Employment Law
There is no easy definition of what Employment Law covers. The easiest thing to say is that employment law and litigation covers every claim that happens while an individual is employed. Though that is probably somewhat overbroad, employment law does cover a broad spectrum of claims dealing with employment including discrimination and harassment claims, wrongful termination claims and wage and hour claims. Each employment claim is unique and presents its own challenges and potential pitfalls, requiring experienced attorneys like those at Mesriani Law Group to guide through the process.
Discrimination and Harassment Claims
It is illegal in the state of California for an employer to discriminate against an employee on the basis of that employee’s age, race, national origin, gender, religion or sexual preference. What many people are not aware of is the fact that this rule of law applies not only to obvious discriminatory practices like verbal insults and slurs, but extends to other employment decisions such as promotions. You may have a discrimination claim based on actions of your employer if you can show that these actions were based on your race, age, national origin, gender, religion or sexual preference.
Though harassment and discrimination are often linked, the two are actually different terms. Whereas discrimination claims are usually based on employment related decisions and actions, harassment is when the actions are outside the scope of employment decisions and are attacks on the employee personally. The most common example is verbal statements and slurs by co-workers and/or management, but unwanted touchings, like sexual advances or physical attacks, can be the subject of a sexual harassment claim as well.
You should be aware that the employee need not have been fired for the employee to have a possible discrimination claims. If you are the subject of either discrimination and/or harassment while still employed, you still have a claim. Many people are afraid to bring such a claim since they are afraid that they will lose their jobs, however, it is illegal for an employer to terminate an employee for bringing a claim for harassment and/or discrimination against the employer.
Wage and Hour Claims
The truth about wage and hour claims is that most people who have such claims are not even aware of it. Employers regularly take advantage of this lack of knowledge to pay less than the legal wage, relying on the employee’s need for the position to keep them from getting caught. This practice is common in smaller, family run businesses which operate on a much more casual basis than the average corporate employer like a supermarket of fast food chain.
One common situation is the failure to pay overtime hours, where the employer pays for a standard eight hour day at a minimum wage even when the employee works more than eight hours. You are entitled to payment for all hours worked and an additional wage for overtime hours.
Mesriani Law Group can help you get the recovery you deserve on your employment claims. We have exacted lucrative settlements from and trial verdicts against some of the biggest companies in Americal. Mesriani Law Group remains one of the most successful and well regarded Employment Law Firms in Los Angeles and all of California.
We represent cases throughout California. Call us today or fill out the evaluation form for a free consultation.