Disputes between employers and employees over issues like wrongful termination, wage and hours violations, and discrimination form the basis of most employment cases in California. Thus, it’s imperative for employees to understand the burden of proof required to succeed in a labor law complaint. When we say “burden of proof,” we are referring to the plaintiff’s obligation to present sufficient evidence to show the court that their claim is valid.
With help from the lawyers at California Labor Law Employment Attorneys Group, you can obtain credible and compelling evidence that outweighs the claims made by the opposing party. With decades of experience in workplace violation cases, we are ready to fight tirelessly on your behalf and secure the damages you deserve. To learn how we can assist you in obtaining front and back pay, mental anguish, reinstatement of employment and other forms of compensation, contact our office today.
Burden of Proof Required for a California Employment Case
Workers who are interested in pursuing an employment claim have the burden of proving their allegations by a preponderance of evidence, meaning there must be sufficient forms of proof to show that it is more than likely that the party being sued (employer) committed a legal violation.
With a workplace discrimination case, for example, you must provide extensive evidence of the discriminatory treatment based on protected characteristics, such as:
- Racial discrimination – treating an employee differently because of their race or ethnic background. Unfair treatment can include pay disparities and exclusion from promotions and pay raises.
- Disability discrimination – employees with disabilities may be subjected to unfavorable treatment, like being denied reasonable accommodations and not being approved for a work leave that’s prescribed by a doctor.
- Gender discrimination – gender can play a role in some employees making less than colleagues in similar roles or being denied promotions and project opportunities. Gender discrimination can also involve sexual harassment by supervisors and co-workers.
With any type of discrimination case, you must show that you suffered some form of retaliation, such as workplace harassment, demotion, suspension, or wrongful termination due to the fact that you are a member of a protected class.
Categories of Evidence that can Satisfy the Burden of Proof
Employees should aim to gather various types of evidence to support their claim. The amount and type of evidence you will need depend on the nature of your case, i.e., the violation that your employer is guilty of.
Here are 5 common types of evidence that can help you prove your case at an employment hearing or trial:
Documentation
Emails, texts, memos, work contracts, disciplinary records, company policies, performance evaluations, and many other recorded or written materials can be used to support a workplace violation claim. Such documents provide valuable insight into your job history and the treatment you received throughout the course of your employment.
Filed Complaints or Grievances
Whenever you file a complaint or report unfair treatment to your employer, it should be done in writing so that you have proof of what was communicated to them. These records also demonstrate your employer’s failure to resolve the problem or retaliation against you for asserting your rights under California and federal law.
Testimony from Witnesses
You may have co-workers that have experienced similar treatment or witnessed firsthand incidents that are relevant to your employment case. Supervisors, colleagues, subordinates, and others at your job may be willing to provide written statements that provide credibility to the claims made against your employer.
Personal Testimony
The testimony you give under oath is another category of evidence. Make sure to provide clear and detailed information of what you endured, particularly discriminatory and harassing behavior by your employer (retaliation). In addition, make sure you can corroborate the claims you are making with written records, witness testimony, or another type of evidence.
Expert Testimony
Some cases are much more complex than others, and it may be necessary to find experts in various fields who can offer professional opinions based on many years of experience.
A knowledgeable employment lawyer can help you determine the strength of your case and search for evidence that meets the burden of proof. That way, you can maximize your chances of a successful outcome, no matter what type of labor dispute you are claiming.
Our Law Firm is Here for You 24/7
As someone who is receiving unlawful treatment from your employer, there are various laws at the state and federal level to protect your rights and help you seek relief. Our attorneys are here to guide you through the process, so contact us immediately for a free case review.
We work on contingency, so we charge $0 if you decide to hire us. All legal fees are collected at the end of your case, and only if the claim is settled in your favor. Otherwise, we will not hold you responsible for the cost of legal services, as we operate under the Zero Fee Guarantee.
Our legal team looks forward to speaking with you and ensuring that justice is served on your behalf.
