Wrongful Termination Lawyer in Los Angeles

Were You Wrongfully Terminated from Your Job in Los Angeles?

Being terminated from a job can be devastating, especially if it was done unfairly or unlawfully. It is important to know your rights as an employee and to seek justice if you have been wrongfully terminated. Victims of wrongful termination often have the right to recover compensation for lost wages and benefits. In Los Angeles, there are laws and resources available to protect workers from unlawful termination, and it is crucial to seek out the help of an experienced employment lawyer who can advocate on your behalf.

Is My Employer Guilty of Wrongful Termination?

Wrongful termination applies to many areas and each category contains further variables to be considered in every individual case. Victims of unlawful termination should consult with a lawyer to understand their specific circumstances. If you feel that you were let go from your job for any reason that falls within one of the following categories, it is important that you contact our law firm today.

Categories of wrongful termination include, but are not limited to:

Age: Wrongful termination based on age discrimination, where an employee is fired due to their age, typically over 40 years old.
Constructive termination (hostile work environment): Wrongful termination occurs when the work environment becomes intolerable due to harassment or mistreatment, leading the employee to resign involuntarily.
Gender: Wrongful termination based on gender discrimination, where an employee is fired because of their gender.
Gender identity (e.g., transgender, etc.): Involves wrongful termination due to discrimination against an individual’s gender identity, including transgender individuals.
Mental disability: Termination of an employee based on a mental disability, which is protected under laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
National origin: Wrongful termination due to discrimination based on an individual’s country of origin or nationality.
OSHA retaliation: Retaliation against an employee for reporting workplace safety violations to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Physical disability (FEHA or ADA): Wrongful termination based on discrimination against an individual’s physical disability, protected under the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) or ADA.
Political affiliation: Termination of an employee based on their political beliefs or activities.
Pregnancy: Wrongful termination of a pregnant employee due to their pregnancy status.
Maternity leave: Firing an employee while on maternity leave or shortly after returning from maternity leave.
Race: Wrongful termination based on racial discrimination, where an employee is fired because of their race.
Religion or religious practices: Termination of an employee due to their religious beliefs or practices.
Retaliation against health care workers for safety reports: Retaliation against healthcare workers for reporting safety concerns or violations in the workplace.
Retaliation for complaints about unpaid wages or overtime: Firing an employee for raising concerns about unpaid wages or overtime pay.
Retaliation for reporting Labor Code violations (e.g., failure to provide meal or rest breaks): Termination of an employee for reporting violations of labor laws, such as failure to provide required breaks.
Retaliation for workplace health and safety concerns: Firing an employee for raising legitimate health and safety issues in the workplace.
Sexual orientation (e.g., homosexual, bisexual, etc.): Wrongful termination based on discrimination against an individual’s sexual orientation.
Use of Family Medical Leave (FMLA or CFRA): Termination of an employee for taking protected leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) or California Family Rights Act (CFRA).

What Steps Should I Take After a Wrongful Termination?

Consult with Potter Handy Law Firm: A wrongful termination case can be complex, so it’s important to speak with an experienced employment lawyer who can provide you with legal guidance on how to proceed.

Document everything: Keep detailed records of any interactions with your employer leading up to the termination, as well as any evidence that supports your claim of wrongful termination, such as performance evaluations, emails, or witness statements.

File a complaint: In California, you have one year from the date of termination to file a complaint for wrongful termination. Potter Handy law firm will investigate your claim and possibly pursue legal action on your behalf.

Consider mediation or arbitration: Before pursuing a lawsuit, Potter Handy can also assist with dispute resolution methods, such as mediation or arbitration, to resolve the issue outside of court.

File a lawsuit: If mediation or arbitration is unsuccessful, you may need to file a lawsuit against your employer for wrongful termination. Your lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and seek damages for lost wages, emotional distress, and other damages related to your termination.

What Does At-Will Employment Mean in California?

At-will employment in California means that an employer or employee can terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or advance notice. This is in contrast to other states that may have additional requirements for terminating employment, such as needing a valid reason or providing notice. However, despite the “at-will” employment set of beliefs in California, there are still certain exceptions that protect employees from wrongful termination, such as discrimination laws, retaliation laws, and public policy exceptions.

Employment on an “at-will” basis should not be used as justification for unjustified termination.

Discover the Advantages of Having a Los Angeles Wrongful Termination Lawyer on Your Side!

There are several advantages to having a Los Angeles wrongful termination lawyer on your side, including:

Expertise and experience: Wrongful termination laws can be complex and difficult to navigate on your own. A skilled lawyer has the expertise and experience to effectively represent your interests and build a strong case on your behalf.

Protection of your rights: A wrongful termination lawyer can help ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive fair compensation for any damages you may have suffered as a result of your termination.

Negotiation and settlement: A lawyer can help negotiate a fair settlement with your former employer, potentially avoiding the need for a lengthy and costly trial.

Legal representation: Having a lawyer by your side can provide peace of mind and ensure that you have a strong advocate fighting for your rights throughout the legal process.

Increased chances of success: With a skilled lawyer on your side, you are more likely to achieve a successful outcome and receive the compensation you deserve for your wrongful termination.

Overall, having a Los Angeles wrongful termination lawyer on your side can greatly increase your chances of achieving a positive outcome and obtaining justice for the unfair treatment you may have experienced.

What Kinds of Compensation Can I Receive for Wrongful Termination in Los Angeles?

If you have been wrongfully terminated in Los Angeles, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation, depending on the circumstances of your case. Some common types of compensation that you may be able to receive include:

Back pay: This is the wages and benefits that you would have earned if you had not been unfairly terminated. This may include any missed salary, bonuses, commissions, or other forms of compensation that you would have received if you had continued working. Recovering such compensation is often an objective in a wrongful termination lawsuit.

Front pay: If it is not possible for you to be reinstated to your former position, you may be entitled to front pay, which is compensation for the future wages and benefits that you would have earned if you had not been unlawfully terminated.

Emotional distress damages: If you experienced emotional distress as a result of your wrongful termination, you may be entitled to compensation for the pain and suffering that you endured.

Punitive damages: In cases where the employer’s actions were particularly egregious or intentional, you may be awarded punitive damages as a way to punish the employer and deter them from engaging in similar behavior in the future.

Attorney’s fees and costs: If you are successful in your wrongful termination claim, you may be entitled to recover the costs of hiring an attorney and any other expenses related to pursuing your case.

It is important to consult with an experienced employment law attorney in Los Angeles to assess your situation and determine the appropriate forms of compensation that may be available to you in a wrongful termination case.

What California Laws Protect Employees from Wrongful Termination in Los Angeles?

In Los Angeles, California, there are several laws that protect employees from wrongful termination:

California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) – This law prohibits discrimination and harassment in the workplace based on protected characteristics such as race, gender, religion, disability, and sexual orientation. If an employer terminates an employee for discriminatory reasons, the employee can work with our law firm to file a complaint and review their legal options.
California Family Rights Act (CFRA) – This law provides job-protected leave for employees to care for a family member with a serious health condition or to bond with a new child. If an employer terminates an employee for taking CFRA leave, the employee can work with our law firm to file a complaint and review their legal options. In such cases, filing a lawsuit can help the employee seek justice.
California Whistleblower Protection Act – This law protects employees from retaliation for reporting violations of state or federal laws. If an employer terminates an employee for whistleblowing, the employee can work with our law firm to file a complaint and review their legal options.

Overall, these laws provide important protections for employees in Los Angeles and throughout California to prevent unlawful termination and hold employers accountable for illegal actions in the workplace.

Learn about California Laws that Prohibit Retaliation and Discrimination.

Learn more about Wrongful Termination Laws and how you can initiate a lawsuit.

Have You Been Wrongfully Terminated from Your Job in Los Angeles?

Potter Handy Law Firm is here to help you seek justice for your wrongful termination. Don’t hesitate to contact us at (415) 534-1911 or email us for a free consultation and learn how we can assist you in your claim for wrongful termination.