In California, there are a number of laws to protect workers from illegal workplace conduct such as discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and wrongful dismissal. However, the employment laws are complex and liable to regular changes, and that means that many employers may not be aware of all their legal obligations. As an employee, you need to be proactive in looking after your legal rights and interests, and, to do this effectively, you may need to retain the services of a reliable Studio City employment lawyer.
Many California-based lawyers offer complimentary case evaluations and will let you know if your case has a legal basis that you can pursue. They will also advise you on whether you should take the matter to court or settle the matter with negotiation. If negotiation doesn’t work, they will represent you in court and do their best to see that you are adequately compensated.
Reasons to hire an employment lawyer
There are many situations when you may need to take help from an employment lawyer. Let’s look at some of these:
1. You have to deal with a toxic work environment
Ideally, your workplace should feel safe, comfortable, and fulfilling, but it can turn unpleasant if you have to work with harsh, aggressive, malicious, and bullying colleagues and superiors. Over time, the toxic work environment can take a toll on your mental and physical health. Rather than put up with it, you may want to consult a Studio City employment lawyer and check if you have a case of infliction of emotional distress.
2. You have to deal with sexual harassment in the workplace
If you have been subjected to verbal, non-verbal, or physical sexual harassment in the workplace, the employment lawyer will evaluate the specifics of your case and advise you on the action you can take. They may investigate the case by reviewing your evidence, interviewing the people in your workplace, and checking your work records.
Sometimes it may be possible to resolve the problem by complaining to your company’s human resources department, but, if that doesn’t work, the Studio City employment lawyer may file charges on your behalf with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or the Department of Fair Employment.
3. You have not been receiving minimum wage at work
By law, employers cannot pay you below the legally required minimum hourly wages. However, as the local, state, and national level minimum wage laws keep changing frequently, it can be difficult to figure out what you are entitled to and some employers may take advantage of this.
If you feel that you are not being fairly compensated for the amount of work you put in, consult a Studio City employment lawyer and have them review your situation. As they know the many nuances of wage and hour laws, they will be able to determine which wage provisions apply to your case and get you the justice you deserve.
4. You have suffered an injury in the course of your work
In California, you can only file a claim for workers’ compensation if you are injured on the job. However, you may be able to sue your employer if they assaulted you, lied about the work situation, had defective or improperly set machinery, or do not have workers’ compensation insurance. It will help to talk to the Studio City employment lawyer and get their advice.
5. You have been dismissed from your job for no fault of yours
In most states in the United States, unless there is a specific contract stating otherwise, employment is on an at-will basis. That means you can leave your job at any time without needing to give the employer a concrete reason. And, similarly, the employer too can terminate your working relationship at any point without giving you an exact reason.
A job termination can be considered a wrongful dismissal only if you can prove it was in violation of public policy or the company’s termination guidelines. For instance, you were fired for being a whistleblower, speaking up against workplace discrimination, or refusing to do something illegal. It can be difficult to prove legally, and that’s why you need an employment lawyer to handle the matter for you.