West Sacramento Employment Lawyer

West Sacramento Employment Attorney

At the Fulton Law Corporation, our West Sacramento employment lawyer can advocate for your rights. We can represent employees in complex matters involving workplace discrimination, wage disputes, wrongful termination, and more. Trust our deep knowledge of state and local employment laws to guide you through every step, from investigations and negotiations to successful litigation.

The Fulton Law Corporation Manages All Types of Employment Cases

62.4% of the state’s population participates in the labor force. As a California employee, you are protected by some of the strongest labor laws in the nation. With the proximity of West Sacramento to the state capitol, employers are under constant scrutiny to comply with the California Labor Code and the Fair Employment Housing Act (FEHA).

Wrongful Termination and Retaliation

California is an “at-will” employment state, but this right is not absolute. You can’t be fired for an illegal reason, such as:

• Discrimination (age, race, gender, disability, etc.)
• Reporting illegal, unsafe, or unethical conduct to a government agency or supervisor
• Exercising your right to family or medical leave or taking time off for jury duty
• Complaining about being denied overtime, meal breaks, or minimum wage

If you were fired in violation of public policy, a contract, or anti-discrimination laws, you may have a strong case for wrongful termination.

Workplace Discrimination

Both state (FEHA) and federal laws prohibit discrimination in all aspects of employment, from hiring and promotions to pay and termination. Discrimination can occur when an employer treats you differently because of a protected characteristic, including:

• Age
• Disability
• Gender
• Sex
• Sexual orientation
• Race
• Color
• National origin
• Pregnancy or other medical conditions
• Religious affiliation

Sexual Harassment

Workplace harassment, especially sexual harassment, is illegal and unacceptable. Harassment can be committed by supervisors, co-workers, or even third parties, like clients. It can take the form of:

• Quid pro quo harassment. A job benefit, like a promotion or pay raise, is conditioned on submitting to unwelcome sexual advances.
• Hostile work environment. Unwelcome conduct, like sexual jokes, offensive comments, leering, or inappropriate touching, is severe or pervasive in the work environment.

Employers have an affirmative duty to take reasonable steps to prevent and promptly correct workplace harassment. If your employer fails to do so, you need a lawyer who can pursue justice for the emotional and professional damage you have suffered.

Wage and Hour Violations

At the Fulton Law Corporation, we can help employees recover compensation for:

• Unpaid overtime
• Unpaid minimum wage
• Missed meal and rest breaks
• Misclassification
• Expense reimbursement

Non-exempt employees are required to be paid overtime at 1.5x their pay or double time for hours worked past eight in a day, past 40 in a week, or on the seventh consecutive day. Employees may also be misclassified as exempt or independent contractors, so employers can avoid paying overtime and benefits.

Workplace Retaliation

Workplace retaliation occurs when an employer takes a negative employment action against an employee for exercising a legally protected activity. This protection, enforced by the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and the FEHA, prohibits actions such as termination or demotion if an employee was engaging in activities like reporting discrimination, harassment, or other unlawful workplace conduct.

What to Do If Your Workplace Rights Have Been Violated

If you suspect a violation of your workers’ rights in West Sacramento, you need to take prompt action:

1. Thoroughly document evidence. Make sure you collect and preserve all supporting materials, such as relevant emails, pay stubs, and witness statements.
2. Consult legal counsel. Seek guidance from an employment law attorney who understands your situation.
3. File an official complaint. Initiate a claim with the appropriate agency, such as the Civil Rights Department (CRD) or the Labor Commissioner.
4. Evaluate resolution options. Explore options with your lawyer, like mediation or litigation at the Sacramento Superior Court, to effectively resolve disputes and potentially recover damages.

About the Fulton Law Corporation

Jeffrey D. Fulton founded the Fulton Law Corporation to protect clients in powerless situations. Our guiding principle is to place our clients first. As a seasoned employment law firm, we work hard to achieve justice and compensation through the legal process, no matter how complex the case is. Mr. Fulton has extensive experience in harassment, discrimination, and wage and hour claims.

FAQs

Am I Entitled to Meal and Rest Breaks in California?

Yes, most non-exempt employees are entitled to meal breaks in California. 30-minute, unpaid, duty-free break periods are required to be provided if an employee works more than five hours. A second meal break is required if you work more than ten hours. Rest breaks are paid 10-minute breaks for every four hours that an employee works. Exempt employees are typically not covered.

What Is Wrongful Termination?

Wrongful termination in West Sacramento, California is the unlawful dismissal of an employee by an employer. Though California is an “at-will” state, termination is illegal if it violates state or federal laws or public policy, such as firing someone based on discrimination (like age, race, or gender), for retaliation, or by breaching an employment contract.

What Is Workplace Retaliation?

Workplace retaliation in California occurs when an employer punishes an employee for engaging in legally protected activities. These activities generally involve asserting employee rights, like reporting illegal conduct or taking protected leave. This can also be called an “adverse action” and includes firing, demoting, cutting hours, or creating a hostile work environment.

What Should I Do If I Am Being Harassed at Work?

If you are being harassed at work, the first step is to document all the details, like dates, times, witnesses, and what happened. You should report the harassment internally by following your company’s policy. Then, you should consult an employment attorney who can advise you on your next steps, including filing a complaint with the CRD or the EEOC.

Hire an Employment Lawyer in West Sacramento

If you’re concerned about a possible workplace violation or believe that your employment rights have been violated, turn to the Fulton Law Corporation. We can provide clarity and strong legal representation. Contact us for a consultation to talk about your situation. Our West Sacramento employment attorney can defend your rights.

West Sacramento Employment Lawyer Reviews

West Sacramento Employment Law Resources:

• What You Should Know About Non-Compete Agreements
• The Difference Between a Layoff and Furlough: How to Tell if You’re at Risk