Orange County Employment Lawyer

While installing an elevator at Pilgrim’s Pride, Brian Barton, a Texas worker, fell off of the ladder he was standing on and hit his back on the railing and steps of the ladder.  He was diagnosed with a “pinched nerve” according to company nurses and continued to work.  Five months later, Barton sat down in a chair to rest his back and he closed his eyes.  He was accused of sleeping on the job and was terminated.

After he lost his job, Barton was unable to find another job due to his injuries so he sought full medical treatment.  X-rays revealed fractured vertebrae in his spine.  He promptly underwent steroid treatment to reduce pain.  Several weeks before surgery, while under surveillance by Pilgrim’s Pride, Barton was photographed doing yard work.

Currently, Barton is suing Pilgrim’s Pride for wrongful termination and Pilgrim’s pride is suing Barton for alleged theft.  If you have been wrongfully terminated, contact the experienced Orange County wrongful termination employment lawyers of Perry Smith at 888.356.2529 to learn more about your legal options.

California Chief Justice Ronald George recently ruled to legalize same-sex marriages in California.  In the May 15th decision, overturning the previous state marriage law that did not allow gay and lesbian couples to marry, George made comparisons to the time period when California struck down its ban on interracial marriages.  Although the decision will be controversial and George expects to face criticism, he remarked that the time immediately following the lifting of the interracial marriage ban was marked by strife as well.  He expects Californians to adjust to the idea of same-sex marriages as they did with racial equality.

If you have been discriminated against in the workplace due to sexual orientation, contact the experienced Orange County employment lawyers at Perry Smith to fight for your rights.  The rights of gays and lesbians are starting to be fully recognized with the lifting of the marriage ban.  This preservation of rights extends into the workplace as well, as discrimination based on sexual orientation is unacceptable.

According to recent data from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), discrimination reports surged in 2007.  Complaints against employers were up 9% since 2006.  The leading problems include racial discrimination, retaliation for workplace issues, and sex discrimination.

Surprisingly, pregnancy complaints are at a record level as well.  Many people are unaware of the illegal nature of discrimination against pregnant workers.  On the positive side, the high level of complaints evidences increased education and awareness of female workers, who are taking action when they are illegally discriminated against for pregnancy.  Additionally, by taking an active stance, women are refusing to be pushed around in a workplace setting while pregnant.

If you have been discriminated against in the workplace for any reason, contact the experienced Orange County employment lawyers at Perry Smith today at 888.356.2529 to learn more about your legal options.

A former PPG Industries engineer, Amarendra Mishra, has filed a federal lawsuit against the company for racial and age discrimination.   He claims the company has systematically discriminated against people of Indian race or national origin and instead promoted younger, white candidates with less experience.  Mishra has worked for the company over 16 years as a staff scientist, never being promoted above his hiring level.  He was recently passed over for a promotion and was told by his manager it was because the other candidate was “very organized and her desk was cleaner.”

Although he consistently got superior reviews for his job performance, Mishra was discriminated against during his last year of employment with impossible deadlines, busy work, and denial of basic privileges, like a personal phone.  In 2007, PPG had to pay over $1 million in damages to a former employee for age discrimination.

If you have been subjected to age or racial discrimination in your workplace, the experienced Orange County employment lawyers at Perry Smith can help.  Contact them today at 888.356.2529 to learn more about your legal rights.

A former New Hampshire Department of Corrections administrator recently filed a wrongful termination lawsuit against the state. The plaintiff, Les Dolecal, claims she was fired for criticizing her boss.  She also declares her manager, Commissioner William Wrenn, resented her for being more knowledgeable and having more experience.  The plaintiff waited six months after termination to file the suit.

Before her employment with the New Hampshire Department of Corrections, Dolecal worked as deputy director of the Oregon Department of Corrections.  Her boss, Wrenn, was a career police officer for ten years before becoming commissioner.

If you have been wrongfully terminated at your job, legal counsel can fight for your rights.  The experienced Orange County employment lawyers at Perry Smith will be your dedicated advocates.  Contact them today at 888.356.2529 to learn about your legal options.