conditions, and the situation is not being promptly handled by your employer, you should speak with an employment attorney. If your rights are being violated, you are entitled to file a claim against your employer. Working with an employment lawyer can increase the compensation you earn.

Your West Hollywood Employment Attorneys

Hiring an employment lawyer is helpful if you feel overwhelmed by the idea of filing a claim. An experienced West Hollywood attorney can make sure you understand the claims process and make it easier to complete. The Law Offices of Miguel S. Ramirez can give you the legal advice you deserve in the face of unsafe or illegal work environments. Our team has been working in employment law for 20 years. We know the ideal legal options available for several types of employment claims.

Our firm knows how stressful it is to face an employment dispute. You may worry that you will lose your job if you file a claim. It is our goal to provide you with the comprehensive legal counsel you need to understand your situation, your employee rights, and the options available to you.

How Can an Employment Lawyer Help Me?

It is possible to file a civil employment claim without an attorney, but it is much easier with legal help. Unfortunately, many employers decide to retaliate against workers for filing claims, even though doing so is illegal. This may include demoting you, reducing your pay or benefits, or wrongfully terminating you. If you are worried about retaliation for filing a claim, an attorney can protect your worker’s rights.

No matter what illegal and stressful work situations you are facing, filing a claim with legal counsel allows you to feel certain you are taking the right steps. An employment lawyer can walk you through your specific circumstances and handle the legal complexities and deadlines. This saves you time and stress in an already overwhelming situation. When you receive comprehensive legal support, your attorney can be with you through the claims process, negotiation, and even litigation if necessary.

For your West Hollywood employment dispute, the professionals at the Law Offices of Miguel S. Ramirez provide tailored counsel. We can help you:

• Draft your claim with the necessary information.
• Find evidence with our resources to further support your claim.
• File your claim with the state or federal agency, or both.
• Calculate what damages you may be eligible for.
• Negotiate with your employer and their insurance company.

When you are dealing with an employment dispute, you want extensive and experienced legal support.

Types of Employment Law Claims We Handle

Employment law covers many situations where employers and employees have a dispute that cannot be resolved internally. Employment attorneys have varying experience with different types of claims. Find an attorney who has worked on cases like yours. Our firm has had success with the following types of cases:

• Wage and Hour Disputes: As an employee, you have the right to be compensated fairly and accurately for the job you do. California imposes different minimum wage laws and overtime requirements than federal law. Certain cities or local areas may also have different minimum wage requirements. Employers may use this to pay their workers less than they deserve. A wage and hour dispute may be caused by the failure to provide you with a minimum wage, the failure to compensate you for overtime work, the failure to pay you on time, or the failure to provide you legally mandated break time.
• Employment Discrimination: It is illegal for an employer to make job-related decisions based on an employee’s protected traits, such as race, gender, religion, or age. Employers are obligated to uphold anti-discrimination policies in the workplace. Workplace discrimination may take the form of harassment, failure to hire you for a position you are qualified for, or passing you over for a promotion you deserve. An attorney may help you file a claim with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) if you are facing discrimination.
• Violations of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA): The ADA is one of the EEOC’s policies. It prohibits workplace discrimination based on a disability. If an employee or job candidate can perform the job duties with reasonable accommodations, they cannot be fired or not hired based on their discrimination. If an employer fails to hire someone so that reasonable accommodations do not need to be made, this is an ADA violation.
• Harassment and Sexual Harassment: All employees have the right to safe work sites free of any type of harassment. Sexual harassment is a form of harassment based on someone’s sex, gender, or sexual orientation. If you are facing sexual harassment or another type of harassment, you should talk with an employment attorney.
• Whistleblower Retaliation: Whistleblowers are employees who report illegal actions, corruption, or unethical activities in their workplace. Employees have the right to act as whistleblowers in good faith. Your employer is not allowed to retaliate against you. If your employer has fired you for whistleblowing, speak with an attorney about your options.
• Violations of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA): When employees need unpaid time off work to take care of a medical condition or a family member with a medical complication, the FMLA provides that ability. If you made a good-faith FMLA request, and it was denied by your employer, you may have a claim. You should also speak with an attorney if you returned from your job-protected FMLA leave and were fired. It is also a FMLA violation if you were not given a job comparable to your previous position.
• Wrongful Termination: California employment law operates as “at-will” employment. Employers and employees can end their working relationship for any reason without prior notice or cause. Even under at-will employment, employers are not allowed to fire you for illegal reasons, such as in retaliation or as a discriminatory practice. If your employer has fired you for illegal reasons, you can hold them responsible by filing a claim.

If your employment claim falls into one of these categories, the Law Offices of Miguel S. Ramirez can represent you.

How to File an Employment Claim

In many cases, an employment claim is filed with the EEOC. You may also file it with the state Civil Rights Department (CRD) or with both agencies, depending on your situation. When filing a claim, you want to be sure the necessary evidence is included. If the CRD or EEOC approves your claim, they may investigate your employer themselves or send you a right-to-sue notice. Your attorney can make it simple to accurately and efficiently file with the EEOC or CRD. They can also handle any communications with the agency.

FAQs About West Hollywood, CA Employment Law

How Much Does an Employment Lawyer Cost in California?

An employment attorney may work for an hourly rate or on a contingency basis. The cost of an attorney depends on:

• Their experience
• Their knowledge about your case
• The complexity of your case
• How long it is expected to take

It is always important to talk with your attorney regarding their pricing. Talk with the Law Offices of Miguel S. Ramirez, and we can give you an estimate for the specifics of your claim.

What Is Considered Wrongful Termination in California?

Wrongful termination happens when an employer fires an employee for an illegal reason. California employment is “at will.” Both employers and employees can end their professional relationship at any time. However, there are reasons why you cannot be fired. If you were fired due to discrimination, or as retaliation for filing a claim or whistleblowing, this is likely considered wrongful termination. You can file a claim for wrongful termination and recover damages.

What Are My Rights as an Employee in California?

As an employee, you have the right to:

• Fair and accurate wages for performing your job duties.
• A workplace free of dangerous and unsafe conditions that would cause you harm.
• A workplace free of discrimination and harassment.
• Avoid retaliation for filing a claim.

According to the California labor code, nonexempt employees have the right to rest and meal breaks as well.

Why Should You Hire an Employment Lawyer?

If you are filing a claim for an employment dispute, an attorney is an invaluable asset. They can ensure that claims are accurate and filed within the correct timeframes. An employment lawyer can negotiate with your employer and their insurance provider on your behalf. They can also work to get the compensation they deserve for valid claims.

Get the Representation You Need

The team at the Law Offices of Miguel S. Ramirez has years of experience representing employees in California. Contact us today to see how we can help you recover damages in your case.