Los Angeles National Origin Discrimination Lawyer
National origin discrimination occurs when an employee is treated unfairly as a direct result of their ethnicity or national origin. This type of harassment is usually based on a person’s accent or because of their different culture, country, or background. Regardless of why it occurs, there is never any excuse for national original discrimination. Harassing a worker based on their national origin is against the law, particularly when it occurs so frequently that it creates a hostile work environment. If you have been treated unfairly, our Los Angeles national origin discrimination lawyer can advise you of your legal rights.
How to Determine if National Origin Discrimination Occurred
Determining if national origin discrimination occurred is not easy. This type of behavior is often very subtle and employers will not openly admit to it, as they understand it could leave them open to a lawsuit. Still, there are sometimes signs that an employee is being discriminated against based on their national origin. National origin discrimination can include harassment based on an employee’s:
- Participation or attendance in religious organizations, particularly those associated with a group of the same national origin of the employee,
- First and last names associated with a group from a particular national origin
- Membership with certain ethnic groups
Isolated incidents of national origin discrimination are typically not enough to file a lawsuit against the offender. In order to have grounds for legal action, the discrimination must create a hostile work environment. This means the behavior must be pervasive and interrupt the employee’s ability to perform their job. The behavior must also be continuous and ongoing.
Filing a Complaint After National Origin Discrimination
Complaints regarding national origin discrimination are either filed with California’s Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The DFEH handles claims involving employers with five to fourteen employees. If your organization has 15 or more employees, you will file a claim with the EEOC.
Both processes have their own challenges and one small mistake can have a very negative impact on your claim. A Los Angeles national origin discrimination lawyer can advise on the appropriate process and guide you through it to give you the best chance of a positive outcome.
Damages Available in National Origin Discrimination Claims
National origin discrimination is not only very painful to experience, but it can also result in actual losses. By filing a claim, you can recover any front or back pay you lost, as well as compensation for lost benefits, mental anguish, and more. If it is found that your employer discriminated against you with reckless indifference or with malice, you may also be able to receive punitive damages, which punish the liable party.
Call Our National Origin Discrimination Lawyer in Los Angeles for a Free Consultation
If your employer has treated you differently based on your background, our Los Angeles national origin discrimination lawyer at The Garza Firm can provide the strong legal representation you need. Call us now at (949) 570-8350 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation and to learn more about your legal options.
