Bakersfield Employment Lawyer

Skilled Kern County Employment Attorneys Committed to Standing Up for Workers’ Rights

Workplace disputes can disrupt your life and leave you feeling powerless, but The Nourmand Firm, APC, is here to help you regain control. As employment lawyers serving Bakersfield, we work tirelessly to protect the rights of employees facing discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, and other workplace violations. California’s employment laws are designed to provide you with protections, and our Bakersfield employment lawyers are here to help you enforce them. Whether you’re dealing with unfair treatment or a toxic work environment, we’re committed to helping you secure the justice you deserve.

Top Bakersfield Industries and Employers

Bakersfield is a hub for the agriculture, energy, and healthcare industries, with major employers like Kern Medical, Chevron, and Bakersfield City School District. While these organizations provide vital jobs to the community, they’re not immune to issues like workplace discrimination or harassment. No matter the size or reputation of your employer, you have the right to fair treatment under California law. If your rights are being violated, The Nourmand Firm can provide the legal support you need to stand up for yourself.

Proving a Discrimination Claim in Bakersfield

Discrimination in the workplace occurs when an employer treats an employee unfairly based on a protected characteristic, such as race, gender, disability, age, or religion. Proving a discrimination claim requires you establish the following elements:

1. You Belong to a Protected Class: Under California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), protected classes include race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, age (over 40), and more.
2. Adverse Action Occurred: An adverse action could include being passed over for a promotion, terminated, demoted, or denied a reasonable accommodation due to a protected characteristic.
3. Causal Connection: You must show that the adverse action was directly related to your protected status. This could involve proving that others outside your protected class were treated more favorably under similar circumstances.

Evidence is key in building a strong discrimination claim. Documents, emails, performance reviews, and even witness accounts can all help establish your case. If you’ve experienced workplace discrimination, The Nourmand Firm can help you gather and present the evidence needed to pursue a fair resolution.

What Constitutes a Hostile Work Environment?

A hostile work environment goes beyond occasional disagreements or conflicts. California law defines a hostile work environment as one where severe or pervasive harassment interferes with an employee’s ability to perform their job. Examples of behavior that could create a hostile work environment include:

• Repeated offensive jokes, slurs, or comments about race, gender, or religion
• Sexual advances, inappropriate touching, or explicit comments
• Intimidation, threats, or consistent bullying
• Unwanted emails, texts, or messages that target a protected class

For a claim to succeed, you must prove that the behavior was unwelcome, occurred frequently or was severe, and created a workplace that a reasonable person would find hostile. Keeping a detailed record of incidents, including dates, times, and witnesses, can strengthen your case. At The Nourmand Firm, we work with employees in Bakersfield to address hostile work environments and hold employers accountable for creating or allowing such conditions.

Remedies for Workplace Violations

If you’ve faced discrimination or harassment, California law offers a range of remedies. These may include compensation for lost wages, emotional distress damages, and punitive damages to hold your employer accountable. You may also be eligible for reinstatement to your position, or the court may require your employer make positive changes to workplace policies. At The Nourmand Firm, APC, we’ll evaluate your case and fight for the remedies that align with your goals.

Has Your Employer Crossed the Line?

If you believe your employer has discriminated against you or allowed a hostile work environment to persist, it’s important to take action. Start by documenting incidents and saving relevant communications to strengthen your case, then reach out to a Bakersfield employment attorney with the Nourmand Law Firm. At The Nourmand Firm, APC, we’ll help you navigate California’s employment laws and ensure your rights are protected. Standing up for yourself in the workplace is never easy, but you don’t have to do it alone. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation today, give The Nourmand Firm, APC, a call at 800-700-WAGE, or connect with an attorney by completing our online contact form.