Bakersfield Employment Law Attorneys

Bakersfield Employment and Labor Law Attorneys

How much do our Bakersfield employment attorneys cost?

If you’re facing an employment or labor dispute in Bakersfield, our team of experienced employment attorneys is here to help. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t have to worry about paying any attorney fees until we successfully secure compensation for you.

What is a Contingency Fee Agreement?

A contingency fee agreement is a payment arrangement where our attorneys only get paid if you win your case. This arrangement allows us to take on your employment or labor dispute without requiring any fees upfront. Essentially, you won’t owe us anything unless we achieve a favorable outcome on your behalf.

How Does This Benefit You?

1. No Financial Risk: With a contingency fee agreement, you can pursue justice without the immediate financial burden of legal fees.
2. Aligned Interests: Our success depends on your success. We are motivated to work hard and achieve the best possible outcome for you.
3. Access to Justice: This arrangement makes it easier for individuals to seek legal representation and protect their rights, regardless of their financial situation.

For more detailed information on how contingency fees work, you can refer to KTLA’s legal resources, which provide valuable insights into various legal fee structures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What types of cases are covered under a contingency fee agreement?

A: Our contingency fee agreements cover a wide range of employment and labor disputes, including wrongful termination, wage and hour claims, and workplace discrimination.

Q: How do I know if I have a valid claim?

A: It’s best to consult with one of our experienced attorneys to evaluate your case. We offer free consultations to assess the viability of your claim and discuss your legal options.

For additional information on employment disputes and legal processes, check out KCAL-TV’s legal advice section and KCRW’s coverage on employment law.

If you have any questions or need legal assistance, contact us today to schedule a consultation. We’re here to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve, without the stress of upfront fees.

What types of claims do employment law and labor law include?

Employment and labor law are somewhat vague and include various different circumstances an employee may find themselves in at the workplace. Employment lawyers will represent employees who have been mistreated at work, whether it is through co-workers, supervisors, or the employer. Examples of employment and labor claims and lawsuits include:

• Wrongful termination: this is one of the most common types of lawsuits filed in Bakersfield when it comes to employment law. Wrongful termination is a legal theory that asserts that the employee was terminated from their employment for an unlawful reason. Unlawful reasons may include discrimination based on gender, race, age, disability, religion, etc.
• Racial discrimination: racial discrimination is also a very common form of discrimination in the workplace.
• Gender discrimination: this occurs when an employer treats an employee unfairly because they belong to a specific gender or have specific traits.
• Age discrimination: age discrimination occurs when an employer treats older employees and younger employees in different ways.
• Disability discrimination: one of the most common examples of disability discrimination includes a request for reasonable accommodations made by the disabled employee, and the employer denying the request.
• Sexual harassment: sexual harassment at the workplace is not spoken up as much as instances of discrimination. Many people fear as though they may lose their jobs if they speak up about sexual harassment or assault in the workplace.
• Wage and hour disputes: examples of wage in our disputes could include violations of minimum wage law, misclassifying an employee as an independent contractor rather than an employee, and unpaid wages and benefits.
• Wrongful retaliation: an employer cannot retaliate against an employee for reporting any illegal activities that may have occurred at the workplace. Examples of whistleblower claims could include violations of finances, or unfair treatment of employees.
• Hostile work environment: an employer has a responsibility to make sure that the workplace environment is safe and comfortable for all employees, and all employees can do their job functions efficiently. This means that an employer must prevent abusive conduct or discrimination.
• Workers compensation claims: workers compensation is a claim filed by an employee who suffered an injury while at work. An employee could recover costs such as medical treatment and lost wages from a worker’s compensation claim.

Above are just some examples of employment lawsuits that are commonly seen in Bakersfield. Two specifically speak about your employment circumstance, we recommend that you talk to our attorneys to schedule a free one-on-one and confidential consultation.

Bakersfield Employment Statistics

As of May 2022, the average hourly wage in Bakersfield was $27.48. This figure represents a notable disparity when compared to the national average hourly wage, which stood at $29.76 according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Comparative Wage Insights

Bakersfield’s average wage is lower than the national average, highlighting a significant gap. This difference may impact local economic conditions and affect residents’ purchasing power. Understanding these wage dynamics is crucial for both job seekers and employers in the area.

Economic Implications

For those living in Bakersfield or considering relocation, it’s important to consider how these wage figures align with the cost of living and local economic opportunities. Lower wages compared to the national average can influence decisions related to job offers and career planning.

Bakersfield’s job market is diverse, but employment is predominantly concentrated in just a few occupational groups. Out of the 22 major occupational categories, nine account for a significant portion of the city’s workforce. These key groups are essential in shaping the local economy and providing numerous job opportunities.

Major Occupational Groups in Bakersfield

1. Office and Administrative Support: This category includes roles such as administrative assistants, office clerks, and customer service representatives. These positions are crucial for maintaining efficient business operations and providing support across various sectors.
2. Sales: Sales positions in Bakersfield span from retail sales associates to sales managers. These roles are vital for driving revenue and ensuring businesses can meet consumer demand.
3. Food Preparation and Serving Related: This group encompasses jobs like chefs, cooks, and waitstaff. With Bakersfield’s vibrant food scene, these roles are integral to the city’s dining industry.
4. Education, Training, and Library: Teachers, librarians, and educational administrators fall into this category. Their work is fundamental to the development and education of the community.
5. Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations: From doctors and nurses to medical technicians, this group ensures that residents receive quality healthcare services.
6. Construction and Extraction: This sector includes jobs like construction laborers, electricians, and plumbers. The growth and development of Bakersfield rely heavily on these professionals.
7. Transportation and Material Moving: Roles such as truck drivers and warehouse workers are crucial for the movement of goods and materials within and beyond the city.
8. Production: Manufacturing roles, including machine operators and assembly line workers, contribute to the production of goods in Bakersfield.
9. Management: Managers across various industries oversee operations and ensure that businesses run smoothly.

Why Are These Groups Important?

The concentration of employment in these nine occupational groups highlights the primary drivers of Bakersfield’s economy. Understanding these sectors can provide valuable insights for job seekers, employers, and policymakers alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the largest occupational group in Bakersfield?
A: The Office and Administrative Support group is the largest, reflecting a high demand for administrative roles across various industries.

Transportation and material moving was the industry that had the most employees compared to other cities in California. Bakersfield has around 35,000 positions in transportation and material moving, which is around 10% of the employment. 

• There are around 163,000 employees in Bakersfield, and this percentage grew about 1% from 2019.
• White collar workers make up around 72% of the employment-population in Bakersfield. Around 28% are blue-collar employees.
• Around 10% of the workforce in Bakersfield consider themselves entrepreneurs, 67% are workers who are employed in private companies, and 23% of the workforce is employed in a governmental institution. 

As seen above, there are various different types of positions and industries in Bakersfield. But, instances of discrimination and wrongful retaliation could still exist no matter what industry. Give us a call today to discuss how you could file an employment or labor law claim or lawsuit in Bakersfield. 

What will our Bakersfield labor law attorneys do?

• Our Bakersfield employment attorneys will interview all witnesses. For example, if there were other co-workers who may have experienced this type of discrimination as well, we would interview them to get an accurate story.
• Our top-rated attorneys will do a detailed investigation into the circumstances, and gather all workplace records, and employee handbooks, along with any training that employees have received.
• We will negotiate with other parties to settle an agreement. This agreement should take into account your compensation, along with any other losses that you have experienced. 

Do I have to file a lawsuit?

n Bakersfield, many employees may not realize they have a valid claim under employment and labor laws. Often, employees are unaware that they may have been wrongfully terminated and are eligible to take legal action. This lack of awareness can prevent individuals from seeking the compensation they deserve.

How Can You Know If You Have a Claim?

If you suspect that you have been unfairly dismissed or have any concerns about your employment situation, it’s crucial to understand your rights. Wrongful termination can take many forms, including but not limited to dismissal based on discrimination, retaliation, or violation of contractual agreements.

Why Is It Important to Act Quickly?

The legal process for employment claims can be complex and time-sensitive. Delaying action might impact your ability to file a lawsuit and receive compensation. By contacting us today, you can gain a clearer understanding of your rights and whether you are eligible to pursue legal action.

What Should You Do Next?

We encourage you to reach out to us for a consultation to discuss your specific circumstances. Our team can help evaluate whether you have a valid claim and guide you through the steps to seek compensation.

In some cases, you may have to file a lawsuit. In other cases, our attorneys represent clients in administrative hearings, mediation hearings,  or even arbitration hearings. 

What are the different organizations that establish labor and employment laws?

There are various agencies in California that make sure employees are following all employment and labor laws. These different agencies include:

• California Division Of Labor Standards And Enforcement
• California Department Of Fair Employment And Housing
• United States Department Of Labor
• The United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

California is a state that has the most laws and protections when it comes to the fair treatment of employees. When employees are not treated fairly, they are eligible to file a lawsuit and assert their rights. There are also various remedies that an employee could pursue. For more information, give us a call.

Heidari Law Group Bakersfield Practice Areas

• Car Accident Attorneys in Bakersfield
• Personal Injury Attorneys in Bakersfield
• Employment Law Attorneys in Bakersfield
• Lemon Law Attorneys in Bakersfield
• Wrongful Death Attorneys in Bakersfield