Unruh Civil Rights Act

Unruh Civil Rights Act

Businesses shouldn’t discriminate against consumers on the basis of certain protected characteristics. The idea is an important part of California’s robust consumer protection laws and is codified in the Unruh Civil Rights Act. This act provides consumers with a variety of protections from discrimination and a process for recourse if they feel that they have been discriminated against. However, it can be important to work with an Unruh Civil Rights Act attorney to be sure that a formidable case is presented on your behalf.

What Does the Unruh Civil Rights Act Cover?

The Unruh Civil Rights Act applies to most consumer businesses in California, including hotels, restaurants, entertainment venues, and others. As a consumer’s rights protection act, it requires equal treatment and prohibits discrimination on the basis of a consumer having certain protected characteristics. The act mandates equal access to facilities, accommodations, privileges, products, and services. It also includes additional protections against discriminatory, unfair, or deceptive commercial transactions, as well as a process for legal recourse if violations should occur.

How an Unruh Civil Rights Act Attorney Can Help Your Situation

If you believe that your Unruh rights may have been violated, it’s important to work with an Unruh Civil Rights Act Attorney. They can investigate what happened to you and gather the evidence that could be necessary to prove the claim should the case go to civil court. They can then inform the business of the possibility of a lawsuit.

There may be a desire for both parties to attempt to reach a settlement before attempting to take the claim to trial. If the case were to go to trial, then the claim would become public, and it’s possible that the business may wish to avoid the potentially resulting impact on their reputation. They may, then, be motivated to work toward a fair settlement. A lawyer negotiating on your behalf is a useful way to legitimize the possibility of going to court.

A settlement could also be preferable to you, as it could mean resolving the case much more quickly. It can also avoid the risk that a trial carries. Even the strongest case could end in an unfavorable outcome for you.

If it becomes necessary to take the claim to court because a reasonable settlement can’t be agreed upon, the lawyers at Shay Legal APC are prepared to represent you throughout the litigation process. We can present the evidence of discrimination before the court and argue for the compensation that you’re seeking.

FAQs

Q: What Characteristics Are Protected Under the Unruh Civil Rights Act?

A: The Unruh Civil Rights Act and its amendments provide protection from discrimination based on a variety of different characteristics. These include:

• Race – This also includes ethnicity and skin color.
• Sex – Additionally, this is protection for gender identity, expression, and orientation.
• Sexual Orientation – Discrimination based on orientation is prohibited.
• Disability – Equal access should be available to those with disabilities.
• Religion – Beliefs and practices are protected.
• National Origin or Ancestry – Individuals are protected from discrimination based on the place from which they originated.
• Marital Status – A consumer’s treatment should not depend on whether or not they are married, divorced, widowed, or single.
• Medical Condition – No one should be discriminated against on the basis of their health or the presence of a medical condition.

Q: What Is the Statute of Limitations for the Unruh Civil Rights Act?

A: The statute of limitations for a claim based on a violation of the Unruh Civil Rights Act will typically be two years. However, it’s important to speak with an attorney to confirm the deadline for your particular case. It’s also important you speak with an attorney soon after any discrimination occurs.

While two years may seem like a significant amount of time, there is much to be done to prepare for filing a claim. The more opportunity you give your attorney to investigate, negotiate on your behalf, and prepare for a possible court case, the more likely you are to see a favorable outcome.

Q: What Compensation Is Awarded Under the Unruh Civil Rights Act?

A: There are a few different things the court could decide to do in an Unruh Civil Rights Act claim. What’s awarded in your case will be specific to the situation. The court may issue an injunction requiring the defendant to cease any discriminatory practices. The court may also choose to award damages that cover any financial losses or emotional distress associated with the incident. If the discrimination is particularly egregious, then the court may even choose to award punitive damages as a punishment and deterrent.

Q: How Should I Choose an Unruh Civil Rights Act Attorney?

A: Unruh Civil Rights Act claims can often be particularly sensitive and challenging. While you should attempt to find a knowledgeable and experienced attorney, it can also be important to make sure you find someone who understands the sensitivity of the situation and who will treat it and you with the care that you need.

Fight Back Against Business Discrimination With an Unruh Civil Rights Act Attorney

California has a robust set of laws protecting consumers’ rights and requiring fair operation by businesses within the state. One such landmark piece of legislation is the Unruh Civil Rights Act. This act attempts to ensure that California’s businesses are available to all and that all consumers are treated fairly, regardless of protected characteristics. It also provides legal recourse to those whose civil rights have been violated.

Unfortunately, violations of the Unruh Act occur regularly in California. It’s important that these businesses be held accountable for their actions. When businesses are found to have violated the Unruh Act, they can be held accountable and possibly prevented from continuing discriminatory practices. In addition, victims of discrimination can receive the compensation they deserve.

However, putting forth a strong claim often requires the assistance of an experienced Unruh Civil Rights Act Attorney, like those at Shay Legal APC. If you believe a business may have discriminated against you on the basis of a protected characteristic, contact us today.