The avoidable consequences doctrine is an important legal principle that often arises in employment law disputes, particularly in cases involving harassment, discrimination, and wrongful termination. This doctrine limits the amount of compensation an employee can recover if they failed to take reasonable steps to prevent or mitigate their own harm. For individuals pursuing legal action…
The after-acquired evidence defense is a legal strategy used by employers in wrongful termination and employment-related lawsuits. This defense involves the discovery of information—usually misconduct or falsified credentials—that the employer claims would have led to the employee’s termination or disqualification if it had been known at the time of dismissal. For employees facing wrongful termination…
The Equal Pay Act (EPA) is one of the most significant laws in the fight against wage discrimination in the workplace. It was enacted to address the pervasive pay gap between men and women, but its scope extends beyond just gender-based wage discrimination. The EPA ensures that employees who perform equal work receive equal pay,…
Being offered a severance package often comes as a result of an unexpected layoff or job termination. While severance packages are not required by law, they can offer a financial buffer and some stability during your transition to a new job. However, simply accepting the first offer from your employer might not always be in…
Unpaid wages represent a significant violation of labor laws and an employee’s right to fair compensation. Whether through withheld overtime, missed paychecks, or inaccurate wage calculations, employees in California are entitled to receive payment for their work under both state and federal law. When employers fail to comply, employees have legal recourse to recover the…
In a diverse society, it is essential that employers respect and accommodate the religious practices of their employees. Religious accommodations allow workers to practice their faith without fear of discrimination or retaliation. However, not all employers uphold these principles, and when accommodations are denied, it can lead to wrongful termination or other workplace issues. For…
Facing employment-related legal issues can be overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with wrongful termination, discrimination, or harassment. Finding the right lawyer to represent you in such cases is critical to ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive fair treatment. But with so many wrongful termination law firms out there, how do you…
In today’s digital age, social media has become an integral part of our daily lives. From sharing personal updates to professional achievements, platforms like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram are used extensively by individuals and businesses alike. However, the ubiquity of social media brings its own set of challenges, especially in the context of employment…
Facing employment issues, especially wrongful termination, can be incredibly stressful. Finding the right employment lawyer to represent you is crucial in navigating these challenges effectively. Here are five essential things to consider when searching for an employment lawyer, with a focus on identifying the best wrongful termination law firms in Orange, CA. 1. Experience and…
In the workplace, speaking up about misconduct can be daunting. Employees who report unethical behavior or violations often fear retaliation or even termination. Fortunately, there are robust legal protections in place to safeguard whistleblowers and employees who report misconduct. Understanding these protections and knowing when to consult employment termination lawyers can help you navigate these…
Punitive damages play a crucial role in employment law cases, particularly in California, where they serve as a powerful deterrent against egregious employer misconduct. As an employee, it’s essential to understand punitive damages and how they can protect your rights in the workplace. Punitive damages, also known as exemplary damages, are monetary awards granted to…
California labor laws are designed to protect the rights of workers across the state. When an employee’s rights under the wage and hour laws of California are violated, they have recourse through two primary avenues: (1) filing an administrative action with the appropriate governmental agency or (2) pursuing a civil lawsuit in the court system….
Embarking on a new job is an exciting chapter, but before you dive into your new role, there’s a crucial document that warrants your attention – the terms of engagement. In today’s environment, employment contracts are not as common as they once were. With the exception of certain industries or positions, most employers do not…
California is known for many things, from its stunning coastline to its vibrant tech industry, but it’s also home to some of the most comprehensive labor laws in the United States. As an employee in the Golden State, it’s important to know your rights and be aware of the wage and hour laws that protect…
Contrary to what most employees mistakenly believe, filing a lawsuit in court is not the only way to resolve disputes over employer violations of wage and hour law in California. Most people think of filing a lawsuit with the help of an attorney. Of course, there is nothing wrong with that provided that the damages…
This year’s legislative session in California concluded with a flurry of activity, resulting in several significant changes to employment laws of which all employees should be aware. These laws cover a wide range of areas, from leaves of absence to workplace safety, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, notice requirements, industry-specific regulations, and COVID-19-related measures. Below, we provide…
Severance Agreements Can Affect an Employee’s Rights The first, and perhaps most obvious, one of the variables is whether or not the employee has waived his or her rights. It is a fairly common practice for employers who are terminating their relationship with their employees to offer severance payments in exchange for the employee signing…
Should non-exempt employees in California receive compensation for being on call? The answer to this question depends on how the on-call employee is spending his or her time while on-call for the employer. According to the law: “On-call waiting time may be compensable if it is spent primarily for the benefit of the employer and…
Leave it to a lawyer to answer a question with a question, but the question “are tips considered wages” can only be answered with another question – “For what purpose?” In this blog we will examine common scenarios involving tips that lead to the question being asked, “are tips considered wages?” What Exactly Do You…
Let’s face it, California law governing the terms and conditions of one’s employment is not exactly a model of clarity. Human resources professionals often use terms and phrases which might be unclear and confusing to employees. What does it mean when an employee is exempt? What does it mean when an employee is not exempt?…
If you are an hourly employee wondering how much you have earned, or an employer wondering how much wages you owe, you are not alone. The wage and hour law in California is very nuanced and often confusing. This confusion stems in no small part from the convoluted, overlapping, and sometimes ostensibly inconsistent nature of…
California employees who have been wronged in some way in the workplace by their employers can, in many cases, look to either state or federal laws for protection. The workplace in California is protected under both the state system of laws, rules, and regulations, and the federal system of laws, rules, and regulations. For example,…
In this day and age, most people know that race-based harassment in the workplace is illegal. However, what exactly qualifies as race-based harassment is not as equally clear to most. There are some forms of harassment which are very obvious, but with the exception of the most obvious examples on the far end of the…
During the holidays, many companies increase their staff size to handle the influx of additional customers or seasonal needs. For those employed in Southern California, understanding the rules applicable to overtime pay can help make a big difference when it comes to their paycheck. Let’s take a look at the basics of overtime pay in…
One of the most commonly asked questions asked by victims of workplace discrimination who are contemplating bringing a lawsuit is “how much is my case worth?” The emotional and financial toll that litigation oftentimes brings makes this a fair question. Before embarking on the arduous task of prosecuting a case, most folks are interested to…
Types of Dismissal Wrongful Termination Wrongful termination in violation of public policy is a legal term of art, which refers to a particular type of dismissal. When an employer’s discharge of an employee violates fundamental principles of public policy, the discharged employee may maintain a tort action and recover damages traditionally available in such actions….
Are Wage Hour Laws Uniform Across The Board? It should be noted at the outset that the wage and hour laws which exist under California law are not the only ones which apply, or potentially could apply, to employment in California. For example in addition to California’s wage hour laws, there are also federal wage…
Does Every Employee Get Overtime? The short answer is no. At first blush it might seem easy to figure out issue pertaining to overtime pay, but wage and hour laws in California can be difficult to navigate, especially since there are so many different sources of law to consider. What is more, there are some…
What Is the Fair Labor Standards Act? With years of experience in employment law, Akopyan Law Firm, A.P.C. has wage and hour attorneys in Los Angeles to help employees understand their rights under FLSA and other laws. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) is a federal law which creates federal wage and hour standards pertaining…
The main thing employees in Glendale, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Hollywood, and Los Angeles should know about overtime pay is that federal and state laws regulating wages protect their rights. More importantly, the consequences that flow to employers for violating these requirements can be severe. Instead of trying to figure which laws apply to a…
The federal and state laws that regulate wages can be very confusing. Many employees wonder if they have a case when overtime compensation is not paid. Akopyan Law Firm A.P.C. helps clients in Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Glendale, Los Angeles, Hollywood, and surrounding areas when an overtime lawyer in Los Angeles (https://www.akopyanlaw.com/practice-areas/employment-law/overtime/) is needed. Why…
Employee Rights are Protected Even in At-Will States There are many laws that protect California’s workforce. These laws include but are not limited to the Americans with Disabilities Act, the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, the California Family Rights Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, and the California Labor Code. Even in at-will…
There are many state and federal laws that give employees rights, and provide protections for those rights despite the fact that California is an at-will state. When an employee feels that his or her rights have been violated they should consider contacting an attorney for labor laws. Each attorney for labor laws at the Akopyan…
Can you sue an employer for unpaid wages? The answer is, “it depends.” While the law very clearly affords protections to employees, there are procedural hurdles and time deadlines that need to be met in order to protect those rights. Employees in Los Angeles typing “unpaid wages lawyers near me” into their web browser to…
Each attorney at the Akopyan Law Firm, A.P.C. is an experienced employment lawyer in North Hollywood. Our complimentary case evaluation and contingency fee-based services provide access to justice for employees in the east valley, including North Hollywood, Glendale, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Los Angeles. When to Contact an Employment Lawyer California law provides more…
When should an employee search for a “workplace harassment lawyer near me”? As soon as problems arise. Here are five reasons to consult a workplace harassment lawyer when issues in the workplace arise. 1. Harassment Takes Many Forms Is harassment limited only to physical touching? No. Harassment can take many forms. It can be verbal,…
The Labor Code governs the workplace in California and gives employees many rights. When employers in California violate the rights of their employees, the employees can enforce their rights with the help of an employment lawyer. Akopyan Law Firm A.P.C. can offer help from an employee attorney in Los Angeles that has helped many employees…
Wage and hour law can be complicated; it can be difficult to determine if an employer is paying wages in accordance with the law. Each attorney at the Akopyan Law Firm, A.PC., is a wage and hour attorney in Los Angeles with the experience necessary to successfully handle wage and hour disputes. A complimentary case…
California is an at-will state, which means that an employer may terminate the employment relationship at any time for any reason or no reason at all, just like the employee can quit a better job at any time, or for no reason at all. There are, however, certain legal limitations on the employer’s ability to…
The employment law mavens at the Akopyan Law Firm, A.P.C., have fiercely defended the rights of hundreds of employees. The results speak for themselves. The firm has labor lawyer in Los Angeles who get results. We believe in protecting our clients’ rights and know that help is needed by both employees and employers to understand…
There are many laws at the federal and state level that regulate and set forth the requirement to pay overtime. These laws can get very confusing, leaving employees wondering if they have a case when overtime pay is withheld or denied. Employees wanting to know more can call the Akopyan Law Firm A.P.C. and speak…
Overtime law in California can be confusing. Akopyan Law Firm A.P.C. provides a complimentary case evaluation for folks with questions about overtime wages. Some common myths about overtime pay include: Myth: Every Employee that Works Overtime is Entitled to Overtime Compensation This is not true. Overtime compensation requirements do not apply equally to all employees….
If an employee has been working extra hours, they may be owed overtime pay for their work. While many employers comply with their legal obligation to pay overtime compensation for overtime work, situations can arise where the employer may deliberately, or otherwise, through inadvertence, fail to pay the full amount of the wages owed. In…
If someone works more than 8 hours in a day or 40 hours in a week, then they may be entitled to overtime compensation. Unfortunately, many people who work overtime feel they have been denied the overtime compensation they have earned. In such situations they should consider the need to enlist the help of an…
Unfortunately, employers sometimes fail to correctly pay their employees for all the hours they worked at the appropriate rate. Concerns over the proper accounting and payment of wages can be handled by a wage and hour attorney in Los Angeles. Akopyan Law Firm A.P.C.’s knowledgeable wage and hour attorneys have experience handling wage and hour…
Employees across the state work hard to make a living, and there are many employers that are fair, just, and pay for those hours. There are some employers, however, who do not properly pay wages and/or overtime compensation. This can cause a great deal of stress, financial hardship, and a buildup of animosity. Employees often…
Have you ever worked overtime hours expecting to get a nice big check only to find out that your check is not what you expected it to be? If you are in the Los Angeles area, and believe that your employer is improperly failing to pay you overtime compensation for your overtime work, you should…
Unfortunately, employment discrimination is a fact of life for many. If you suspect you are being illegally discriminated against at work, you should seriously consider contacting an experienced employment discrimination attorney in your area to help you. Finding The Right Employment Discrimination Lawyer The Akopyan Law Firm, A.P.C., offers the services of its team of…
Finding the right employment discrimination attorney can make all the in the world. A great lawyer can help you get the justice you deserve. Employment law is intricate and can be confusing. The good news is that you don’t have to go at it alone. A great employment discrimination attorney can not only show you…
Employment discrimination is not uncommon. Unfortunately, not a lot of folks really know what to do when they face it. If you work in or near Hollywood, here are reasons you should seek the legal counsel of an employment discrimination attorney in Hollywood right away. Gather Evidence The first thing you want to do before…
With the Baby Boomer generation reaching retirement age, there appears to be an uptick in the frequency with which older workers are being pushed out of the labor force by their employers against their will. The experienced employment lawyers of the Akopyan Law Firm, A.P.C. are devoted to protecting the rights of employees who have…
While there are plenty of laws on the books which provide protection to employees, people continue to experience employment discrimination in the workplace, even in this day and age. Employees in or around Hollywood who suffer discrimination at work, should consider finding an employment discrimination attorney in Hollywood. Akopyan Law Firm A.P.C. proudly represents employees…
Enforcing Employee Rights to Overtime Compensation Have you been denied overtime pay even though you worked overtime hours? With so many folks going on unemployment because of COVID, there is a real shortage of qualified employees in the workforce. Those who continue to work are sometimes stretched to the max, expected to wear many hats,…
Mistreatment of employees by employers is regrettably a reality that will probably never cease to exist altogether. Protections in the past were minimal, but these days, California has one of the most robust set of laws protecting employees from mistreatment, discrimination, and other abuse that can sometimes take place in the workplace. One reason why…
If you have experienced disability discrimination in the workplace it is important to remember that the law provides for disabled employees in the workplace. The first step towards a successful outcome is to find a disability discrimination lawyer. You can run a Google search for ‘disability discrimination lawyer near me’ but finding the right lawyer…
Having a job is important to everyone, and most of us work hard to keep our jobs. We sometimes let things slide when we are mistreated for the sake of being a team player and not a complainer. Sometimes we let things slide because we do not know our rights or how to enforce them….
Far too often employees accept their employer’s determination and decision that they are exempt employees who are not entitled to overtime. They work long hours believing (sometimes mistakenly) that they are not entitled to be paid overtime for their work. Other folks sometimes know that they are entitled to overtime pay but say nothing out…
Unpaid wage claims come in many forms. Sometimes the employer’s failure to pay wages is more noticeable, such as for example, when the employer outright fails to pay any wages. Sometimes the failure to pay wages can be less obvious, such as for example when an employer alters time records and shaves dollars off the…
Working any job means that you should be getting paid the wages you have earned, but that isn’t always the case. It is your right as a worker to be paid for the work that you do, but some businesses try to skirt that requirement and deprive employees of their hard-earned money. If your employer…
Although working from home has been a blessing for some, it has been a nightmare for others. One problem that has been created of late is the proper accounting for all the hours worked by employees. Some employers are skeptical of employees claiming to work overtime hours at home. Some employees are scared to log…
Being discriminated against for having a disability can make you feel demeaned and powerless. It might be subtle things that happen at work that make you wonder if you are being treated negatively because of your disability. It might be that your employer is blatantly discriminating against you. Regardless of how it happens, disability discrimination…
In California, the laws governing the employer-employee relationship are complex and ever changing. The Akopyan Law Firm APC in Los Angeles stands ready to help in cases involving employment discrimination. With so many quality employment discrimination attorneys in Hollywood and its surrounding areas it is difficult to know who to call. If you have suffered…
The wage and hour laws are complex and ever changing. It is not exactly easy for California employees to know if their rights are being violated. It is advisable for an employee to consult a professional to help with his or her specific situation. To make the consultation with an unpaid wages attorney more productive…
Regardless of the industry that you work in there are labor laws that protect your rights. Though employees in California are protected by labor laws, the sad reality is that many workers are mistreated by their employers every year. In some cases, employees aren’t even aware that their rights are being violated! In cases where…
More often than not people stating in the businesses are not thinking about exposure for violations of wage and hour laws. Instead, they are focused on becoming profitable, covering overhead, and growing their market share. Too often employers fail to consider employment law exposure until after they are hit with their first claim. When it…
It almost goes without saying that the way in which people work these days has been completely changed and upended by the COVID-19 pandemic. While wage and hour issues existed before the pandemic the extensive transition to telecommuting in Southern California following the COVID-19 pandemic has created a whole new host of issues for a…
Have you noticed an issue with your paycheck? Not sure if you were paid all overtime you worked? Learn more about what to do if you’ve encountered one of the ten most common wage and hour violations. Wage and hour law is complex and nuanced and some employers get it wrong and in turn, underpay…
In this era of technology, companies have become youth-driven and strive to be foster a “younger,” or more “youthful” workforce, thereby pushing their more experienced and older workforce out. In so doing, companies look to replace their older employees with younger, cheaper employees. Fortunately, California has many protections to prevent age discrimination. So, if you…
Have you worked overtime but your paycheck does not reflect the amount owed to you? Some employers try to withhold overtime pay from their employees. If you suspect this is happening to you, then you should contact an overtime lawyer in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Glendale, like the Akopyan Law. At what…
Labor lawyers in Los Angeles work to protect the rights of workers who fall victim to discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, or other illegal conduct in the workplace. Workers around the country are protected by employment law, but unfortunately, there are a number of instances where employers subject their employees to unlawful workplace practices. For…
Do you live in Southern California? Have you been wronged at work in some way? Do you think you may need an employment lawyer in Los Angeles County? What can an employment lawyer do for you? 1) Helping You Receive Full Compensation Under the Law Is your employer paying you less than minimum wage? Are…
Regardless of whether yours is a new job, or one you have had for many years, we all go to work with certain expectations. One of those expectations is that we are going to be treated with basic dignity and respect by our coworkers and our bosses. However, it is not at all uncommon for…
Seek Experience The first thing to look for is experience. Ask yourself the following question: “Has the employment lawyer near me handled cases similar to mine?” Don’t be scared to ask. Choosing the right lawyer is a big decision which you should not take lightly. Make sure you are entrusting your case to someone with…
An employment lawyer can help with workplace legal issue, like for example issues relating to discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and wrongful termination. The employment lawyers at the Akopyan Law Firm represent employees throughout Southern California. The firm offers the services of its employment lawyers in Glendale, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Los Angeles. If you are…
Are you in Southern California? Are you wondering what a wage and hour attorney in Los Angeles can do for you? Do you believe you might have a claim to unfair or unpaid wages? From consultations to representation in court, this blog will discuss some of the ways a wage and hour attorney in Los…
If you are in the Los Angeles area and have been treated unlawfully by your employer or wrongfully terminated from your job, the road to justice starts with an initial consultation with an employment lawyer. Finding the best employment attorney in Los Angeles to help you with your case may not be as easy as…
Do you believe that your employer has not been paying you all the wages that you are owed? Have you looked through your check stubs only to find that you are being paid less than what you earned? It may be time for you to consider consulting with an unpaid wages attorney to find out…
Many of us are accustomed to working a regular workweek, but there are times when work picks up, deadlines need to be met, and you find yourself working longer than regular hours. If you are a nonexempt employee, you have a legal right to receive compensation for your hard work. If you are in Southern…
Do you live in the Los Angeles area? Are you being paid less than the applicable minimum wage? On January 1, 2020, the minimum wage in California became $12.00 per hour for employers with 25 or less employees and $13.00 for employers with 26 or more employees. However, depending on what city you live in,…
Regardless of whether you are negotiating a new contract of employment, dealing with HR regarding unpaid wages or similar wage issues, or debating whether to accept a severance offer, handling employment law issues at work all by yourself can be difficult. Some employers take advantage of employees because they have greater bargaining power. Some employers…
The probability of you experiencing a situation where your rights are being violated at work is higher than you would originally think. Employers often think that they can get away with small to medium-sized violations because they assume their employees will not retain the services of a labor lawyer to fight back. In their 2018…
Illegal workplace conduct takes many forms. Employees are often unaware of their own rights being infringed at work, and too often do victims of unlawful workplace conduct get exploited or even ignored by their employers. Employees across the U.S.A. suffer needlessly from discrimination in the workplace. As an employee, you have the right to a…
Have you been discriminated against by your employer? Are you having a wage dispute with your employer? Is your employer refusing to honor your medical restrictions or refusing a medical leave of absence? Have you been sexually harassed? There are numerous reasons why you should consult labor attorneys in Los Angeles, but how do you…
When it comes to employment litigation, disputes between an employer and an employee related to overtime pay are not uncommon. Every nonexempt employee has the right to be compensated at the correct legal rate for all hours of work in accordance with all applicable state and federal laws. If your employer has failed to pay…
If you find yourself involved in a legal dispute with your employer, you may want to consult an employment lawyer in Los Angeles, to help determine if you have a case. If you’re unsure whether you need to consult an employment lawyer in Los Angeles in the first place, or if you don’t know how…
Many employees work overtime and are not paid for all of the hard work that they put in. If you’re such an employee, it is important to be sure that you are being treated fairly and compensated according to applicable state and federal laws. If you believe you are entitled to overtime pay, contact Akopyan…
Unpaid wages are a major issue for hourly and even salaried workers. Often, these workers are unfairly compensated for their time, especially in ways that may be unclear according to their understanding of their rights as workers. This is why more and more people are turning to an unpaid wages attorney to help them get…
Whatever the reason, if you are involved in a labor law problem which you are not able to solve on your own, it is advisable for you to consult a labor lawyer. Labor lawyers can help clarify legal issues which are sometimes confusing and complicated. Labor lawyers can also help you obtain the best possible…
Most folks associate “disability” with severely debilitating catastrophic physical injuries. When they hear the word “disability” they immediately think of someone in a wheelchair, on crutches, or with a cast. They are perplexed when they see a person who looks perfectly fine from the outside walk out of a car with a disabled placard. While…
Picture this: Your boss unexpectedly calls you into a meeting. You are wondering what’s wrong. You walk over to your boss’ office and are surprised to see that the company’s HR person is also there. Then like a ton of bricks it hits you: Out of nowhere, you are told that you are being fired…
Being pregnant is a time of joy for most people. Most expecting moms think of what gender their new baby will be; what they are going to name them; what to buy to get the nursery ready; and put together a birth plan. Expecting moms may also deal with some of the natural symptoms of the…
For most folks getting fired from a job is a devastating experience. Once the initial shock wears off, and the dust settles the terminated employee often tries to figure out what just happened. It is not uncommon for folks to spend hours recounting their steps, recalling and analyzing events, and assessing their employer’s handling of…
The dictionary defines “retaliation” as “the act of doing someone harm in return for actual or perceived injuries or wrongs; an instance of reprisal, requital, or revenge.” Although retaliation is intangible most folks immediately sense it when it happens to them. The same is true in the workplace. When a supervisor or coworker tries to…
For a long time, it was unthinkable to ask a co-worker how much he was making, or to ask your boss to give you a raise because your co-worker was making more money. Indeed, raising the topic of pay in the workplace was viewed to be distasteful and off-limits. This has all changed in the…
While most of us are starting to think about how we are going celebrate the New Year, few of us give much thought to how the laws will change come the New Year. Since many of these changes will be significant, it is important to keep them in mind. Some of the key changes that…
Have you ever wondered why two people can be doing the exact same job but one of them is classified as an “employee” while the other an “independent contractor”? The answer is simple: A workforce comprised of independent contractors is far less expensive for the employer. Businesses are required to make certain expenditures for employees…
Losing a job is considered one of the most stressful situations a person can experience. After all, without consistent employment, your financial situation and quality of life may suddenly be in jeopardy. Unfortunately, most employment in California is at-will, meaning that an employer has the right to fire an employee at any time for any…
I frequently receive calls from employees who are being harassed by their supervisors, and simply do not know what to do. Often times these victims of workplace abuse fear that if they go above their boss, and complain to someone higher up the chain of command or perhaps to someone in HR, their boss will…
