Westlake Village Employment Law Attorney

Westlake Village and the Conejo Valley are hubs for biotechnology, finance, and high-end retail. However, even in corporate boardrooms and advanced research labs, employee rights are frequently violated. From age discrimination in the tech sector to wage theft in the hospitality industry, employers often prioritize profits over the law. At Brock & Gonzales LLP, our Westlake Village employment law attorneys represent executives, professionals, and hourly workers who have been mistreated. We also fight for individuals injured on the 101 Corridor and dangerous canyon roads.

Why Choose Brock & Gonzales LLP

We are trial attorneys who refuse to back down against large corporations or insurance giants. We prepare every case with the intent to go to verdict, which maximizes the value of your claim.

• Dual-County Capability: We litigate aggressively in both Ventura County Superior Court and Los Angeles Superior Court.
• Industry Insight: We understand the specific employment dynamics of the local biotech, pharmaceutical, and aerospace sectors.
• No Recovery, No Fee: We operate on a strict contingency fee You pay nothing unless we win.

Employment Discrimination

The California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) prohibits discrimination based on race, age, gender, disability, and other protected categories. In the Westlake Village area, we frequently handle cases involving:

• Age Discrimination: Tech and biotech firms often push out older, higher-paid professionals in favor of younger, cheaper labor.
• Disability Discrimination: Employers must provide reasonable accommodations for medical conditions or pregnancy.
• Gender Bias: Denial of promotions or equal pay in corporate

Under California law, you do not need to prove that discrimination was the only reason for an adverse action. You only need to show that your protected status was a “substantial motivating reason” for the decision.

Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment is illegal in every workplace. FEHA defines two main types: “quid pro quo,” where job benefits are tied to sexual favors, and “hostile work environment,” where severe or pervasive conduct creates an abusive atmosphere. Employers are strictly liable when a supervisor harasses an employee. Additionally, employers have a legal duty under Government Code section 12940(k) to take all reasonable steps to prevent harassment from occurring. If your HR department failed to investigate your complaint, they may be liable for “failure to prevent” harassment.

Retaliation and Whistleblower Protection

Employees in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries often witness safety violations, fraud, or non-compliance with regulations. California Labor Code section 1102.5 protects you if you report these violations to a supervisor or government agency. The California Supreme Court ruling in Lawson v. PPG Architectural Finishes strengthened your rights. If your whistleblowing was a “contributing factor” to your termination or demotion, the employer must prove by clear and convincing evidence that they would have taken the same action for legitimate reasons. This high standard protects you from pretextual firings.

Wage and Hour Violations

We represent workers in the Conejo Valley who have been denied their lawful wages. Common violations include:

• Misclassification: Employers often mislabel workers as “independent contractors” to avoid paying taxes and benefits. Under the “ABC test” affirmed in Dynamex, most workers are presumed to be employees.
• Unpaid Overtime: Salaried employees are often misclassified as “exempt” managers to avoid paying overtime, even when they perform mostly non-managerial duties.
• Off-the-Clock Work: You must be paid for all time you are under the employer’s control, including security checks or preparation time.

Personal Injury

The 101 Freeway and the winding canyon roads surrounding Westlake Village present serious driving hazards. We represent victims of:

• 101 Freeway Accidents: High speeds and congestion often lead to severe rear-end and multi-vehicle collisions.
• Canyon Road Crashes: Roads like Kanan Dume and Decker Canyon are notorious for rollovers and head-on collisions due to unsafe speeds and blind curves.
• Trucking Accidents: The “Conejo Grade” is a high-risk area for semi-truck accidents due to steep inclines and heavy freight
• Comparative Negligence: Under California’s pure comparative negligence rule, you can recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident.

What To Do Next

If you have been fired illegally or injured in an accident, time is critical.

1. Preserve Evidence: Save emails, text messages, and medical records
2. Report It: Make a written complaint to HR or law enforcement to establish a record.
3. Call a Lawyer: Do not sign severance agreements or insurance waivers without legal counsel.

Local Representation

Our Westlake Village office serves clients throughout the Conejo Valley, including Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, Agoura Hills, Calabasas, and Simi Valley. We are familiar with the local judiciary in both Ventura and Los Angeles counties, ensuring your case is filed in the most strategic venue.

Office Info

Brock & Gonzales LLP 3011 Townsgate Road #250 Westlake Village, CA 91361

FAQs

I signed a severance agreement. Can I still sue? It depends. If you were coerced or if the agreement contains illegal clauses, it may be unenforceable. We can review the document to determine your options.

Can I sue for a crash on the Conejo Grade if a truck hit me? Yes. Trucking cases are complex and often involve multiple liable parties, including the driver, the trucking company, and the cargo loader. We investigate all angles to maximize compensation.

What is the statute of limitations for discrimination? Generally, you have three years from the date of the discriminatory act to file a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department.

Contact Us

Do not let a corporation or insurance company dictate your future. Contact Brock & Gonzales LLP today for a free consultation with a Westlake Village employment law attorney. We represent workers and injury victims with the aggression and expertise you deserve.