There are few things worse than being wrongfully denied an employment opportunity. Though we would like to think that we’ve made great strides in terms of eliminating discriminatory practices in the workplace, there are still some employers who will refuse to hire, or fire, employees based on certain protected characteristics. If you believe this has happened to you, please continue reading and reach out to a seasoned Los Angeles employment discrimination lawyer from RD Law Group to learn more about how our firm can help you get the justice you deserve. Here are some of the questions you may have:
How do I know if I can sue for being unfairly denied a job opportunity in CA?
The first thing you should understand is that the state of California is an employment-at-will state, which means that employers are legally allowed to hire or fire any employee for any reason, except if the reason has to do with a protected characteristic. For example, if you believe you were denied a job based on your race (a protected characteristic) you will likely have a valid claim against your employer. Other examples of protected characteristics are as follows:
- Gender
- Age
- Disability
- Religion
- Military Service
- Genetic Information
- National Origin
These are just some examples of protected characteristics that employees find themselves commonly discriminated against for. The bottom line, however, is that if you believe you were denied a job because of any of these things, you should strongly consider hiring a competent attorney who can help you prove your case.
How can I prove I was a victim of discrimination?
If you believe you were denied a job opportunity as a result of your race, gender, or another protected characteristic, you and your attorney will have to provide evidence that an act of discrimination truly occurred.
For example, proof of an employer asking questions about your age or race in an interview may suffice. Including specific provisions regarding an applicant’s preferred race, gender, age, or otherwise in job postings may also serve as proof of discrimination. You should also be sure to keep a journal of questions asked during the interview, as well as the reason why you were denied the job. If you believe a prospective employer imposed certain requirements for you that he or she did not for other applicants, this may also serve as proof of discrimination.
Ultimately, if you believe you are a victim of discrimination in any way, shape, or form during the hiring process, you should strongly consider speaking with a dedicated attorney at once. RD Law Group is here to help.
