Experiencing Discrimination at Work? Take These Steps

 Posted on December 14, 2023 in Workers' Compensation

Workplace discrimination remains an ever-present reality for employees in California and nationwide. State and federal laws protect against biased treatment based on race, gender, age, disability, religion, and other factors. Yet many employers ignore legal safeguards, undermining equal opportunities and fundamental rights. If you face discriminatory actions at work, knowing you have rights is important. You deserve to fight back against injustice. You do not have to do this alone; a California lawyer can help you.

Recognize Discrimination

The first step entails identifying discriminatory behavior when it occurs. Pay attention to any hiring decisions, promotions, assignments, firings, pay rates, harassment, accommodations, or other terms and conditions affected by your membership in a protected class. While isolated incidents might stem from misunderstandings, pervasive patterns almost certainly show illegal prejudice. Track each occurrence alongside witnesses and evidence. Documentation creates indispensable proof of discrimination necessary for legal action.

Report Internally

Before going to court, ethical standards compel employees to report discrimination through internal channels first. Reach out to designated HR representatives or diversity officers, detailing your concerns. Give the company a reasonable opportunity to investigate problems independently and implement corrective measures. If internal reporting proves inadequate or fruitless or invites retaliation rather than reform, then seek external resolution. Courts require you first to pursue internal complaint processes surrounding the discrimination.

Contact Employment Attorneys

Employment discrimination and civil rights attorneys bring immense value to advancing external claims. Navigating complex laws around workplace discrimination poses challenges. A lawyer can help you through the steps of persuasive evidence tied to illegal actions under applicable statutes. This includes surrounding practices, statistical data, witness testimony, and other documentation. Where substantial evidence of discrimination exists, attorneys can send demand letters seeking voluntary resolution. If employers refuse settlement, court filings follow, alleging workplace discrimination violating California and federal regulations.

Let Justice Run Its Course

From there, attorneys adept at employment law take the reins to relentlessly pursue just compensation through settlements, mediation, or civil litigation. This lifts heavy legal burdens off victims’ shoulders. While securing justice takes patience and perseverance, victims can find vindication and closure in the end, knowing similar discrimination will be prevented in the future.

Contact a Santa Clara, CA Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Standing up against workplace discrimination lets your employer know you are not backing down. It can also empower other people who face the same situation to act. Going up against a company can seem intimidating, but a Morgan Hill, CA, workers’ compensation attorney can make the process less daunting. Call Cramer + Martinez at 408-848-1113 for a free consultation.