Sex Discrimination Lawyer Chatsworth, CA
Everyone should be entitled to work in a place free of discrimination and harassment. While employers are becoming more aware of the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion, not all workplaces are embracing a more open culture. It can be hard to point to specific examples of sex discrimination in the workplace – underhanded comments, pass overs for promotions, extra workload, and other passive means of making you feel out of place and unhappy. In many cases, the actions that constitute discrimination are subtle. Sex discrimination can be hard to prove, but hiring a lawyer can help you build a case that can stand up in court. Call Barry P. Goldberg to speak with a sex discrimination lawyer Chatsworth, CA residents trust about your case.
Sex Discrimination Laws
Workers are protected from sex discrimination due to state and federal laws. The Fair Employment and Housing Act (“FEHA”) passed in California is one of these laws that forbid practices and policies that unfairly discriminate against employees because of their sex. This includes practices such as lowering wages, termination, withholding promotion and restricting training necessary for a role. Understanding how these laws apply to your case is not always easy because of complex and sophisticated legal language, but if you reach out to a skilled sex discrimination lawyer they can help you interpet them. With their knowledge of the laws, they can provide you legal assistance and help build your case against your employer.
How Do I Know If I Am Experiencing Sex Discrimination?
Federal and state laws prohibit discrimination based on sex, gender, race, and much more and this extends into the workplace. Employers must not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of their sex. However, it can be hard to tell what counts as sex discrimination and what doesn’t. Knowing what actions and practices are covered under sex discrmination lawys can help you determine whether you actually have a valid case or not. Discrimination can come in many forms. Sex discrimination can take place in a number of ways including:
- An employee deciding not to hire someone based on their sex
- Paying you less than other employees who perform the same type of work and have similar qualifications because of your sex
- Denying you a raise, promotion, or other benefits because of your sex
- Firing you because of your sex instead of your performance or other conditions
- Harassing you or even a group of people due to your sex
- Limiting your job duties or changing your job description
- Treating your peers better or differently than you (and perhaps others) based on sex
These are all common practices made by employers who commit sex discrimination. An employer may attempt to justify their actions as simply a part of their company policy, but be wary of any explanation they give you. Such conduct is a violation of state and federal laws, and should be immediately reported. If you suspect that you have gone through any of these situations, you should not hesitate to reach out to a lawyer for legal advice. If you have experienced any of the above, or even other forms of discrimination, you can discuss your case with a sex discrimination lawyer in Chatsworth, CA from a firm like Barry P. Goldberg to understand whether your cause can be successful in court.
Examples of sex discrimination cases include:
- A male worker was given a promotion over his female peer despite the fact that she had more experience and qualifications for the job.
- A female employee is paid less than her male counterpart even though they have the same amount of education and experience.
- A woman is not hired for a job because she could become pregnant and require maternity leave.
- A male is teased in the workplace for not being “manly” enough and for having feminine traits.
In all these cases, you will need to have proof that you were discriminated against and it was because of your sex, which can be very challenging. Sometimes these scenarios involve a brief conversation, or they may occur over the course of several instances. For example, if you are experiencing gradually reduced hours while your other coworkers have not experienced any change to their hours, the case can be hard to prove as sex discrimination. With a lawyer there to vigorously fight for you, you will have a stronger chance at building a case. Having an experienced sex discrimination lawyer at your side can make a big difference in your case. They can advise you on how to protect yourself and potentially your job if you are still working for the offending employer. A lawyer will also know what requirements need to be met to prove discrimination and the process you need to work through.
Sex vs. Gender Discrimination
It can be hard to know the difference between sex and gender discrimination. The two share similarities, but there are small distinctions. Sex discrimination is discrimination based on a person’s sex, or whether they are biologically male, female or intersex. Gender has a cultural basis, and refers to whether a person identifies as a man, woman, queer, transgender or nonbinary. If you are not sure which category your particular case applies to, a lawyer can help you determine where your case falls under. They will review the language in the employment laws designed to protect workers against these types of discrimination.
How a Lawyer Can Help
Fighting a sex discrimination case on your own can be a challenge. Interpreting the law and understanding how they apply to your unique case can be difficult, especially if you do not have a legal background. A lawyer will be dedicated to protecting your rights, building your case, and representing you in court if your case goes to trial.
If you believe you have been discriminated against because of your sex, don’t spend another day hoping it will improve. In most cases, discrimination and harassment become worse over time. Call us at Barry P. Goldberg now. You’ll discuss your case with a sex discrimination lawyer in Chatsworth, CA, who will support you every step of the way.