Stand Up for Your Rights with FLG

As people live and work longer than ever, approximately 1 in 5 U.S. workers is now 55 or older. Despite this, ageism in the workplace is rising. A recent study revealed that 30% of workers over 53 report experiencing age discrimination, and 64% of employees say theyโ€™ve seen or experienced it firsthand. Older employees are not only more likely to face layoffs but also struggle significantly more than younger workers to find new employment, often taking three months longer on average to secure a job. Employers frequently justify these actions with stereotypes, assuming older workers are less innovative or too costlyโ€”excuses that are not just wrong but illegal under California and federal laws.

When the system fails you, Fraigun Law Group is here to fight back.

What is Age Discrimination in the Workplace?

Age discrimination occurs when an employer treats an employee or job applicant unfairly because of their age, typically targeting those aged 40 or older. It can involve firing, demotions, reduced hours, or passing over qualified individuals for promotions in favor of younger workers. Discrimination doesnโ€™t always come from younger supervisors; it can also occur between colleagues of the same age or even older individuals, as bias stems from stereotypes rather than logic.

Unfair Age Discrimination Practices in the Workplace

Age discrimination manifests in various ways, including:

โ€ข Being fired, laid off, or forced to quit due to age.
โ€ข Passed over for promotions or raises despite qualifications.
โ€ข Facing demotions, pay cuts, or reduced hours for no legitimate reason.
โ€ข Offered inferior pay, benefits, or job assignments compared to younger colleagues.
โ€ข Not getting hired due to perceived age-related stereotypes.
โ€ข Subjected to workplace policies or practices that unfairly target older employees.

Employers may claim these actions are based on performance, but in many cases, they stem from illegal age bias.

What Laws Protect You From Age Discrimination?

Both California and federal laws provide strong protections against age discrimination:

โ€ข Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA): Protects workers aged 40 and older from discrimination in hiring, promotions, pay, layoffs, and other employment decisions.
โ€ข California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA): Offers broader protections than ADEA, applying to smaller employers (with five or more employees) and prohibiting harassment or retaliation based on age.
โ€ข California Labor Code Section 1102.5: Protects whistleblowers who report age discrimination or other workplace violations from retaliation.

These laws ensure that older employees have the same opportunities as their younger counterparts.

Differences Between Federal & California Laws

While both the ADEA and FEHA aim to protect against age discrimination, Californiaโ€™s laws are generally more comprehensive. The ADEA applies to employers with 20 or more employees, while FEHA covers employers with just five or more. California also allows for broader remedies, including emotional distress damages and punitive damages, in addition to lost wages.

How Do I Know If My Rights Have Been Violated?

Your rights may have been violated if:

1. You were fired, demoted, or denied a promotion based on your age, not your performance.
2. A younger, less qualified employee was hired or promoted over you.
3. Youโ€™ve been subjected to offensive comments or stereotypes about your age.
4. Your pay, hours, or responsibilities were reduced without a valid reason.
5. Youโ€™ve experienced retaliation after reporting age discrimination.

If youโ€™ve noticed any of these patterns, itโ€™s time to take action.

Building an Age Discrimination Case in California

To build a strong case, you need to show evidence that your employerโ€™s actions were driven by age bias. Consider the following:

โ€ข Were younger, less qualified employees promoted or hired over you?
โ€ข Have you noticed a pattern of management favoring younger workers in bonuses or training opportunities?
โ€ข Does the employer or supervisor have a history of age-related complaints or lawsuits?
โ€ข Are other older employees also experiencing similar treatment?
โ€ข Have you faced negative actions after reporting discrimination or illegal practices?

Documenting these details and working with Attorney Fraigun can help you build a compelling case.

Why Choose Fraigun Law Group for Age Discrimination Cases?

Age discrimination doesnโ€™t just impact your careerโ€”it undermines your years of experience and dedication. Marina Fraigun doesnโ€™t tolerate this injustice. She takes a fearless, no-nonsense approach to holding employers accountable for their actions. With deep knowledge of FEHA, ADEA, and California labor laws, Marina is equipped to handle even the most challenging cases.
When you work with the Fraigun Law Group, youโ€™re choosing an attorney who listens to your story, fights for your rights, and delivers results. Marinaโ€™s track record of standing up to powerful employers shows that she doesnโ€™t back down. Donโ€™t let bias define your futureโ€”contact Marina Fraigun today.

Common Questions about Workplace Age Discrimination

When youโ€™re facing workplace discrimination in Los Angeles, itโ€™s normal to feel overwhelmed and unsure about your next steps. You might wonder if what youโ€™re experiencing qualifies as discrimination, how to document your case, or whether itโ€™s even worth pursuing legal action. These concerns are valid, and having the right information can make all the difference. At Fraigun Law Group, we know that discrimination doesnโ€™t just affect your jobโ€”it affects your sense of dignity and security. Below, weโ€™ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions to help you better understand your rights and the steps you can take to protect them.

  • WHO IS PROTECTED UNDER AGE DISCRIMINATION LAWS?

    Both federal and California laws protect employees aged 40 and older. FEHA covers smaller employers and offers broader remedies than the ADEA.

  • CAN MY EMPLOYER FORCE ME TO RETIRE BECAUSE OF MY AGE?

    No. Forced retirement based on age is illegal under both the ADEA and FEHA unless it is part of a valid retirement policy for certain high-ranking executives.

  • WHAT CAN I RECOVER IN AN AGE DISCRIMINATION CASE?

    You may recover lost wages, emotional distress damages, attorney fees, and punitive damages. Californiaโ€™s FEHA often provides broader remedies than federal laws.

  • HOW CAN I PROVE AGE DISCRIMINATION?

    Proving age discrimination requires showing evidence of bias, such as younger employees receiving promotions, comments about your age, or patterns of older employees being terminated. Documentation and witness statements strengthen your case.

  • CAN MY EMPLOYER RETALIATE IF I FILE A COMPLAINT?

    No. Retaliation for filing a complaint is strictly prohibited under FEHA and California Labor Code Section 1102.5. Employers who retaliate can face additional penalties.

  • WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I SUSPECT AGE DISCRIMINATION?

    Document every incident, including dates, communications, and witnesses. File a complaint with HR, and consult Marina Fraigun to take legal action if necessary.

How Fraigun Law Group Can Help

Age discrimination is not just illegalโ€”itโ€™s an attack on the value of experience and hard work. Marina Fraigun is committed to fighting for employees whoโ€™ve been sidelined, terminated, or mistreated because of their age. With her fearless advocacy and deep understanding of California and federal laws, Marina will hold your employer accountable and fight for the justice you deserve.

Your experience matters. Contact the Fraigun Law Group today, and let Marina fight for your rights and your future.