Livermore Employment Lawyer

Livermore Employment Lawyer Standing Up for Worker Rights

Employees in Livermore and across the Tri-Valley deserve to be treated fairly. California and federal labor laws give workers important protections from unlawful treatment at the hands of employers. Employees can pursue compensation for discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, unpaid wages, retaliation, and other workplace violations.

Erlich Law Firm is here to help Livermore employees hold their employers accountable. Attorney Jason Erlich has spent more than 20 years providing experienced legal representation to workers who have been wronged. He is committed to fighting for the rights of hardworking employees.

Working in Livermore

Livermore offers a dynamic employment landscape shaped by its location in the Tri-Valley region. The area boasts a blend of technology, research, healthcare, hospitality, and agricultural industries, along with a strong government and public service presence. Known for its wine country and scientific advancements, Livermore provides a thriving environment for professionals and service workers alike.

Livermore is home to large employers like Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Stanford Health Care ValleyCare, Wente Vineyards, and Las Positas College. Nearly 70 percent of the city’s population of around 81,252 people participates in the workforce. Livermore also attracts highly skilled workers from across the Bay Area, including scientists, engineers, software developers, project managers, and entrepreneurs.

Top Industries and Employers in Livermore

Livermore’s skilled and diverse workforce is employed across various companies and businesses. Key industries include scientific research and technology, wine and hospitality, healthcare, and retail and logistics.

Livermore is known for its contributions to scientific innovation, led by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and Sandia National Laboratories. These institutions are key to national security and groundbreaking research. They employ thousands of scientists, engineers, and administrative staff.

As a cornerstone of the picturesque Tri-Valley wine country, Livermore has renowned wineries like Wente Vineyards and Concannon Vineyard, alongside thriving restaurants, boutique hotels, and event venues. These businesses play a significant role in the local economy by attracting tourists and providing employment opportunities.

Livermore’s healthcare sector is home to employers like Stanford Health Care Tri-Valley, Kaiser Permanente Livermore Medical Offices, and The Vineyards Healthcare Center. Retail and logistics thrive in the city, thanks to the San Francisco Premium Outlets, one of the region’s largest shopping destinations. Companies like Amazon and Safeway operate warehouses and distribution centers in the city, supporting a workforce that includes retail associates and warehouse staff. Costco Wholesale and Walmart also have a large presence in Livermore.

Workplace Violations in Livermore

Whether you are an employee at a winery or work as a healthcare professional, you deserve to be treated fairly by your employer. Being subject to sexual harassment or fired based on an unlawful reason is stressful and can leave you feeling powerless. However, no employer is above California labor laws, regardless of size.

Erlich Law Firm represents workers in the following types of employment law cases:

• Wrongful termination
• Sexual harassment
• Wage and hour violations
• Age discrimination
• Disability discrimination
• Medical leave violations

Scenarios in Which Workplace Issues May Occur

Livermore’s diverse industries provide ample employment opportunities. Regardless of their jobs, workers may face challenges related to discrimination, harassment, wage theft, retaliation, and other employment disputes. Below are examples of how these workplace issues can manifest across different sectors:

• Scientific Research and Technology: In this fast-paced industry, workers may report unfair treatment in the form of gender discrimination. For instance, an experienced female employee may be unfairly excluded from leadership roles or certain projects in favor of male colleagues.

Retaliation is also a common concern, particularly for employees who report unethical practices or safety violations. Additionally, some employers misclassify workers as independent contractors to deny benefits, overtime pay, and job security.

• Healthcare: Healthcare professionals may need help with issues like unpaid wages for mandatory training sessions or additional hours beyond their shifts. For example, a healthcare worker might not receive proper pay for attending after-hours training, violating California wage laws.

Discriminatory hiring and promotion practices are prevalent in this sector, often targeting older workers or individuals from underrepresented groups. Additionally, the hierarchical nature of hospitals may make it difficult for workers to report workplace sexual harassment. Retaliation can occur when employees speak up about patient safety concerns or misconduct, with outcomes ranging from demotions to wrongful termination. 

• Hospitality and Wine Industries: The hospitality sector, including restaurants, hotels, and wineries, sees frequent reports of wage theft. Workers may not be paid for overtime, or employers could illegally withhold tips from service staff.

Age discrimination can also affect employees in this industry, particularly those with extensive experience who may be passed over for positions in favor of younger hires perceived as less expensive. The median age of workers in Livermore is 40. California law makes it unlawful to discriminate against job applicants and workers age 40 or older. Additionally, workers often deal with harassment from both customers and management. 

• Retail and Logistics: Warehouse workers may encounter disability discrimination when their employers deny reasonable accommodations. Pregnant employees may face challenges in getting time off for medical leave, exposing them to health risks and jeopardizing their jobs.

Workers in these industries may struggle with a lack of meal and rest breaks, which employers must provide as mandated by California labor laws. Additionally, being required to undergo unpaid off-the-clock bag checks is unlawful. Workers should be paid for all time spent on employment-related tasks.

Pursuing Damages Through an Employment Lawsuit

Not only does filing an employment lawsuit allow you to recover compensation, but it also empowers you to stand up to your employer. You no longer have to tolerate unlawful treatment with a skilled employment lawyer in your corner.

At Erlich Law Firm, we understand how difficult it can be to take legal action against an employer. However, we also know the lasting harm employment law violations can cause a person’s livelihood and wellbeing.

Filing an employment lawsuit is a way to move forward with your life. You can obtain damages for lost wages, back pay, benefits, pain and suffering, and more. You might get reinstated to your former job if you were wrongfully terminated. Courts may sometimes award punitive damages if an employer is guilty of willful or malicious misconduct.

Erlich Law Firm has a solid track record of success. We have obtained millions of dollars in compensation for our clients. Our Livermore employment lawyers resolve individual employment cases and take on large companies in class-action lawsuits.

Building a Strong Case for Workplace Violations

When facing workplace issues such as discrimination, retaliation, or wage theft, thorough documentation is critical. This evidence can establish patterns of unlawful behavior and support your claims. An experienced Livermore employment lawyer can help you determine what documents may be relevant to your case. Here are some examples:

• Employment Records: Offer letters, contracts, and employee handbooks explain the terms of your employment. They also outline workplace rules and expectations. Any deviations from the terms can be potential evidence of a violation.
• Payroll Information: Pay stubs can show discrepancies such as unpaid overtime or withheld wages, while timesheets can help prove whether meal and rest breaks were properly provided. Bonus or commission records may document instances where promised bonuses or commissions were not paid.
• Communication Records: Save correspondence with supervisors, HR, or colleagues. Emails and text messages, for example, can substantiate claims of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or failure to act when misconduct was reported. Keep copies of all complaints filed through company channels and any responses you receive.
• Witness Statements: If coworkers or others saw harassment occur in the workplace, their written statements and contact information may be helpful for future testimony. Statements from colleagues can corroborate a hostile work environment.
• Performance Reviews: Sudden negative reviews after reporting workplace violations can support claims of retaliation or wrongful termination. They can show inconsistencies or evidence of unfair treatment, along with patterns of discrimination.
• Incident Logs: Write down dates, times, and descriptions of incidents as they happen. Include information about the individuals involved and witnesses. 

How a Livermore Employment Lawyer Can Help

Sometimes, it can feel like you are stuck in an impossible situation, and there is no way to stop unlawful treatment in the workplace. While taking legal action may seem daunting, it may be necessary for your circumstances.

Hiring a skilled employment attorney gives you the best chance of a successful case against your employer. For example, filing an employment claim against an employer can end harassment or ensure you are paid the overtime you are owed.

Jason Erlich understands how workplace violations can turn one’s life upside down. He also recognizes the challenges of standing up to a powerful employer.

Erlich Law Firm is committed to providing clients with personalized, attentive service. Unlike large law firms that rush into quick settlements, we always aim to act in your best interests.

When you hire Erlich Law Firm, we will do everything possible to obtain a fair settlement. If a settlement cannot be reached, your employment lawyer is prepared to go to trial. As a valued client, you will be kept updated at every stage of the legal process.

Call for a Free Case Evaluation

You are entitled to pursue damages if you are a Livermore employee who has experienced wrongful termination, workplace discrimination, wage theft, harassment, or other employment violations. The experienced Livermore employment lawyers at Erlich Law Firm are here to answer your questions and listen to what happened. Contact us today to determine whether you have grounds for legal action against your employer.