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San Diego Labor Law Lawyers

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

State and federal labor laws prohibit employees from carrying out discriminatory treatment, harassment, wrongful termination, wage theft, and retaliation against workers who are exercising their legal rights.

If you are an employee in San Diego and you were harmed or suffered loss of income because your employer broke the law, Eugene Bruno & Associates wants to hear about it to see how we can help.

Why Choose Us Over Other Labor Lawyers in San Diego?

Eugene Bruno & Associates has been getting justice for our San Diego clients for over 30 years. We’ll investigate your case and seek maximum compensation for your employer’s wrongdoing.

Eugene Bruno & Associates | Labor 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 You Have a Labor Law Case?

In California, if you’ve experienced harassment, unfair treatment, unpaid wages, or discriminatory practices as an employee, consulting a San Diego labor law attorney is essential. The first step toward resolving labor disputes and getting the compensation you deserve is recognizing the need for legal assistance.

If you’re unsure about your rights or the relevant labor laws, schedule a free consultation with the experienced trial lawyers at Eugene Bruno & Associates. We’ll help you take the guesswork out of the law.


Get legal guidance with your labor law case today—call Eugene Bruno & Associates at 1-888-BRUNO-88 (1-888-278-6688).


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

Damages is a legal term that refers to the money that’s awarded to the victim of employer wrongdoing to compensate for your losses. Lost wages are a major factor in labor law verdicts and settlements.

Claims for lost wages are meant to replace the income you missed due to unfair labor practices. Calculating these claims involves adding up unpaid wages, anticipated raises, overtime, and other wages, benefits, and retirement contributions you would have received.

You can also seek damages for emotional distress to compensate you for the psychological impact of unfair labor practices, pain and suffering, and to cover the cost of your attorney fees.

Types of San Diego Labor Law Cases We Handle

Wrongful Termination

Wrongful termination refers to being fired for unlawful reasons. For example, discrimination based on protected categories, such as race, gender, or disability, is a frequent cause of wrongful termination.

Identifying wrongful termination involves assessing whether your firing violated any employment laws or labor contracts. You can strengthen a wrongful termination claim by keeping a record of the reasons that were given for your termination and documenting any inappropriate comments or actions made by supervisors.

Retaliation

Workplace retaliation occurs when employers punish employees for exercising their rights. This can include demotion, pay cuts, or firing. Employers cannot legally penalize workers for whistleblowing, which means reporting legal violations. Other forms of illegal retaliation include penalizing employers for getting pregnant, requesting medical leave, or engaging in union activities.

Workplace Harassment

Workplace harassment includes behaviors such as bullying, inappropriate jokes, or unwanted physical contact, which can create a hostile environment and affect job performance.

Addressing harassment involves documenting incidents and reporting them to your HR department. This record serves as evidence if further action is needed. If harassment persists, consult with a labor law attorney in San Diego to explore your legal options and protect your rights.

Wage Theft

Wage theft occurs when employers deny workers their earned wages. This includes not paying overtime or withholding tips. Unpaid wages, late payments, and unauthorized deductions are also forms of wage theft.

Recognizing wage theft requires vigilance. Compare your paychecks with your work hours and expected earnings—any inconsistencies could indicate theft. If you suspect wage theft, document all instances and seek legal advice from a San Diego labor lawyer to understand your rights and pursue compensation.

FMLA Violations

FMLA violations occur when employers deny workers their rights under the Family and Medical Leave Act. This includes not allowing eligible employees to take leave for medical or family reasons.

Discrimination

Workplace discrimination in California is when an employee is treated unequally or unfairly because of protected characteristics. This could affect employer actions related to hiring, firing, promotions, work accommodations, conditions of employment, and other matters.

Employee characteristics that are protected by the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) include:

  • 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)

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

California employees have specific rights aimed at safeguarding their interests. This includes the right to fair wages, safe working conditions, and freedom from discrimination. You are also entitled to breaks and a work environment that’s free from harassment.

Fair wage laws guarantee that you receive at least the minimum wage for your labor. Safe working conditions mean your employer must provide a workplace that doesn’t pose a risk to your health. Additionally, you have the right to report any unsafe conditions without fear of retaliation.

How a San Diego Labor Law Attorney Can Help

The labor law attorneys at Eugene Bruno & Associates provide invaluable guidance and legal assistance. We’ll assess your case, gather evidence, and represent you throughout the entire legal process until your case is resolved. The support we offer can make a significant difference in the outcome of a labor dispute and the level of compensation you receive.

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

The statute of limitations is the deadline for filing a claim when your employee rights have been violated. You generally have between one and three years to file a complaint with California authorities, but the deadline for filing a discrimination complaint with the federal EEOC may be as short as 180 days. That’s why you’ll want to contact a labor law attorney right away.

As soon as you speak with a lawyer, they can begin investigating your case. They can also inform your employer about any illegal actions that have occurred and begin settlement negotiations.


Call 1-888-BRUNO-88 (1-888-278-6688) and let the lawyers at Eugene Bruno & Associates handle all the complex legal matters.


Typical Process for Labor Law Cases in California

Eugene Bruno & Associates provides the legal services you need to take on an unlawful employer. This may include the following steps:

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

Free Consultation

A free consultation with a labor law attorney gives you the chance to discuss your situation and learn about your options. We’ll assess the viability of your case and advise you on the best course of action. This meeting also allows you to get to know us better so you can decide if our law firm is a good fit for you.

Investigation Stage

Our San Diego labor law attorneys will delve into the specifics of your case, gathering evidence to build a strong foundation for legal action. We’ll interview witnesses, collect documents, and analyze employer policies and past practices to uncover patterns of abuse and weaknesses in the employer’s argument.

Filing a Lawsuit

Filing a lawsuit requires your lawyer to:

  1. Draft a complaint as the initial step, where you formally outline your case against the employer. This document should clearly state the facts, legal grounds, and desired outcomes.
  2. Submit the complaint to the appropriate court. Depending on the case, this could be a state or federal court. Understanding jurisdiction is essential to ensure your case is heard by the right authority.
  3. Serve the complaint to the offender, typically the employer. This ensures they are officially notified of the legal action. Your lawyer may assist with this process to ensure compliance with legal standards.

Discovery

Discovery is an essential part of the legal process, allowing both parties to exchange information. Effectively conducting discovery provides a clearer picture of the case and reveals opportunities for resolution. The process includes:

  1. Depositions, where witnesses provide sworn testimony, are recorded sessions that can be used in court.
  2. Interrogatories are written questions that require detailed responses from the opposing party. This helps clarify the facts and positions of each side.
  3. Document production allows each side to request relevant documents from the other, impacting the case’s development.

Settlement Negotiations

Your labor law attorney will assess the strengths and weaknesses of your case, develop a negotiation strategy, and engage with opposing parties to reach an agreeable resolution. This approach can save time and resources while achieving positive results. For example, effective negotiation can result in compensation or policy changes, addressing the issues at hand and preventing future occurrences.

Trial

Legal representation is vital in navigating the labor law trial process. Experienced lawyers provide guidance, ensuring that the case is presented effectively and all legal standards are met.

During trial, your case is presented in court, where evidence is examined, and witnesses may testify. After attorneys for both sides present closing arguments, a verdict will be delivered by a judge or jury. If they decide in your favor, you will be awarded damages to cover the expenses caused by your employer’s behavior.

What Our Clients Have to Say About Us

“For Anyone Seeking Top-Notch Legal Assistance” – Jaclyn Osborne (5-Star Google Review)

Eugene Bruno & Associates are truly awesome to work with […] exceptionally nice and approachable, making the legal process much less stressful. Their friendly and supportive nature […] makes the experience all-around positive. I highly recommend them for anyone seeking top-notch legal assistance!

“Amazing […] Highly Recommend” – Samir Qafiti (5-Star Google Review)

I cannot express enough how amazing [Eugene Bruno & Associates has] been through this entire stressful situation I have gone through. I highly recommend anybody […] to seek legal representation from this firm. Thank you!

“Exceeded My Expectations” – 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. [Their] 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]!

Other Locations We Serve Near San Diego

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

Find Out How Eugene Bruno & Associates Can Help with Your Case

The San Diego employment law attorneys at Eugene Bruno & Associates are happy to answer your questions. Call 1-888-BRUNO-88 (1-888-278-6688) to speak with us about your labor law case today!

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Some Common Labor Law Violations in California?

California labor laws protect employees against wrongful termination, discriminatory treatment, harassment, wage theft, and retaliation against whistleblowers and other employees who are exercising their legal rights.

What Damages Can I Receive in a Labor Relations Case?

You have the right to pursue compensation for loss of past and future wages, legal fees, and emotional harm caused by illegal employer behavior.

How Do I Prove Discrimination or Harassment at Work?

Eugene Bruno & Associates will build a strong case by interviewing witnesses and collecting the necessary evidence, including internal company documents, company policies, and previous complaints against the employer.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Labor Lawyer in San Diego, California?

There are no upfront costs when you sign on with Eugene Bruno & Associates, and you won’t owe us anything unless we win you a settlement.

What Is Wrongful Termination in California?

Wrongful termination is being fired for an unlawful reason. This may include discrimination based on belonging to any of the protected categories, such as race, religion, marital status, gender, or disability. Another frequent cause of wrongful termination is retaliation for legal activities such as reporting harassment, whistleblowing, or requesting medical leave.