Every employee is entitled to certain protections involving their wages, breaks, and working conditions. When employers violate these rights, they can be held liable through legal action.

A dedicated attorney can help you seek justice if you have been treated unfairly. It is important to move forward with these claims in a timely manner, as delays will only help your employer. You can give yourself the best chance of a favorable outcome by relying on the support of a Los Angeles employment lawyer at Erkel Law, P.C.

Understanding Employment Laws

Workers are protected by a wide range of statutes at both the state and federal levels. An attorney can help you understand the employment laws that apply in Los Angeles.

One of the most important federal statutes is the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which ensures the rights of workers across the country. The FLSA sets the national minimum wage and also establishes overtime rules. For example, if you work more than 40 hours per week or 12 hours in a day, you are entitled to time-and-a-half pay. This law also sets rules regarding meal and rest breaks for hourly employees.

At the state level, there is the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Under FEHA, workers can report incidents of harassment at their job to the state.

Other regulations that protect your rights as an employee include the following:

  • Americans with Disabilities Act
  • Title VII
  • California Family Rights Act
  • National Labor Relations Act
  • Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act

If you believe your rights have been violated at work, these statutes could provide you with a path to addressing those grievances and recovering compensation.

Types of Employment Law Cases

A lawyer could help Los Angeles workers resolve a wide range of employment issues and disputes. Typically, these cases involve an employer refusing to respect a worker’s rights or failing to compensate them as required by law. The following are some of the most common examples.

Wrongful Termination

California recognizes a labor practice known as at-will employment, meaning that most employers may terminate workers for any reason. However, there are still situations in which firing someone can violate their rights. This is primarily the case when there is an employment contract that prevents termination without cause. Additionally, employers could be liable for damages if they violate state or federal law when firing a worker.

Wage and Hour Violations

One of the most common labor law violations relates to employee wages and hours. These claims can address nonpayment of wages, the refusal to pay mandatory overtime, or a disregard for required rest breaks.

Retaliation

Retaliation occurs when an employer penalizes an employee for engaging in legally protected activities, such as whistleblowing. If an employer punishes an employee for cooperating with a government investigation or filing a legal claim against the company, they could be liable for damages. This can occur when the company terminates a person’s employment, passes them over for advancement, relocates them, or reduces their pay in retribution.

Harassment and Discrimination

Everyone deserves to feel safe at work. Unfortunately, many workers find themselves facing harassment or discrimination based on their identity. An attorney can pursue legal action when this abuse is based on a person’s gender, race, religious beliefs, or other protected rights.

Speak to an Employment Attorney in Los Angeles Today

If you believe your rights have been violated, it is crucial that you seek legal counsel right away. You may be entitled to compensation, but only if you pursue your claim in a reasonable amount of time. Contact Erkel Law, P.C. today to learn more about how a Los Angeles employment lawyer can help.

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