Employment Law Claims in Riverside County, California

Employees are protected from workplace harassment and discrimination and are entitled to certain rights. Both employers and employees should understand what is and is not acceptable in the workplace.

Discrimination claims: An employee is a victim of discrimination if their boss makes an employment status decision based on that employee’s race, ethnicity, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disability or other protected category. Firing, refusing to hire, or otherwise negatively impacting a person’s employment status because of the employee’s membership in a protected group will expose the employer to liability. In many cases, these issues are based on a misunderstanding, and in others, the employee was truly wronged. When these conflicts arise, there are ways to reach a resolution. Our attorneys can help.

Harassment claims: Harassment claims occur when an employee believes that they are suffering in a hostile work environment because of their membership in a protected class. Employers should remember that harassment extends far beyond sexual harassment, and it is vital to ensure that your business is not at risk of being involved in a harassment claim. As an employee, understanding your rights can help you feel empowered at work and can lead to discussions with your employer about a better work environment. Contact an attorney to learn more about workplace harassment and ways to resolve these claims.

Wage and Hour Disputes: Employees are entitled to minimum wage for all hours worked, overtime pay where appropriate, and compliant meal and rest periods, among other protections, unless they are exempt. Business owners and supervisors need to understand the company’s obligations to pay their exempt and nonexempt workers, to keep time records, and to provide proper reports, according to government regulations. If you are on either side of a dispute regarding wages, you will need an experienced attorney to guide you through these complex issues.

Worker Misclassification: Employees are entitled to employment benefits, unlike independent contractors. As an employer, it is important to understand the implications of a work relationship with independent contractors, rather than employees. In some cases, the line between these categories may seem muddy. When a person working as an employee is wrongfully categorized as an independent contractor, that person may lose employment benefits. Employers who misclassify employees as contractors can face serious consequences. If you are involved in a dispute regarding employee misclassification, or need advice on the ever-changing criteria for independent contractor relationships in California, you will need to hire an experienced employment law attorney.

Contracts and Agreements: When entering into a contract, it is important to understand the terms and your legal obligations according to that document. Both employers and employees become bound by the terms of contracts. A breach of contract by either party can result in legal disputes, claims, or even litigation. If you are entering into a severance agreement, different contract issues are involved. Sometimes these agreements are mutually beneficial, but neither the employer nor the employee should sign on the dotted line without understanding what expectations the document creates. Contacting an attorney will help ensure that the agreement protects your rights and interests. In the case of a breach of contract, you will need to hire an attorney to explain your options and pursue a remedy.

Resolving Disputes: Litigation is one way in which parties may resolve their disputes, but it is not the only method available. Sometimes it is possible to work out an agreement in mediation. A mediator is a neutral person who works to help parties reach a creative solution to the problem, but the mediator’s decision is not binding. Arbitration is another method of resolving disputes, and arbitrators are able to make binding decisions that can be converted to a court judgment. Contact an attorney to learn the pros and cons of the various forms of dispute resolution and to determine what options are available in your case.

Call the Law Office of Karen J. Sloat in Riverside County

At the Law Office of Karen J. Sloat, we focus on preventing and resolving employment law disputes in Riverside County and the Coachella Valley. As a boutique employment law firm, employment issues are our sole focus. Call our Riverside County & Coachella Valley employment lawyers at 760-779-1313 to learn more about how we can help you.

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