Fresno Discrimination Lawyer

Californians are protected by law against illegal forms of discrimination in the workplace. If you’ve faced discrimination during the hiring process or on the job, it’s time to consult a Fresno discrimination lawyer. Our legal team is intimately familiar with California discrimination laws, and we know how important it is to have access to a work environment that feels fair and equitable.

Trust Park APC

The team here at Park APC has been practicing employment law for years. In that time, we’ve seen all kinds of discrimination cases. It doesn’t matter whether your employer is discriminating against you based on your race, sex, or religion. We’re here to help you hold them accountable and get the compensation you deserve.

Why Hire a Discrimination Lawyer?

While you may not need to hire a Fresno employment lawyer to file a complaint through the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) or the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), it’s a good idea to contact a law firm that practices discrimination law. We can take some of the stress off you during a trying time, helping you stay on top of paperwork and deadlines and gathering evidence to support your claim.

Unfortunately, cases of employment discrimination have been on the rise in recent years. The EEOC documented 88,531 cases of workplace discrimination across the US in 2024, up from 81,055 the year before. California accounted for 5.8% of all discrimination cases. Of these cases, 35.2% were based on race, with another 29% based on sex and 14.8% based on national origin.

It doesn’t matter whether you were discriminated against for your race, sex, national origin, or another protected status. You deserve to be compensated for your damages, and your employer deserves to be held accountable.

When Is Discrimination Illegal?

Both the federal government and California have laws in place to protect people from discrimination based on certain factors. In California, they include:

• Ancestry, race, or national origin
• Age, if 40 or above
• Color
• Disability or medical condition
• Genetic information
• Gender expression or identity
• Marital status
• Military status
• Religion
• Reproductive health decision-making
• Sex/gender or sexual orientation

It’s relevant to note that the Golden State offers protections to LGBTQ+ folks that are not always available at a federal level, including explicit protection from discrimination based on gender expression and gender identity.

How to File a Discrimination Claim

You can file a discrimination complaint through either the CRD or the EEOC. The processes for doing so are similar. Here’s how to handle your complaint through the CRD:

• Submit an intake form: In the intake form, you’ll be asked to provide information such as specific facts about and any records of the incident. If you have documents or other evidence, submit copies. If there were witnesses, submit their names and contact information.
• Complete an intake interview: Submitting the intake form triggers an intake interview with a CRD representative. They will evaluate the allegations and evidence and determine whether to accept a formal complaint for investigation. The CRD will only accept the case if it determines that your rights have been violated.
• Return a signed complaint: The CRD will prepare a complaint form if it is accepted for investigation. All you have to do is sign the form, which will then be sent to the person who discriminated against you.
• Complaint resolution: The CRD may attempt to use conciliation procedures to resolve the complaint following an in-depth investigation and assessment.
• Filing a legal claim: If the CRD determines that there is reasonable cause to believe your rights were violated, it can allow you to file a claim in the Fresno County Superior Court.

You should note that you don’t have to go through the CRD if you don’t want to. You can file your own claim with the help of a Fresno discrimination attorney. However, you’ll still need to obtain an immediate Right-to-Sue notice from the CRD before you can file your claim in court.

FAQs About Fresno, CA Discrimination Law

What Is the Typical Payout in a California Discrimination Case?

There is no typical payout in a California discrimination case. The amount of compensation you receive will depend on factors such as the type of discrimination, the severity of the damages, and the strength of the evidence. Your employer’s size and resources may also affect the final payout you receive.

How Much Does It Cost for a Discrimination Lawyer?

The cost of a discrimination lawyer varies based on the payment structure used by the law firm, the lawyer’s experience level, and other relevant factors. Many lawyers accept contingency fees for discrimination claims, taking a percentage of the award. However, some offer flat fees or hourly rates. You can find out how much you can expect to pay by contacting us to schedule a consultation.

Is It Worth Filing a Claim for Discrimination?

It is worth filing a claim for discrimination. Every American worker deserves to be treated equally and respectfully by their employers, and California law prohibits employers from discriminating against employees based on protected status. Filing a claim for discrimination could lead to your being compensated, but that’s not all it does. It also sends a message that such behavior will not be tolerated.

How Do You File a Claim for Discrimination in California?

You can file a claim for discrimination in California by first filing a complaint with the state’s Civil Rights Department or the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. You’ll have to complete an intake form, provide details about the incidents, and gather supporting evidence. The next steps will be determined after the agency reviews your complaint, but it’s worth hiring a discrimination lawyer as early on in the process as possible.

Your Fresno Discrimination Lawyer

If you’ve been facing workplace discrimination, you may be eligible to receive compensation. Hiring a Fresno discrimination lawyer isn’t just about money, though. It’s also about making sure the person responsible is held accountable. Park APC can help you do just that. We’ve been practicing employment law for years, and in that time, we’ve worked with clients facing all kinds of discrimination. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation.

San Bernardino Discrimination Law Resources:

• What Counts as Pregnancy Discrimination in California?
• California Wrongful Termination Law – All You Need to Know
• What Are Your Legal Rights as a Whistleblower in California?