DEFENDING EMPLOYEE RIGHTS THROUGHOUT CALIFORNIA

Independent contractors do not receive the same legal protections as employees under California labor law. However, that doesn’t mean they are without recourse. Whether an independent contractor can sue under labor laws depends heavily on how the worker has been classified and whether that classification is accurate under state law. Misclassification of Independent Contractors One of the most common legal issues arises when a worker has been misclassified as an independent contractor. Under California law, particularly the ABC test outlined in Assembly Bill 5 (AB5), many workers who...

If you’ve suffered from a hostile work environment in California, you may be entitled to recover financial compensation through a civil lawsuit. The damages you can pursue are meant to help restore what you’ve lost—both economically and emotionally—due to the harassment or discriminatory behavior. California labor laws and the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) provide the framework for what can be recovered. Types of Damages Available There are several categories of damages that may be available to employees who have experienced a hostile work environment. These can include both...

Can I Sue My Employer for a Hostile Work Environment? Yes, under California law, you may be able to sue your employer if you’ve been subjected to a hostile work environment—particularly if it stems from harassment, discrimination, or retaliation based on a protected characteristic. The Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) provides robust protections for employees and holds employers accountable for allowing or fostering a toxic workplace culture. What Is a Hostile Work Environment? A hostile work environment occurs when an employee is subjected to unwelcome conduct that is severe...

If you’re experiencing a hostile work environment in California, it’s important to take specific steps to protect your rights and build a strong foundation for any future legal claim. A hostile work environment can take a serious toll on your mental and emotional well-being, so responding promptly and carefully is essential. California law provides protections under the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), which makes it unlawful for employers to allow harassment or discrimination based on protected characteristics. Step 1: Document the Behavior Start keeping a detailed record of...

Under California law, proving a hostile work environment requires showing that the workplace behavior you experienced was discriminatory, unwelcome, and severe or pervasive enough to interfere with your ability to do your job. These claims are typically brought under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), which protects employees from harassment based on protected characteristics such as race, gender, age, disability, and more. Key Elements of a Hostile Work Environment Claim To succeed in a hostile work environment claim, an employee must typically prove the following...

Under California labor law, employees are entitled to a workplace free from harassment, intimidation, and discrimination. A hostile work environment occurs when unwelcome conduct based on a legally protected characteristic becomes so severe or pervasive that it interferes with an employee’s ability to perform their job. Understanding the legal definition and rights under the law is essential for employees facing inappropriate behavior in the workplace. Protected Characteristics and Legal Standards To qualify as a hostile work environment under the California Fair Employment and Housing...