Navigating Age Discrimination in California: A Comprehensive Guide (Part 4)

One question many people ask themselves when they have an age discrimination case is whether they need to hire a lawyer to file their claim.

So, do you need to hire a lawyer to file an age discrimination claim? You are not required to hire a lawyer to file an age discrimination claim against an employer. However, it is usually a good idea to hire an attorney. Hiring an employment lawyer to help you file your age discrimination claim with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) can have several benefits. In this last part of the four-part series of the article titled “Navigating Age Discrimination in California: A Comprehensive Guide,” we explore some of the main benefits of hiring a lawyer to help you file an age discrimination claim.

Benefits of Hiring an Employer Lawyer to Help You File an Age Discrimination Claim

A qualified employment attorney can provide invaluable assistance if an employer has discriminated against you because of your age. The following are some of the ways an experienced employment lawyer can help;

1.     Gathering All Necessary Evidence

Few employers outright state that they are discriminatory. So if, for example, you were fired because you are 40 years or older, high chances are the employer did not outright tell you that they were firing you because of your age. So, you will need to gather evidence that proves you were a victim of age discrimination. Gathering evidence of an age discrimination claim is one of the most vital and valuable skills an employment attorney can provide. An employment lawyer can help you collect all the evidence you need to win your case.

2.     Ensuring You File Your Claim Properly

You may be unfamiliar with the filing process if you have never filed a claim with the CRD or EEOC. An experienced employment lawyer can help ensure you file your claim properly with the relevant government agency. They can ensure all necessary documentation is provided.

3.     Explaining Your Case’s Strengths and Weaknesses

If you are unsure whether you have a strong case, a lawyer can explain your case’s strengths and weaknesses.

4.     Valuing Your Case

The employer’s attorneys are skilled negotiators who may use tricks to undervalue your case. An experienced employment attorney knows how to value your case properly and will not allow the employer’s lawyers to undervalue your claim. Likewise, if you go at it alone, you may overvalue your case, which may impede settlement negotiations. An attorney can ensure you don’t overvalue your case.

5.     Negotiating With the Employer or Their Lawyer

An employment lawyer can help negotiate a settlement with the employer or their attorney. And if a settlement is reached, an attorney can ensure your rights are protected, and the settlement terms are fair.

6.     Representing You in Court

Finally, an attorney can represent you in court if your age discrimination case proceeds to litigation. A skilled lawyer can, among other things, file motions, present oral arguments, and negotiate settlements with the employer’s lawyer.

Contact a California Employment Lawyer

If you have been a victim of age discrimination, contact a California employment lawyer near you as soon as possible. A skilled lawyer can help you file your claim and get the justice and compensation you deserve.