Best Employment Lawyers in Encino

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Encino, California?

  Call LAPD's West Valley Community Police Station at (818) 374-7611 for non-emergencies in Encino.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Encino, California?

  Mail written requests of Encino police reports to the address given below. If there are any questions, call the recorded line at (213) 486-8130 for more details. ATTN: Document Processing Unit Los Angeles Police Department R&I Division Document Processing Unit P.O. Box 30158 Los Angeles, CA 90030

• What can an Encino worker do when faced with persistent workplace harassment attacks involving ethnicity?

  An employee should check their company's policies and regulations regarding anti-harassment and follow the reporting procedures outlined within. Encino employers are required to be reasonably aware of any type of workplace harassment and provide a remedy for the situation. Workplace hostility brought about by ethnicity- or religion-related discrimination can be a violation of federal and state laws. The employee can also call the EEOC at 1-800-669-4000 for guidance or seek counsel from an employment lawyer.

• How can an employee in Encino be wrongfully terminated from work?

  When an employer terminates an employee in a way that violates the employee's legal rights, it is considered wrongful termination. There are several types of unlawful termination, and these are retaliation, discrimination, harassment, and contract violation. Except for these types, employees in Encino can generally be lawfully terminated through at-will employment laws.

• Has the minimum wage in Encino and everywhere in California changed recently?

  Effective January 1, 2023, the minimum wage in California has been changed to $15.50 per hour. However, the rate could be higher in Encino and Los Angeles County than the state rate because many employers must follow different state, federal, and local laws. In cases where there is a conflict, employers are required to follow more stringent standards, meaning those that would provide more benefits to the employee.

• Is it possible to move forward with a sexual harassment case in Encino without a witness?

  It is possible to move forward with and even win a sexual harassment case without any witnesses. The employee in Encino has to strengthen the credibility of their case by documenting everything since the first day they encountered the harassment at work. They can do this by keeping a journal, lawfully taking photographs or recording conversations, and saving emails or text messages.

• How do you file a complaint of an Equal Pay Act violation in Encino?

  An employee can file a court action or a complaint to the Labor Commissioner’s Office, and they can file the court action at any time without interference from the LCO. To take the complaint of an Equal Pay Act violation, they can visit the LCO Office nearest to Encino. The nearest Los Angeles LCO Office is at 320 W. Fourth Street, Suite 450, Los Angeles, CA 90013. Call (213) 620-6330 for more information about in-person visits.

• What does an employment attorney do?

  Employment attorneys represent workers, companies, unions, and advocacy groups. Their primary job is preventing and resolving disputes related to state and federal employment regulations as well as civil rights. They assist with the development of policies, including laws and employee handbooks, and they represent clients in court and during administrative hearings overseen by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and state-level labor agencies.

• How much should I ask for in a discrimination lawsuit?

  Employment-related claims are among the most complex and time-consuming lawsuits heard in the civil court system. Before workers can file a lawsuit, they must file a claim with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Every year, the EEOC recovers $505 million for victims of workplace discrimination. When cases proceed to court, the average settlement is approximately $40,000. However, roughly 10% of claimants receive at least $1 million.

• How do I prove discrimination in the workplace?

  Discrimination lawsuits are typically based on an established pattern of behavior in the workplace. Employment attorneys who handle these claims generally advise clients to gather evidence and document all instances of discrimination, harassment, or abuse, as they occur. The following documents are often vital for proving workplace discrimination:

  • Personnel files
  • Payroll records
  • Employee handbooks
  • Diary or journal entries
  • Medical or mental health records
  • Reports from witnesses
  • Photos or video footage
  • Physical evidence

  
  

• Can I sue my company for a hostile work environment?

  Yes, offensive or unwelcome conduct that creates a hostile work environment and affects your terms of employment may give you reason to take legal action. However, rude or abusive behavior on its own isn’t illegal. It must also be tied to other legal issues, such as retaliation for reporting harassment or discrimination directed at members of a protected group.

• What is the EEOC?

  The EEOC is the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. It's a federal agency tasked with helping to enforce laws concerning discrimination in the workplace. Not all employers are covered under the EEOC. Typically, you have to work for an organization with at least 15 employees or for a labor union or agency to be covered by EEOC protections.

• How do I report an abusive boss?

  If you believe you're being discriminated against, you have several options. First, follow internal reporting procedures with human resources or other leadership. You can also file a charge of discrimination with the EEOC. Talking to an employment attorney can help you understand your options and protect your interests.

• What laws protect employees from job discrimination?

  • The Civil Rights Act of 1964 provides employees with protection against discrimination based on a wide variety of factors, including national origin, sex, religion, race, and color.
  • The Age Discrimination Act of 1967 applies age to the protected class.
  • The Equal Pay Act of 1963 forbids sex-based compensation discrimination.
  • The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 makes it illegal to discriminate on the grounds of disability in terms of employment decisions.
  • The Civil Rights Act of 1991 adds more protection and power to the federal government to enforce some of these laws.

• How do I file a wrongful termination claim?

  You can file a wrongful termination claim with the EEOC online, via mail, or in person at various EEOC branch offices. You may be able to file a complaint with a state agency. To determine an appropriate plan of action and which organizations you can file with, speak to an employment lawyer.

• What is unfair treatment at work?

  Unfair treatment is not the same as unlawful treatment. There aren't laws against unfair treatment, which can include a boss who generally bullies people into action or someone who doesn't make fair decisions about time off because of nepotism or mood. Such issues may not constitute a claim for a court argument or allegation, unlike unjust judgments made on the grounds of race or age. An employment attorney can clarify if unfair treatment is also unlawful.

• What are some workers\' rights related to injury and illness?

  Employees have a variety of rights related to time off if they're injured or fall ill. For example, in workplaces covered by the Federal Medical Leave Act, workers are allowed to take up to 12 weeks off without losing their position in a company. The leave is unpaid unless PTO time can be used to cover it. Employees may also have rights to file a workers' comp claim if they're injured on the job. All of these laws cover different situations and types of employers, and an employment attorney can help you understand what rights you have.

• Can an employer force you to work?

  This is a gray area in some cases, which is why it may be a good idea to consult an employment lawyer if you have concerns about your workplace. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration , workers have a right to refuse to work in dangerous situations. But the burden of proof that this is, in fact, the case, can weigh heavily on the employee.