Discrimination in the workplace can take many forms, and one type that often goes unnoticed is marital status discrimination. In California, it is illegal for employers to mistreat workers based on whether they are single, married, divorced, separated, or widowed. If you believe you have faced this type of discrimination, speaking with a Manhattan Beach marital status discrimination lawyer can help protect your rights and hold your employer accountable.
What Is Marital Status Discrimination
Marital status discrimination happens when an employer makes decisions regarding an employee’s work status, such as hiring, firing, promotions, or salary, based on their marital status. This type of discrimination can present itself in various ways, including:
- Hiring Discrimination: Employers may refuse to hire someone because of assumptions related to their marital status. For example, an employer might think that a married person will be less dedicated or flexible than a single person.
- Promotion and Advancement Issues: Married employees might be passed over for promotions due to the assumption that they are more focused on family obligations. On the other hand, single individuals might be seen as more available for longer hours or work travel, creating a bias against married employees.
- Unequal Treatment at Work: Employees may face unequal workloads, pay discrepancies, or different treatment depending on their marital status. Employers might favor single workers for more demanding tasks or assume married employees are less willing to take on additional responsibilities.
These actions are illegal under California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), which protects employees from discrimination in the workplace, including discrimination based on marital status. If you have experienced any of these issues, speaking with a marital status discrimination attorney in Manhattan Beach is crucial to ensure your rights are upheld.
How Marital Status Discrimination Affects Employees
Marital status discrimination can have significant consequences for employees, impacting both their professional and personal lives. Individuals who experience discrimination based on their marital status may:
- Lose opportunities for career advancement
- Face stress and emotional distress due to unfair treatment
- Suffer financial losses due to unequal pay or job loss
- Experience tension in their personal life, mainly if the discrimination revolves around assumptions about family responsibilities
When an employer treats you differently because of your marital status, it can lead to a hostile work environment and a sense of injustice. Consulting with a marital status discrimination lawyer can clarify how to address the situation and what legal steps can be taken to resolve it.
Legal Protections Under California Law
California has some of the most robust employee protections in the United States, and the law is clear: marital status should never be a factor in employment decisions. Under the FEHA, it is illegal for employers to discriminate based on marital status in hiring, promotions, compensation, and other employment terms. Whether single, married, divorced, or widowed, your employer cannot use your marital status against you.
If an employer is found guilty of marital status discrimination, they may be required to pay compensation for lost wages, damages for emotional distress, and other legal fees. This makes it critical to act quickly if you suspect discrimination. A marital status discrimination attorney in Manhattan Beach will help you navigate these legal protections and guide you through filing a claim.
How a Marital Status Discrimination Lawyer Can Help You
A skilled attorney is essential in building a solid case and protecting your rights. When you work with a marital status discrimination lawyer, they will:
- Investigate Your Claim: Your attorney will review the facts of your case and determine if you have a valid claim under California law. This includes examining any evidence of discrimination, such as emails, written policies, or witness statements from coworkers.
- Filing a Complaint: Before filing a lawsuit, your lawyer will help you file a complaint with the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). These agencies will investigate your complaint and determine if further legal action is necessary.
- Negotiating a Settlement: In many cases, a settlement can be reached outside court. Your attorney will negotiate to secure a fair settlement compensating you for your losses, including back pay, emotional damages, and attorney’s fees.
- Representing You in Court: If a settlement is not possible, your attorney will represent you in court, presenting evidence to prove that discrimination took place and seeking total compensation for your losses.
Why Choose Rager & Yoon
At Rager & Yoon, we understand how devastating workplace discrimination can be, mainly when it affects your livelihood. Our team is dedicated to fighting for the rights of employees who have been mistreated based on their marital status. With extensive experience in employment law, Jeffrey Rager and his team have successfully represented numerous clients in discrimination cases, ensuring they receive the justice and compensation they deserve.
By choosing us, you are putting your case in the hands of attorneys committed to upholding your rights and securing the best possible outcome. We take pride in offering compassionate, thorough legal representation to help you fight unfair treatment in the workplace.
Schedule a Case Evaluation Today
If you believe you’ve been subjected to marital status discrimination, it’s essential to take action now. Schedule a case evaluation with top attorneys at Rager & Yoon by calling 310-527-6994 or emailing jeff@ragerlawoffices.com. Time is of the essence in employment law cases, so don’t hesitate to seek legal help to protect your rights.