Filing a Discrimination Lawsuit in Sacramento

If you have experienced discrimination from your employer, filing a discrimination lawsuit in Sacramento is an important legal right you can exercise. However, the process can be challenging and intimidating for a variety of reasons, including the power imbalance between you and your employer. Our lawyer at Erkel Law can help you overcome these issues with experienced advocacy and sensitivity to your claim’s circumstances. Contact Erkel Law for a free consultation to discuss your case in more detail.

Notifying the State Civil Rights Department About an Employment Discrimination Case

California requires employees subjected to acts of discrimination to first file a complaint with the state’s Civil Rights Department as a prerequisite to a Sacramento discrimination lawsuit. As part of the initial complaint, the Department will request several important pieces of information related to the case, including:

•  Your employer’s name and contact information
• The names of other individuals who were involved in the discriminatory behavior or who witnessed it
• An explanation of the events surrounding the discrimination incident
• Copies of documents, visuals, and other evidence related to the discrimination

The Department then assigns a representative to review this information and determine the next steps. The representative either approves the complaint for further investigation or closes the case if they do not believe it demonstrates a possible civil rights violation. Discrimination can occur in a variety of contexts, ranging from the job-hiring process to the terms and conditions of your employment. California Government Code § 12940 establishes the many different types of discrimination prohibited in employment settings.

As a part of its investigation, the Department may request additional documents, seek responses from involved parties or witnesses, and review other details. You have the right to representation during this process. Erkel Law can communicate with the Department on your behalf and ensure the complaint and investigation properly reflect your account of the discrimination incident.

Obtaining a Right-To-Sue Letter and Filing a Discrimination Lawsuit

After the investigation process, the Department can issue a Right-To-Sue notice that establishes your right to file a discrimination lawsuit. However, even if the Department’s investigation does not find reasonable cause to believe that there has been a civil rights violation, Erkel Law can obtain a Right-To-Sue notice.

It is important to consider your legal options as soon as possible after experiencing discrimination in your workplace. The statute of limitations for filing an employment discrimination lawsuit in California is generally three years from the date of the last harm. If you take a proactive approach, you can preserve evidence while it is fresh. You also limit the risk of filing an untimely lawsuit, which could prevent the recovery of compensation and other remedies. In Sacramento, common examples of compensation from filing a discrimination lawsuit include:

• Payment for lost wages
• Reinstatement of your position
• Punitive damages
• Costs of pursuing the case

The amount of compensation available will vary depending on the unique damages involved in your case.

Meet With Erkel Law, P.C., in Sacramento To Discuss Filing a Discrimination Lawsuit

Erkel Law, P.C., is proud to advocate for employees harmed by acts of discrimination and other employer misconduct. Get the help of our experienced employment lawyer in filing a discrimination lawsuit in Sacramento. Schedule a free consultation today.