Things to Consider Before Taking Legal Action Against Your Employer

When an employee is discriminated against, harassed, or retaliated against on the job, it can lead to considerable challenges that can prove both financially and emotionally challenging. When an employee finally decides that enough is enough and is ready to address the matter legally, there are several issues that need to be taken into careful consideration prior to doing so. 

One of the most important first steps any employee who has been discriminated against on the job can take is reaching out for the professional legal counsel of an experienced San Francisco labor and employment attorney.

Consider the Underlying Cause

California had some of the most comprehensive labor laws in the country – offering employees some of the broadest protections. When an employee’s rights are violated, compensation for related losses can be sought in relation to all the following:

• Discrimination based on a protected characteristic
• Harassment 
• Retaliation for speaking out against unlawful discrimination or harassment
• Unpaid wages
• Wrongful termination

Consider the Grounds of the Claim

Employees generally recognize when they’re being mistreated on the job, but it’s important to establish the grounds of the claim in question, which can include any of the following:

• Discrimination based on age
• Discrimination based on sex, including pregnancy and pregnancy-related issues
• Retaliation for bringing attention to the matter of discrimination
• Discrimination based on marital status
• Discrimination based on sex or gender, or gender identity 
• Sexual harassment
• Discrimination based on the federal Family Medical Leave Act or on the California Family Rights Act (CFRA)
• Discrimination based on LGTBQ status
• Discrimination based on religious beliefs 
• Discrimination based on race or national origin
• Wrongful termination
• Unpaid wages

In order to file a successful claim, the employee needs evidence to back it up, and this is something a seasoned San Francisco labor and employment attorney has the legal skill and insight to effectively address. 

Taking Important First Steps

Every labor and employment claim is unique to the specific circumstances involved, but there are basic first steps that every wronged employee should take, including:

• Jotting down all relevant details that support the claim of an employer’s wrongdoing
• Compiling the dates of all pertinent incidents
• Listing the names of anyone who may have relevant information regarding the claim
• Listing the names of those with whom the employee discussed the claim

The more information the labor and employment attorney has to work with, the stronger the resulting claim and the better the chances of fully recovering for all related losses.

Don’t Wait to Call an Experienced San Francisco Labor and Employment Attorney

The practiced San Francisco labor and employment attorneys at Minnis & Smallets make it their mission to skillfully advocate for employees who’ve been harmed by discrimination, harassment, wage violations, retaliation, and beyond at the hand of their employers, and our track record is impressive. For more information about how we can help, please don’t delay reaching out and contacting us today.