At Elite Employment Law, we understand the challenges faced by workers who have experienced age discrimination. If you have been fired, demoted, or treated unfairly due to your age, our experienced Orange County employment law attorney can help you.
Most forms of age discrimination are illegal under both California law and the federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA). We have decades of experience using these laws to achieve justice for our clients.
We are committed to defending the rights of California employees and are ready to help correct the workplace wrongs you have experienced. Contact us today for a free confidential consultation.
How Our Orange County Employment Law Attorneys Can Help You
At Elite Employment Law, our Orange County age discrimination attorney has extensive experience in employment law and a deep understanding of both state and federal age discrimination regulations.
We are committed to fighting for the rights of California employees and helping seek justice for workplace wrongs. When you meet with us, we will listen to your experiences, evaluate your case and explain your options.
If we represent you, we will help you collect and organize evidence to support your case and guide you through the process of filing complaints with the appropriate agencies such as the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
Our employment law attorney knows how to negotiate with employers to frequently reach a favorable settlement. However, if necessary, we are prepared to represent you in court to protect your rights, recover the damages you are owed, and achieve justice.
Understanding Age Discrimination
Age discrimination occurs when an employer uses an employee’s age as a factor in making employment decisions. This can happen during the hiring process, while you are employed, or during termination.
Age discrimination is not always obvious. It can be subtle and difficult to prove directly. That is why courts often rely on circumstantial evidence in these cases. Comparing the treatment of older workers to that of younger employees often shows a clearer picture of what is happening on the job.
Some common examples of age discrimination include:
- Wrongful termination
- Denial of promotions
- Negative performance reviews
- Demotions
- Suspensions
- Hostile work environment
These actions become especially suspicious if your employer has recently made comments about your age or if there is a pattern of older workers being treated unfavorably.
Legal Protections Against Age Discrimination
In California, if you are 40 years old or older and work for a company with at least 5 employees, you are protected against workplace discrimination due to your age under the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). The federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) provides additional protection for workers in companies with 20 or more employees.
There are some exceptions to these protections, including:
- Employees in “high policy-making positions” who receive a substantial annual retirement benefit may not be covered
- Jobs that legitimately require youth may be exempt
- Some contracted workers, including tenured university professors, police officers, and firefighters, may have clauses in their contracts allowing for age-based decisions
How to Recognize Age Discrimination in the Workplace
Age discrimination can take many forms. Some signs to watch out for include:
- Hiring practices. If a company consistently hires younger applicants over equally or more qualified older candidates, it may be engaging in discriminatory practices.
- Promotion and advancement. If younger, less experienced employees are routinely promoted over older, more qualified workers, this could indicate age bias.
- Training opportunities. When older workers are excluded from training sessions or professional development opportunities, it may be a form of age discrimination.
- Performance evaluations. Unfair or overly critical performance reviews that seem to target older workers could be discriminatory.
- Layoffs or downsizing. If a company disproportionately terminates older workers during restructuring or budget cuts, it may be using these events as a cover for age discrimination.
- Hostile work environment. Comments, jokes, or harassment related to age can create a hostile work environment for older workers.
Contact Our Orange County Age Discrimination Lawyers Today
Age discrimination can be devastating, both emotionally and financially. It is not just about losing a job or missing out on a promotion; it is also about having your dignity and the value of your experience undermined.
You have the right to work in an environment free from discrimination. If you believe you have been a victim of age discrimination, let us help you.
We are here to listen to your story, evaluate your case, and fight for your rights. Let us put our experience and passion for justice to work for you.
Contact Elite Employment Law today to schedule a free confidential consultation. Together, we can stand up against age discrimination and work towards a fairer, more inclusive workplace for all.