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Los Angeles Military & Veteran Discrimination Attorney
Are you a veteran or a member of the armed forces that has experienced discrimination at your workplace? Are you a veteran or a member of the armed forces who has lost their job? If so, you may be entitled to compensation and should seek legal guidance from a qualified attorney. Equate Law is an experienced team of attorneys that specialize in handling employment law cases related to veteran and military status discrimination in the workplace. We fight for justice and compensation for veterans who have been wronged.
What Is Veteran & Military Status Discrimination?
Veteran and military status discrimination occurs when an employer, supervisor, manager, or co-worker treats a person less favorably because the person is a current or former member of the military, or someone that is presumed to be a veteran, or someone experiencing discrimination due to their relationship with a veteran. This can include denying employment opportunities, military leave, promotions, or salary increases, harassment around a person’s military service status, or being subjected to offensive comments based on their prior service. In Los Angeles, you are protected under federal and state law if you have experienced any type of veteran and military status based discrimination.
It is essential to be aware of subtle indications of veteran and military discrimination in the workplace that often go unnoticed. One common example of discrimination faced by many veterans and members of the armed forces is an employer failing to reinstate a service member to their position after returning from active or reserve duty, or demoting that person following active or reserve duty. Another common example of discrimination is when a supervisor or employer creates a hostile working environment for an employee who has returned from active or reserve duty.
Additionally, it is vital to recognize situations where employers deny requests for time off for military training, essential medical treatment or strip away earned vacation time because of time spent in the military or on active or inactive duty. Moreover, the possibility of unlawful bias should be considered when witnessing the denial of job opportunities, promotions, or demotions based on an individual’s military status. By being vigilant and informed, employees can speak out and promote fairness and inclusivity, while ensuring that those who have sacrificed so much for our country are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.
Military status discrimination affects countless service members and veterans every year. Unfortunately, countless employers have chosen to ignore legal protections for employees with military affiliations, leading to wrongful termination, retaliation, and other abuses of these heros. Equate Law champions fair treatment in the workplace and provides skilled legal support for those who have been adversely affected by such conduct. Our experienced attorneys are committed to defending veterans from military status discrimination and ensuring that the law is upheld in the workplace. We make sure that our clients receive justice and are treated fairly according to both federal and state laws.
Federal Laws Protecting Veterans Returning to the Workforce
The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) offer invaluable support and protection for veterans as they transition back into civilian life. By safeguarding veterans’ employment rights, these legislative acts ensure that the brave men and women who have dedicated their time and energy to our nation’s defense can reintegrate into the workforce with confidence. USERRA, in particular, safeguards veterans from discrimination based on their military service, while FMLA provides extensive family leave options for qualified individuals, ensuring that they are not forced to make a choice between career and family. Together, these complementary acts help our nation’s heroes to regain their footing and achieve the stability and peace of mind they so richly deserve after their selfless service.
The Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) serves as a crucial safeguard for veterans with disabilities, shielding them from experiencing discrimination in the workplace. This legislation acknowledges the immense sacrifices made by these brave individuals who have selflessly served their country, and consequently, it ensures that veterans can integrate seamlessly into the workforce upon their return home. By promoting equal opportunity and fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment, VEVRAA is instrumental in empowering veterans with disabilities to lead fulfilling and successful professional lives. This not only strengthens our society but also expresses our gratitude and commitment to supporting those who have fearlessly defended our nation.
California State Laws Protecting Veterans and Military Personnel
In California, there are state specific statutes that protect veterans and members of the armed forces from discrimination and unlawful termination in the workforce. Two of those important California statutes are: California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), Government Code Section 12940, et seq. and California Military and Veterans Code Section 394.
First, under FEHA, military and veteran status are protected characteristics. FEHA makes it unlawful for an employer, on the basis of veteran or military status “to discharge the person from employment” or “to discriminate against the person in compensation or in terms, conditions, or privileges of employment.” Gov’t Code § 12940(a). FEHA makes it illegal for employers to discriminate and harass employees, job applicants, and unpaid interns due to their military or veteran status. FEHA requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to veteran employees who are disabled, and to employees who are on inactive duty and need to attend military training. California employers cannot retaliate against employees for requesting time off for military training or medical treatment as the FEHA makes it unlawful to engage in such behavior. The California Civil Rights Department often publishes notices on workplace rights for members of the military and veterans.
Second, pursuant to the California Military and Veterans Code section 394, subsection (a): “A person shall not discriminate against a member of the military or naval forces of the state or of the United States because of that membership. A member of the military forces shall not be prejudiced or injured by a person, employer, or officer or agent of a corporation, company, or firm in terms, conditions, or privileges with respect to that member’s employment, position or status or be denied or disqualified for employment by virtue of membership or service in the military forces of this state or of the United States.” The Military and Veterans Code broadens the protections afforded to veterans and members of the arms forces and provides for additional workplace protections. This state law makes it unlawful for employers to fire veterans and members of the arms forces for attending military duty or training so that they can return to their jobs upon serving their country. The California Military and Veterans Code was enacted to give servicemen and servicewomen peace of mind when attending military training and engagements so that they do not get retaliated when going back to their jobs.
Damages for military and veteran discrimination cases could include:
- Back pay and back wages
- Future lost earnings
- Job position reinstatement
- Pay differential from a promotion, raise, or bonus
- Benefits or pension benefits
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Attorney fees and legal costs
Why You Need an Employment Attorney
When it comes to seeking justice for veteran discrimination, it’s important that you contact an attorney as soon as possible after the incident occurred, such as when your military leave is denied by your employer. An experienced attorney can offer invaluable insight into how best to proceed with your case and will be able to provide legal advice regarding all aspects of your claims. Equate Law is dedicated to defending veterans against workplace injustices resulting from their service history. We understand the sensitive nature of these claims, and our attorneys have years of experience handling them successfully. Our attorneys have extensive knowledge on relevant laws and regulations governing veteran discrimination cases in Los Angeles and beyond. With our help, we can get you the justice that you deserve.
At Equate Law, we understand the discrimination that military veterans can face in the workplace. Under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, it is illegal for an employer to make personnel decisions based on an individual’s military or veteran status. Our attorneys have extensive experience defending veterans against workplace discrimination. We work hard to hold employers accountable for their unlawful actions and get veterans the justice they deserve. When you have been unfairly treated in the workplace, don’t hesitate to contact us so that we can protect your rights and help you obtain just compensation.
Contact Our Los Angeles Military Discrimination Attorney
Navigating the complex legal realm can become an overwhelming task for individuals pursuing a claim, especially when deadlines are looming. It’s in these crucial moments that enlisting the help of an experienced attorney becomes indispensable. A proficient lawyer can not only assist in identifying the most appropriate laws applicable to the claim at hand, but also ensure that the claim is filed within the strict time limits imposed by the law. By combining their vast legal knowledge and expertise, our skilled employment attorney can help you demystify the legal maze, significantly increasing the chances of reaching a favorable outcome in your case. Don’t leave your claim’s fate to chance, let an experienced attorney be your compass in this intricate legal landscape.
At Equate Law, we are passionate about fighting for justice on behalf of veterans who have been discriminated against at work due to their service history. Whether you’re a current member of the armed forces looking for legal support after experiencing mistreatment at work or a veteran that was illegally fired, our office is ready to help!
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