Getting older should never cost you your job. Your skills, experience, and work ethic don't disappear with age — but some employers still act like they do. In California, age discrimination in the workplace is illegal. Still, many workers over 40 are unfairly pushed out, passed over, or treated differently just because of their age.
If you've been affected by this, you're not alone. And more importantly, you have rights. With help from an experienced age discrimination attorney in California, you can take action and protect yourself.
In this article, we'll explain what age discrimination looks like, how California law protects older workers, and how The Law Offices of Cummings & Franck, P.C. can help you if you've been treated unfairly because of your age.
What Is Age Discrimination?
Age discrimination happens when an employer treats an employee or job applicant unfairly because they are age 40 or older. This treatment can happen during the hiring process, while you're on the job, or when you're being let go.
Here are some common examples:
- You're passed over for promotions in favor of younger, less experienced employees
- You are laid off, but younger workers doing the same job are kept
- You are pressured to retire early
- Jokes or comments are made about your age or energy level
- You are left out of meetings or projects you were once included in
- You stop receiving training or advancement opportunities
If any of these things have happened to you, it could be a sign of age discrimination — and you may have a legal case.
What the Law Says
In California, the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) protects workers over 40 from age-based discrimination. There's also a federal law — the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) — that gives older employees nationwide protection.
These laws make it illegal for employers to:
- Fire or lay off someone because of age
- Refuse to hire or promote someone because they're over 40
- Create a hostile work environment with age-related remarks or behavior
- Cut pay, reduce hours, or change job duties due to age
- Retaliate against an employee who speaks up about age discrimination
If your employer has done any of the above, you may be able to file a complaint or even a lawsuit.
What to Do If You Suspect Age Discrimination
If you believe your age was used against you at work, here are some steps you can take:
- Document everything – Keep notes of what was said, who said it, and when.
- Save emails, memos, or performance reviews – Anything that shows a shift in how you were treated.
- Avoid quitting immediately – Leaving could affect your case. Speak to a lawyer first.
- Reach out to an age discrimination attorney – They can tell you if you have a valid case.
Taking action doesn't just help you — it also helps protect others who might be going through the same thing.
How The Law Offices of Cummings & Franck, P.C. Can Help
The team at The Law Offices of Cummings & Franck, P.C. understands how damaging age discrimination can be — not just to your job, but also to your confidence and your future. They've worked with many clients across California who were wrongfully fired, pushed out, or overlooked because of their age.
Their experienced attorneys will:
- Listen to your story
- Review your documents and timeline
- Help you understand your rights
- Build a strong case and represent you
- Push for fair results — including lost wages, job reinstatement, or other compensation
They know the law, and they know how to deal with employers who try to get around it.
Age Should Never Be a Reason to Be Left Behind
Older employees bring experience, wisdom, and reliability to the workplace. Sadly, some companies think only young workers are worth investing in. But that's not how the law works — and that's not how people should be treated.
If you feel like your age has been used against you at work, it's time to speak up. You don't have to face it alone.
The Law Offices of Cummings & Franck, P.C. is here to help. Their team is ready to stand with you and fight for the respect and fair treatment you deserve.
