Best Employment Lawyers in Lakewood

FAQs

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

  562-623-3500 is the non-emergency line of the Lakewood Sheriff's Station.

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

  The City of Lakewood takes records requests at https://www.lakewoodcity.org/Government/City-Clerk/Public-Records-Request. Phone-based requests are made at (562) 345-4441. The address is 12440 East Imperial Highway, Suite 120, Norwalk, California 90650.

• What companies are the biggest employers in Lakewood?

  The largest employers in Lakewood are players in the education, government, and medical fields, such as the Long Beach Unified School District and Lakewood Regional Medical Center. The Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services is a prolific source of jobs, as are The Home Depot and Walmart.

• What are the limitations on a Lakewood company's at-will powers to fire an employee?

  The limitations on a Lakewood company's at-will powers to fire an employee are based on public policy considerations that prevent retaliation against the lawful exercise of rights or baseless unequal treatment. An employer may not dismiss a worker who files a whistleblower report. Neither may race or ethnicity be used as a basis to get rid of an individual.

• Why is it advisable in Lakewood to consult a lawyer before submitting an employment-related complaint?

  While it's tempting to save money and try to resolve employment disputes in Lakewood using internal grievance mechanisms, sometimes a resort to litigation or administrative remedies is inevitable. The processes followed in quasi-judicial bodies like the Department of Labor and courtrooms are complex or difficult to navigate without a trained professional.

• May an employee in Lakewood who refuses to embezzle money be fired on the basis of a poor performance rating?

  It depends on whether or not the poor performance rating of the employee in Lakewood is legitimate or retaliatory. An employer can hypothetically fire a worker for arbitrary reasons, all the more so if the individual is really working poorly and there's matching documentation. But since the dismissal comes close after a refusal to perform an unlawful action, it is reasonable to preliminarily assume that it's a retaliatory dismissal.

• May an employer in Lakewood compel a religious employee to stop wearing a piece of clothing that is mandated by his faith yet is inoffensive and unobtrusive?

  No, an employer in Lakewood may not compel a religious employee to stop wearing a piece of clothing that is mandated by his faith yet is inoffensive and unobtrusive. This constitutes a form of religious discrimination and possibly harassment if paired with matching disparaging remarks and actions. The exercise of faith is okay if it doesn't intrude on others’ peace of mind.

• 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.