San Diego Employment Law Lawyers

Are You in Need of a San Diego Employment Law Attorney?

Employers in San Diego aren’t allowed to harass employees, discriminate against them, or fire them for standing up for their rights. As an employee, you have the right to pursue compensation for lost wages and other damages, and the law firm of Eugene Bruno & Associates can help you with that process.

Why Choose Us Over Other Employment Lawyers in San Diego?

For over 30 years, the law firm of Eugene Bruno & Associates has been getting justice for our clients. We have a well-earned reputation for integrity and treating people right, and we want to help you.

Eugene Bruno & Associates: Employment Law Firm Serving San Diego

• Our law firm offers a free initial case consultation.
• Our law firm has a 99.7% success rate, having recovered millions of dollars for our clients.
• Our attorneys have over 40 years of combined legal experience.
• Firm founder and lead attorney Eugene Bruno is part of National Trial Lawyers Top 100.

Do I Have an Employment Law Case?

California has strict labor laws to protect workers from sexual harassment, discrimination, wage theft, wrongful termination, denial of benefits, and retaliation for workers who engage in lawful activity. There are also federal employment laws that prohibit employers from violating your rights as an employee.

If you were harmed because your employer broke the law, talk to Eugene Bruno & Associates right away. During your free consultation, we’ll tell you if you have a viable claim and go over your options for moving forward with your case.

Discuss Your Case with Eugene Bruno & Associates Today | Call 1-888-BRUNO-88 (1-888-278-6688)

What Damages Can You Recover for a California Employment Law Case?

Damages are monetary compensation awarded to someone who has been injured or suffered a loss. When Eugene Bruno & Associates files an employment law claim or lawsuit, it includes the following types of damages:

1. Lost wages: Compensation for the income you would have earned had the wrongful act not occurred.
2. Lost benefits: Covering aspects like health insurance or retirement contributions that were lost due to unlawful termination.
3. Emotional distress: Compensation for mental suffering due to harassment or discrimination.
4. Attorney fees: Compensation for court costs, specialist witnesses, and other expenses.

To calculate lost wages, your lawyer will assess back pay, which includes salary, bonuses, expected raises, and other income that you missed out on. You may also be eligible to receive compensation for front pay covering future income loss until suitable employment is found.

Damages for emotional distress damages recognize the mental toll that workplace issues can take, including pain and suffering. Symptoms may include anxiety, depression, and physical ailments.

Types of San Diego Employment Law Cases We Handle

State and federal laws cover various forms of unlawful employer behavior, including:

• Wrongful termination occurs when an employee is fired for illegal reasons. This may include discrimination or retaliation for protected activities such as requesting sick leave, union activities, or complaining about sexual harassment. Wrongful termination also happens when an employee is fired for refusing to engage in illegal activities.
• Workplace retaliation is when an employer punishes an employee for engaging in legally protected activities, such as whistleblowing. Whistleblower protections exist to encourage reporting of illegal activities without fear of backlash. Retaliation can take many forms, from demotions to unjust workplace scrutiny.
• Workplace harassment includes unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature as well as harassment based on race, sex, religion, or any other protected characteristics, creating a hostile work environment.
• Discrimination is treating an employee unfavorably because of characteristics like age, race, or gender. If you experience discrimination or harassment, report it to your employer. If the problem is not resolved, seek immediate legal assistance.
• Wage theft occurs when employers do not pay employees for all hours worked or fail to pay the correct wage. Wage theft can happen in various ways, such as unpaid overtime or unauthorized deductions from a paycheck.
• FMLA violations involve denying eligible employees their right to take unpaid, job-protected leave for family and medical reasons.
• Breach of contract occurs when an employer fails to uphold terms agreed upon in an employment contract. To address a breach of contract, review your agreement to identify any violations. Document all communications with your employer regarding the issue.

What Are Your Legal Rights as an Employee in San Diego?

Employers must provide a safe workspace that’s free of hazards. They also have to follow safety standards mandated by the state of California and federal OSHA regulations. For example, employees have the right to receive minimum wage, overtime pay, and regular meal and rest breaks. You are also entitled to take family and medical leave as outlined by the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

Also, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. The California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) prohibits workplace discrimination based on your status in any of the following protected classes:

• Race
• Color
• Religion
• Sex
• Gender
• Gender identity
• Sexual Orientation
• Marital status
• Medical condition
• Military or veteran status
• National origin
• Ancestry
• Disability
• Genetic information
• Pregnancy
• Age (over 40)

How a San Diego Employment Law Attorney Can Help

If you face discrimination at work, taking the right steps is crucial to protect your rights and build a strong case:

1. Document everything: Keep detailed records of discriminatory incidents, including dates, times, and individuals involved.
2. Report the incident: Notify your HR department or supervisor about the issue. Follow company procedures for reporting discrimination.
3. Seek legal advice: Consult a California employment lawyer to understand your options and rights.

Whether through negotiation or trial, Eugene Bruno & Associates works to ensure that employees receive compensation for lost wages, emotional distress, and other damages. Our lawyers will guide you through the legal process and stand by your side until your case is resolved. We’ll take care of the necessary paperwork and represent you in all legal actions.

Our San Diego employment attorneys will investigate your case to identify instances of discrimination or illegal treatment. We’ll build a robust legal strategy to pursue your case by gathering evidence and preparing compelling legal arguments.

Don’t Wait: The Statute of Limitations for Employee Law Claims in California

The statute of limitations refers to the time frame you have to take legal action. These deadlines vary when it comes to employment law cases, so it’s essential to speak with an employment law attorney right away.

For example, under the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), discrimination claims must be filed within 180 days of the incident. However, California has longer deadlines, generally between one and three years, based on the type of case.

Taking timely legal action is essential in employment cases. Delays can weaken the case or result in missed opportunities for resolution. Contacting a lawyer right away provides the following advantages:

• Preservation of evidence: Acting without delay ensures that vital evidence, such as witness statements, remains available.
• Legal deadlines: Meeting statute of limitations deadlines is crucial to maintaining the right to file a claim.
• Resolution opportunities: Early action increases the chances of resolving disputes through negotiation or settlement.

Avoid missing the deadline to file—call 1-888-BRUNO-88 (1-888-278-6688) and let our law firm help!

Typical Process for Employment Law Cases in California

When you sign on with Eugene Bruno & Associates, we take care of the legal process so you can focus on getting your life back together. Our process may include the following steps:

• Free Consultation
• Investigation Stage
• Filing a Lawsuit
• Discovery
• Settlement Negotiations
• Trial

Free Consultation

A free consultation with a San Diego employment law attorney can help you understand potential legal strategies and the viability of your case. It also provides an opportunity to assess the lawyer’s knowledge and communication style so you can decide if they’re right for you.

Investigation Stage

During our investigation, Eugene Bruno & Associates will collect key evidence—such as emails, text messages, performance evaluations, employment contracts, company policies, and formal complaints against the employer—to build a compelling narrative. This will help us demonstrate how the law supports your position. We’ll also interview witnesses.

Filing a Lawsuit

Filing a lawsuit involves several steps:

1. Draft the complaint: Outline the legal basis for your claims, detailing the violations of employment law.
2. File with the court: Submit the complaint to the appropriate court, initiating the legal process.
3. Serve the offender: Notify your employer of the lawsuit by formally delivering the complaint.

Discovery

The discovery phase involves gathering evidence from the opposing party to strengthen your case. Discovery can include depositions—where witnesses provide sworn testimony—and requests for documents related to the case. This process allows both parties to assess the available evidence and prepare their legal strategies.

Settlement Negotiations

Negotiating settlements is a key service provided by employment law attorneys. They work to achieve fair compensation and resolve disputes without going to trial. In many cases, Eugene Bruno & Associates can negotiate a favorable settlement that addresses the employee’s concerns and provides adequate compensation for damages.

Effective negotiation requires a deep understanding of employment law and strong communication skills. Your lawyer must know how to do the following:

• Advocate for your interests: Ensure your priorities are represented in negotiations.
• Provide legal guidance: Offer advice based on legal knowledge and experience.
• Negotiate terms: Handle discussions with the opposing party, aiming for favorable terms.

Trial

When negotiations fail, taking the case to trial may be necessary. Employment law attorneys represent clients in court, presenting evidence and making compelling arguments.

During trial, lawyers advocate for their client’s rights, aiming to prove violations and secure a favorable verdict. This process requires thorough preparation and legal skills. This process typically includes:

• Opening statements: Both parties present their case’s overview.
• Presentation of evidence: Evidence and testimonies are presented to support claims.
• Outline key points: Highlight the case’s strengths and pivotal evidence.
• Question witnesses: Elicit testimonies that support your claims.
• Counterarguments: Effectively counter the opposing party’s claims.
• Closing arguments: Final summaries provided by each party’s legal representation.
• Verdict: If the judge or jury rules in your favor, you will be awarded damages.

What Our Clients Have to Say About Us

“Outstanding Service All Around” – Nicholas Salman (5-Star Google Review)

I highly recommend [Eugene Bruno & Associates]. Their professionalism […] and personalized approach are unmatched. Eugene’s deep knowledge, strategic guidance, and seamless communication made the entire process smooth and stress-free. The [law firm’s] dedication, innovative solutions, and attention to detail exceeded my expectations. Their client-focused approach made me feel valued. Outstanding service all around. Thank you, [Eugene Bruno & Associates]!

“Incredibly Knowledgeable and Professional, and Ultimately Helped Me Win” – Kassandra Beavers (5-Star Google Review)

I had the pleasure of working with Jessica, and I can’t recommend her highly enough. She was not only incredibly knowledgeable and professional but also very personable, making the entire process much less stressful. Jessica took the time to understand my case, provided clear guidance, and ultimately helped me win. Her dedication […] truly made a difference. If you need a lawyer who is both effective and easy to work with, Jessica is the one to call.

“Made the Whole Process a Lot easier” – Joshua Lopez (5-Star Google Review)

Eugene Bruno & Associates has been incredibly helpful with my case. Their […] support made the whole process a lot easier. Highly recommend them for anyone in need of a great law firm.

Other Locations We Serve Near San Diego

• Carlsbad
• Chula Vista
• Clairemont
• El Cajon
• Encinitas
• Escondido
• Mission Valley
• Oceanside

Find Out How Our Law Firm Can Help with Your Employment Law Case!

The employment law attorneys at Eugene Bruno & Associates would be happy to answer your question—call 1-888-BRUNO-88 (1-888-278-6688) for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Some Common Labor Law Violations in San Diego, California?

San Diego labor law violations include wrongful termination, whistleblower retaliation, sexual harassment, wage disputes, violations of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and discrimination based on protected categories, including gender, age, pregnancy, race, national origin, and disability.

What Damages Can I Receive in a Labor Law Violation Case?

You have the right to pursue compensation for loss of past and future wages, legal fees, and emotional distress.

How Do I Prove Discrimination or Harassment at Work?

Eugene Bruno & Associates will collect the evidence we need to build a strong case, including witness interviews, internal company documents, and previous complaints against the employer.

How Much Does it Cost to Hire an Employment Law Attorney?

Eugene Bruno & Associates take cases on a contingency basis, so you won’t owe us anything unless we win you a settlement.

What Is Wrongful Termination in California?

If you were fired because of discrimination, refusal to commit an illegal act, or for reporting an employer’s crimes, you have the right to seek compensation for wrongful termination.