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Teren Law Group. P.C.
Free Case Evaluations Available Call Us Now At 310-870-0375
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Free Case Evaluations Available Call Us Now At 310-870-0375

Strong Legal Advocacy In The Workplace & In The Courtroom

Proudly Helping Employees Across All Walks Of Life

We Put Your Interests First

A Record Of Success At Trial

A Personal Approach To Your Case

Strong Legal Advocacy In The Workplace & In The Courtroom

Answering Your Discrimination Questions In Los Angeles County

State and federal discrimination laws are complex and difficult to understand fully. At Teren Law Group, we provide close, personalized attention to help you navigate this process. We focus on answering your questions about the law and your case, all while pursuing the damages entitled to you.

What Happens During A Discrimination Case?

Employees can file a workplace discrimination claim with either the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). These are the state and federal employment agencies, respectively. The EEOC takes discrimination cases throughout the United States, including California, and focuses on employers with 20 or more employees. The DFEH only takes cases in California and can take cases involving smaller employers.

After filing your EEOC or DFEH claim, the agency is supposed to investigate the complaint. Due to the agencies having such a large case load, this can take a long time. The agency may issue a finding as to whether they believe discrimination occurred and also can attempt to broker a settlement. However, there are damage ceilings at the agency level that do not apply in litigation. A good lawyer can file your agency complaint as well as your lawsuit in civil court and give your case individualized attention and legal expertise to ensure you achieve the best result possible on your case.

What Actions Constitute Discrimination?

Discrimination occurs when an employee faces adverse consequences at work because of their protected class. Protected statuses include:

  • Race
  • Color
  • National origin
  • Religion
  • Age (over 40)
  • Sex
  • Disability
  • Pregnancy
  • Sexual orientation
  • Gender identity, gender expression
  • Medical condition
  • Genetic information
  • Marital status
  • Military and veteran status

Illegal actions can cover a broad range of actions. Failure to promote, disparate treatment or termination may all be signs of discrimination.

What Should I Do If I Think I’ve Experienced Discrimination?

The most important thing to do is to contact an attorney immediately. We will help you understand whether you have a case and begin taking the necessary steps on your behalf. Claims must be filed with the EEOC within 300 days or within one year if filing with the DFEH. Failing to act within that time period can leave you without the ability to take legal recourse.

What Can I Do To Help Establish My Case?

Document everything you can relating to the discrimination. This includes making copies of any documentation you submit to your employer. It is best to keep any documentation outside of your workspace to ensure that in the event you are terminated without notice and unable to retrieve items from your workspace, you will still have your documentation. If this evidence is lost at any stage, it can threaten what would have otherwise been a positive case.

What Should I Do Now?

The best, next step you should take is to schedule a free case evaluation with our lawyer. We will help you understand your rights and the legal options available to you. Please call our Redondo Beach office at 310-870-0375 or use our contact form.