# Costa Mesa Workplace Discrimination Lawyer | Free Consults Workplace discrimination can affect every aspect of your life. If you have been wrongfully fired, demoted, or retaliated against for reporting misconduct, a [Costa Mesa employment lawyer](https://www.omegalaw.com/costa-mesa/employment-lawyer/) can help you seek damages. California has some of the strongest legal protections for employees in the United States. If you have been subjected to discriminatory treatment, a workplace discrimination lawyer in Costa Mesa from Omega Law Group Injury & Accident Attorneys can help you take legal action and pursue compensation. ## The Role of a Costa Mesa Workplace Discrimination Lawyer Workplace discrimination cases are often more complicated than they seem A Costa Mesa workplace discrimination lawyer can assist with your case by: - **Evaluating your claim**: An attorney can determine whether your employer’s actions violate state or federal employment laws. - **Gathering evidence**: A lawyer can collect employment records, emails, text messages, witness statements, performance reviews, and other evidence that supports your case. - **Filing administrative complaints**: Many workplace discrimination claims require filing a complaint with the appropriate government agency before a lawsuit may proceed. - **Negotiating a settlement**: An attorney can pursue a settlement that fairly compensates you for the harm you have suffered. - **Representing you in court**: If a settlement cannot be reached, a lawyer can present your case at trial. ## What is Workplace Discrimination? Workplace discrimination occurs when an employee or job applicant is treated unfairly because of a legally protected characteristic rather than job performance or legitimate business reasons. Discrimination may occur during virtually any stage of employment, including: - Recruiting and hiring - Job assignments - Promotions - Compensation - Employee benefits - Training opportunities - Performance evaluations - Discipline - Layoffs - Termination ### Hurt in an accident? Our personal injury lawyers in Costa Mesa are here to help. [![Telephone Icon](https://www.omegalaw.com/wp-content/themes/omega-rebuild/assets/app/svg/telephone-white.svg)(310) 526-8383](tel:+13105268383) ## Protected Characteristics Under California Law California law prohibits employers from discriminating against employees because of numerous protected characteristics. These may include: - Race - Color - National origin - Ancestry - Religion - Age - Disability - Medical condition - Genetic information - Sex - Pregnancy - Childbirth - Breastfeeding - Gender identity - Gender expression - Sexual orientation - Marital status - Military or veteran status ## Examples of Workplace Discrimination Discrimination can take many forms, and it is not always as obvious as offensive comments or unequal pay. Examples may include: - Refusing to hire qualified applicants because of their age or race - Passing over employees for promotions based on gender - Paying employees differently for similar work because of protected characteristics - Denying reasonable accommodations for disabilities - Refusing accommodations related to pregnancy - Assigning less favorable work because of religion - Subjecting employees to harsher discipline than coworkers - Creating a hostile work environment through discriminatory conduct - Terminating employees because they belong to a protected class - Retaliating after an employee reports discrimination ### Injured in an accident? Our personal injury lawyers in Costa Mesa are here to help. [![Telephone Icon](https://www.omegalaw.com/wp-content/themes/omega-rebuild/assets/app/svg/telephone-white.svg)(310) 526-8383](tel:+13105268383) ## What Should You Do After Experiencing Workplace Discrimination in Costa Mesa? If you have been treated unfairly at work, it’s important to: - Document each discriminatory incident, including dates, locations, and the individuals involved. - Save emails, text messages, performance reviews, and other relevant records. - Follow your employer’s internal complaint procedures. - Identify coworkers who witnessed the conduct. - Keep copies of all complaints and responses from your employer. - Consult a workplace discrimination attorney in Costa Mesa as soon as possible. ### Have you been involved in an accident? [![Telephone Icon](https://www.omegalaw.com/wp-content/themes/omega-rebuild/assets/app/svg/telephone-white.svg)(310) 526-8383](tel:+13105268383) ## Can You Be Retaliated Against for Reporting Discrimination? California law generally prohibits employers from retaliating against workers who exercise their legal rights. Retaliation may include actions such as: - Wrongful termination - Demotions - Reduced hours - Lower pay - Unfavorable assignments - Negative performance evaluations - Unwarranted discipline - Threats or intimidation ## What Types of Compensation May Be Available? Employees who successfully pursue workplace discrimination claims may recover several types of damages, such as: - **Lost wages**: You may recover income you lost because of discrimination, wrongful termination, or missed promotions. - **Future lost earnings**: You may receive compensation for reduced earning capacity caused by unlawful employment actions. - **Lost employment benefits**: You may recover the value of health insurance, retirement benefits, bonuses, commissions, or other lost benefits. - **Emotional distress damages**: You may receive compensation for anxiety, humiliation, emotional suffering, and other psychological harm. - **Punitive damages**: In certain cases involving particularly egregious misconduct, punitive damages may be awarded to punish your employer and discourage similar behavior. - **Attorney’s fees and costs**: California law may allow you to recover certain litigation expenses. ## How Long Do You Have to File a Workplace Discrimination Claim? If you plan to file a workplace discrimination lawsuit, you must first file a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD). Generally, you have three years from the date of the alleged discriminatory act to file a complaint with the CRD. After obtaining a Right-to-Sue notice from the CRD, you typically have one year to file a lawsuit in court. You may need to adhere to different deadlines if you pursue a federal claim through the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Typically, you must file a charge of discrimination with the EEOC within 300 days of the alleged discriminatory act because California has a state agency that enforces anti-discrimination laws. After the EEOC issues a Notice of Right to Sue, you generally have 90 days to file a lawsuit in federal court. ## Contact a Workplace Discrimination Attorney in Costa Mesa No employee should have to endure discrimination in the workplace. If you believe an employer has treated you unfairly because of a protected characteristic, a Costa Mesa workplace discrimination attorney from Omega Law Group can gather evidence that supports your case and help you seek justice. Schedule a free consultation to discuss your situation with a lawyer. --- Source: https://www.omegalaw.com/costa-mesa/workplace-discrimination-lawyer/