Indio Employment Lawyer for Employers
If you are an employer in Indio, California, you are subject to many different employment-related rules and regulations. The complex combination of California state laws and federal regulations can make it difficult for employers to comply with all legal requirements. An unintentional mistake can lead to serious consequences for businesses. It is important to consult with an attorney to ensure that you are protecting your business interests. Of course, many companies do not have attorneys working in-house to handle all of their legal issues. Sloat Law Group works closely with clients to ensure that they get the legal advice they need in order to maintain proper employment practices.
If you are facing lawsuits or complaints from your employees regarding allegations of discrimination, harassment, wage violations, or other employment-related disputes, it is important that you hire an Indio employment law attorney. Disputes with employees can have serious consequences for your business, and you should address them head-on. One of the best ways to protect your business is to act before any disputes arise. Our attorneys work with our clients to create employment documents, including training manuals, handbooks, and other documents you can use when hiring, training and even firing employees. We can also provide advice to businesses who are returning to the workplace following the COVID-19 pandemic. To learn more about how we can help you, contact us at 760-779-1313 to speak to a dedicated Indio employment lawyer.
Defending Discrimination Claims in Indio, California
Discrimination claims arise when an employee believes that their employer made a decision related to their employment status based on one of the below factors:
- Age (40 and over)
- Ancestry, national origin (including language)
- Disability (including mental and/or physical, genetic, cancer, HIV/AIDS)
- Domestic Violence Victim Status
- Gender identity, gender expression
- Marital Status
- Medical Conditions (including genetic characteristics/information)
- Military or Veteran Status
- Political Affiliation (when a civil rights violation)
- Race, color
- Religion, creed, ethnicity
- Requests for certain leave
- Sex, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions)
- Sexual orientation
Employment-related decisions include hiring, firing, raises, promotions, discipline, or other important employment status determinations. Of course, in California, most employees work “at will.” “At-will” employees may be terminated by their employer at any time and for nearly any reason. The list above includes protected classes. Employers can face severe consequences for making employment decisions based on these factors. It is not uncommon for an employee to misunderstand the reason for an employer’s important job-related decision, and then file a claim for discrimination. Sometimes discrimination claims are baseless, but regardless of the circumstances, it is important to address these allegations with the help of an experienced Indio employment law attorney.
Defending Indio Harassment Claims
Harassment occurs in a California workplace when an employee believes that they are working in a hostile environment due to treatment they are receiving because of their membership in one of the above protected groups.
Harassment claims do not necessarily involve important employment-related decisions in the same way as do discrimination claims, but often involve a “hostile work environment” arising out of the way others treat the employee. Of course, sometimes, an employee will accuse his or her employer of both harassment and discrimination. If you are facing allegations of workplace harassment in Indio, contact one of our California employment law attorneys right away.
Establishing Proper Employment Relationships in Indio, California
As an employer, deciding who to hire for what job is one of the most important decisions that you will make. Sometimes, your business may require tasks to be performed by an independent contractor rather than a full-time employee. Independent contractors typically work on single projects or jobs and do not serve as full-time employees at a business. When you establish a valid relationship with an independent contractor, it is important not to treat that individual as an employee. Employees are entitled to benefits from their employers, such as overtime, breaks, and workers’ compensation insurance. As a business, you do not have to provide these benefits to an independent contractor who meets all of the current criteria for contractor status in California. Employers sometimes make mistakes in the way they pay an independent contractor, supervise that person’s work, or provide equipment for that contractor to use in the course of the work. If you treat an independent contractor as an employee, the law may view that person as an employee of your company, and you can face consequences for not providing that individual with employee benefits in California. An Indio, California employment law attorney can help you navigate and clarify relationships with your workers so you comply with ever-changing California contractor laws.
Indio Wage and Hour Disputes
Employers can face severe consequences for violating the minimum wage or overtime laws in California. Employees also are entitled to certain specified break periods. There are exceptions, but it is important to be cautious when it comes to your business practices and your record-keeping for your employees’ hours and wages. A complaint regarding wage violations can become a class action or group lawsuit if multiple employees are affected by your invalid pay practices.
Indio Employers, Call Sloat Law Group Today
If you are facing conflict with an employee or multiple employees, contact Sloat Law Group today. Our attorneys can help you draft documents to protect your business, defend your business against allegations of wrongdoing, and guide you through the process of dispute resolution or litigation. Call us at 760-779-1313 to speak to an experienced Indio, California employment law attorney.
