Best Employment Lawyers in Simi Valley, CA

FAQs

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

  For non-emergency situations, call 805-583-6950 to reach the Simi Valley police station.

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

  Involved individuals can obtain incident reports from the Simi Valley Police Department Records Office, located at 3901 Alamo Street, Simi Valley, CA 93063.

• How do Simi Valley employees qualify for a leave of absence under the Family and Medical Leave Act?

  Employees in Simi Valley must meet various qualifications to be protected under the Family and Medical Leave Act, including the need to work for an eligible employer and work at a location within a 75-mile radius of the workplace with at least 50 employees. In addition, employees should have worked for the same employer for 12 months and 1,250 hours before taking FMLA leave, but holidays and sick leave do not count toward the hours.

• What are the incentives for Simi Valley employees who disclose fraud against their employer?

  If the U.S. Department of Justice agrees to pursue legal action, employees in Simi Valley who disclose fraud against their employers can receive 15% to 25% of any recovery. On the other hand, if the federal government declines to take the case and an employment attorney brings a case on their own, the workers can be awarded 25% to 30% of the recovery. Additionally, employers who are found guilty of fraud in Simi Valley are required to pay the employees' expenses and legal fees separately.

• Does an employee in Simi Valley have the right to file a lawsuit against an employer who discriminates against their hairstyle?

  Yes. In Simi Valley, workers who suffer from discrimination based on their hairstyle are protected under California's Creating a Respectful and Open Workplace for Natural Hair or "Crown" Act. This states the banning of discrimination against the employees' hairstyles, including dreadlocks, braids, afros, and twists, regardless of ethnicity or race. Workers are also protected under the protection of the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, which stipulates that a Simi Valley employee should not have to pay an inclusion tax to adapt to discriminatory perceptions of professionalism.

• What is considered sexual harassment in a Simi Valley workplace?

  In Simi Valley, sexual harassment in a workplace does not have to be motivated by sexual desire and gratification. Under California's anti-sexual harassment law, this behavior may include assault, blocking, or impeding movement and any physical interference with normal work or movement and verbal conduct, like derogatory comments or slurs on someone's appearance or body. Sexual harassment in the workplace may also come in the form of visual provocations, including offensive gestures and leering looks.

• Why do businesses need to hire a Simi Valley employment lawyer?

  Simi Valley employment lawyers can represent businesses facing any workplace disputes and allegations, like discrimination, unpaid wages, and harassment, in and out of the courtroom. Meanwhile, to avoid these complications, employers should hire an employment lawyer to conduct an assessment of their HR practices, policies, and procedures and revise and update their employee manual—which contains overtime policies, employees' rights under ADA and equal employment opportunities laws, and definition of at-will employment.

• 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.