Employment & Personal Injury Law FAQs in Los Angeles, CA
Get direct answers to your employment law and personal injury questions from Opal Law Group in Los Angeles, CA. Attorney Sanaz Mirza Hosseini's dual plaintiff-and-defense background means answers informed by both sides of the courtroom. Ready to discuss your case? Request a free case evaluation or learn more about our Employment Law services.
General Questions -- Working with Opal Law Group
Q1) Who is Opal Law Group and what makes the firm different?
Opal Law Group is a Los Angeles-area law firm based in Sherman Oaks, CA, led by attorney Sanaz Mirza Hosseini, Esq. The firm focuses on employment law and personal injury representation for individuals and employees throughout LA County. What makes Opal Law Group unique is Attorney Hosseini's rare dual plaintiff-and-defense background -- she has represented both employees and employers, and both injury victims and insurance-backed defendants. This gives clients a strategic advantage that most law firms simply cannot offer. Learn more about attorney Hosseini and her career background.
Q2) Does Opal Law Group offer free consultations?
Yes. Opal Law Group offers a free initial case evaluation for employment law and personal injury matters. During your evaluation, Attorney Hosseini will review the facts of your situation, answer your questions, and give you an honest assessment of your legal options -- at no cost and no obligation. Schedule your free case evaluation by calling 888-711-7372 or completing the online form.
Q3) How much does it cost to hire Opal Law Group?
Most cases at Opal Law Group are handled on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf. There are no upfront costs, no retainer, and no out-of-pocket fees to retain the firm. Attorney Hosseini will explain the fee arrangement clearly during your initial evaluation so you know exactly what to expect.
Q4) What areas of Los Angeles does Opal Law Group serve?
Opal Law Group serves clients throughout all of Los Angeles County. This includes Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Encino, Woodland Hills, Tarzana, Burbank, Glendale, Pasadena, North Hollywood, Van Nuys, Reseda, West Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Culver City, Beverly Hills, Downtown Los Angeles, East Los Angeles, Torrance, Long Beach, and all surrounding communities. Call 888-711-7372 to speak with our team regardless of where in LA County you are located.
Employment Law FAQs -- Los Angeles, CA
Q1) What qualifies as wrongful termination in California?
Wrongful termination in California occurs when an employer fires an employee for an illegal reason, even in an at-will employment state. Illegal terminations include those based on protected characteristics (race, gender, age, disability, religion, national origin), in retaliation for filing a complaint or reporting misconduct, for taking protected CFRA/FMLA leave, or in violation of an employment contract. If the timing or stated reason for your termination seems suspicious, speak with an employment lawyer in Los Angeles for a free evaluation.
Q2) What is the difference between workplace discrimination and harassment?
Workplace discrimination involves adverse employment actions -- such as being denied a promotion, receiving lower pay, or being terminated -- because of a protected characteristic. Workplace harassment involves unwelcome conduct based on a protected characteristic that creates a hostile or offensive work environment. Sexual harassment is a specific form of harassment that can include unwanted advances, comments, or conduct of a sexual nature. Both discrimination and harassment are illegal under California's FEHA. For more detail on how these claims work, visit our Employment Law FAQ page.
Q3) Can I file an employment complaint while still working at the company?
Yes. You do not need to leave your job to file an employment law complaint or lawsuit. Many California employees pursue discrimination, harassment, and wage claims while still employed. California law prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who file complaints, participate in investigations, or pursue legal action. If retaliation occurs, that is an additional, separate claim. Visit our employment law page to learn more about how we protect employees in these situations, then contact Opal Law Group to understand your rights before making any decisions.
Q4) What are my rights under California wage and hour law?
California employees have strong wage and hour protections. Employers must pay at least the California minimum wage (currently $17.00 per hour statewide, and higher in many cities), pay overtime for hours worked over 8 per day or 40 per week, provide uninterrupted 30-minute meal breaks and 10-minute rest breaks, and pay all wages owed at the time of termination. Violations of these rules can entitle you to back pay, penalties, and additional damages.
For more detailed employment law answers, visit our dedicated Employment Law FAQ page.
Q5) What is the statute of limitations for employment claims in California?
Deadlines vary based on the type of claim. FEHA claims (discrimination, harassment, retaliation) generally require filing a complaint with the Civil Rights Department within three years of the violation. Wage and hour claims typically have a three-year statute of limitations. Wrongful termination claims in tort generally have a two-year deadline. These deadlines are strictly enforced -- missing them means losing your right to sue. Contact Opal Law Group as soon as possible after an incident.
Q6) What can I recover in an employment law case in California?
In a successful employment law case in California, you may be entitled to recover lost wages and benefits (back pay and front pay), damages for emotional distress, punitive damages in cases of malicious or oppressive conduct, attorney's fees and litigation costs, and reinstatement to your position in appropriate cases. The value of your case depends on the strength of the evidence, the severity of the conduct, and your specific losses. Attorney Hosseini will provide an honest assessment during your free case evaluation.
Personal Injury FAQs -- Los Angeles, CA
Q1) How do I know if I have a personal injury claim in Los Angeles?
A personal injury claim arises when you suffer harm -- physical, emotional, or financial -- because of another person's or entity's negligence or wrongful conduct. If you were injured in a car accident, a slip and fall, a dog attack, or any other incident caused by someone else's carelessness, you may have a valid personal injury claim. The key factors are whether another party was at fault and whether you suffered injuries or losses as a result. A free consultation with a personal injury lawyer in Los Angeles will help you assess your situation.
Q2) Can I still recover if I was partly at fault for the accident?
Yes. California follows a pure comparative negligence rule, which means you can recover compensation even if you were partially at fault -- your award is simply reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 25% at fault and your total damages are $100,000, you could still recover $75,000. Insurance companies often try to inflate your percentage of fault to minimize your payout. Read more in our personal injury FAQ or speak with an experienced attorney to counter this tactic effectively.
Q3) What should I do if an insurance company contacts me after an accident?
Do not provide a recorded statement to the other party's insurance company without first speaking to an attorney. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize claims, and anything you say can be used to reduce or deny your compensation. You are generally not required to give a recorded statement to the opposing insurer. Contact Opal Law Group first -- we can handle all communications with the insurance company on your behalf.
Q4) Can family members file a wrongful death claim in California?
Yes. In California, certain family members -- including spouses, domestic partners, and children -- can file a wrongful death lawsuit when a loved one is killed due to someone else's negligence or wrongful act. Recoverable damages in a wrongful death case may include funeral and burial expenses, lost financial support, loss of companionship, and the decedent's pre-death pain and suffering. California has strict deadlines for wrongful death claims, so contact Opal Law Group as soon as possible.
For more answers to personal injury questions, visit our Personal Injury FAQ page. Ready to discuss your case? Request your free case evaluation now.