If you’re searching for a Riverside workplace discrimination lawyer, it likely means you’re facing unfair treatment at work. Discrimination based on race, gender, disability, age, or other protected traits can cause serious harm, both professionally and personally. With strong protections under California law, employees have legal options when workplace discrimination occurs.
At Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys, we treat clients like family. Our Riverside employment lawyers prioritize personalized support, ensuring that each person receives compassionate guidance and respect throughout the legal process.
Introduction to Workplace Discrimination Under California Law
Workplace discrimination happens when an employee is treated unfairly because of personal traits that are legally protected. These traits include race, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, and more.
In California, both state and federal laws are in place to protect workers from this kind of treatment.
Protected Characteristics Under the Law
Employees have the right to report unlawful treatment and seek fair solutions. Understanding what counts as discrimination under the law is the first step in knowing what protections exist. A Riverside workplace discrimination attorney can help protect your rights if you were discriminated against based on:
- Race or color
- Age (40 and older)
- Sex, gender, or gender identity
- Disability or medical condition
- Religion
- Marital status
These protections apply to all parts of employment, including hiring, promotions, job duties, layoffs, and pay.
Laws That Protect California Workers
Employees in California are covered by both federal and state anti-discrimination laws. Some of the most important ones include:
- California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA)
- Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)
- Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)
- Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
Agencies like the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) handle discrimination complaints. These protections also apply to public employees, including firefighters, police officers, and California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) workers.
Common Discrimination-Related Workplace Issues
These issues can happen in both public and private workplaces across California. Whether the employer is a business or a public agency like the CDCR or a fire department, the same basic rules apply under California and federal law:
- Disability discrimination: When employers refuse reasonable accommodations or treat workers unfairly because of a disability.
- Sexual harassment: This can include unwanted sexual advances, inappropriate comments, or quid pro quo situations.
- Racial discrimination: Unequal treatment because of a person’s race, ethnicity, or skin color.
- Gender-based discrimination: Includes gender wage inequality or being treated unfairly due to gender identity. A gender discrimination lawyer in Riverside can help.
Other Employment Law Violations Often Linked to Discrimination
Other unfair actions may include not being hired, being passed over for promotion, having job duties changed, or being fired due to a protected trait. These issues can affect workers from all backgrounds and can be especially hard for those already facing other challenges, such as health issues or financial stress.
Discrimination complaints often come with other related employment law issues. For example, a person might be denied family or medical leave or punished for filing a whistleblower claim. In some cases, issues may lead to a class-action lawsuit if many employees are affected.
(310) 526-8383Steps to Address Workplace Discrimination in Riverside
When facing workplace discrimination, it can be hard to know what to do first. Employees in Riverside and throughout Southern California are protected by both California employment law and federal rules.
Taking action can help protect your rights and may also improve conditions for others at work.
1. Document the Behavior
- Write down details of each event, including time, place, and people involved
- Keep copies of any emails, texts, or internal memos related to the issue
- If there are witnesses, note their names and what they may have seen or heard
2. Report the Issue Internally
- Use the company’s internal complaint system, if available
- Report concerns to human resources or a direct supervisor
- Save any responses or updates you receive after reporting the issue
3. Consider Filing a Formal Complaint
- File with the California Civil Rights Department or the EEOC. These agencies handle cases involving discrimination, harassment, and retaliation claims
- Some workers may also be protected under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
4. Seek Legal Guidance
Understanding your rights under both state and federal law is important before taking legal action. Discrimination cases can also involve class-action litigation, unpaid commissions, pregnancy discrimination, and noncompete litigation, depending on the facts of the case.
If you are unsure about how to move forward, a conversation with an employment attorney can help you understand the process and what protections may apply to your situation.
Consult a Workplace Discrimination Lawyer in Riverside Today
If you’re working in California and facing unfair treatment at your job, a Riverside workplace discrimination lawyer at Omega Law Group can help you understand what options may be available under state and federal law. Whether you are dealing with gender-based harassment, wrongful termination, or wage violations, you may be entitled to legal protections.
Employees should not have to deal with discrimination alone. If you are part of a protected class and have been affected by unfair behavior at work, it’s important to learn what steps you can take to protect your rights and hold employers accountable.
Schedule a free consultation with a workplace discrimination attorney in Riverside today.
