Wrongful Termination Lawyer
Losing your job under any circumstances can be incredibly challenging and stressful. When you lose your job due to wrongful termination, the entire experience can leave you feeling overwhelmed and isolated. At California Civil Rights Law Group, we fight for hardworking individuals like you who have been wrongfully terminated.
Whether your former employer violated the federal Civil Rights Act or California law, our experienced legal team knows how to hold them accountable. Our attorneys can initiate a wrongful termination lawsuit on your behalf and seek damages.
What Is Wrongful Termination in California?
Wrongful termination means that a business fires an employee in violation of a legal right or protection. California is an “at-will” employment state, meaning that employers can terminate employees without cause. However, there are many important exceptions.
For example, federal laws prohibit businesses from firing workers for discriminatory reasons. Additionally, businesses cannot fire employees in retaliation for a lawful activity or in violation of an explicit or implied contract. Examples of wrongful termination include the following:
- Firing based on race, gender, age, disability, national origin, religion, or sexual orientation
- Retaliation for whistleblowing, taking medical leave, or filing a workers’ compensation claim
- Termination in breach of an implied contract or public policy
If you were fired for one of these reasons, a wrongful termination lawyer in California can help. An experienced employer lawyer can evaluate the strength of your claim and work to hold the at-fault party accountable.
Recognizing Wrongful Termination
Being let go from a job unexpectedly is difficult, but not every firing is illegal. The key is determining if you were wrongfully terminated, and if so, what federal laws or state-endowed legal rights the employer violated. Ask yourself:
- Were you let go after reporting illegal behavior at your company?
- Did you recently request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or take protected medical leave?
- Were you targeted because of your race, gender, or other protected characteristic?
If so, then your employer may have violated state or federal laws. An experienced wrongful termination lawyer in California can examine your wrongful termination case and help you identify the best path forward.
Grounds for a Wrongful Termination Lawsuit
Wrongful termination means that a business fires an employee in violation of a legal right or protection. California is an “at-will” employment state, meaning that employers can terminate employees without cause. However, there are many important exceptions.
For example, federal laws prohibit businesses from firing workers for discriminatory reasons. Additionally, businesses cannot fire employees in retaliation for a lawful activity or in violation of an explicit or implied contract. Examples of wrongful termination include the following:
- Firing based on race, gender, age, disability, national origin, religion, or sexual orientation
- Retaliation for whistleblowing, taking medical leave, or filing a workers’ compensation claim
- Termination in breach of an implied contract or public policy
If you were fired for one of these reasons, a wrongful termination lawyer in California can help. An experienced employer lawyer can evaluate the strength of your claim and work to hold the at-fault party accountable.
Filing a Wrongful Termination Claim
Being let go from a job unexpectedly is difficult, but not every firing is illegal. The key is determining if you were wrongfully terminated, and if so, what federal laws or Filing a claim can seem overwhelming, but our firm simplifies the process. We start by evaluating your termination to determine whether the business violated a state or federal law. Depending on the circumstances, we may file an unlawful termination complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the California Civil Rights Department (formerly DFEH).
While you don’t necessarily have to use one of these agencies to mediate your case, you do need to file a claim with them. That’s because you may need a right-to-sue letter from one of these entities before you can proceed with your legal claim.
After obtaining the letter, our employment attorney may decide to proceed directly to court. This approach can be beneficial in cases of egregious employment law violations.
Keep in mind that statutes of limitations apply, even if you were wrongfully terminated. Most wrongful termination claims must be filed within 180 days to a year of the termination date, although some exceptions apply. With that in mind, you should book a consultation with an employment lawyer right away.
Proving Wrongful Discharge
To win your case, an employment attorney must provide evidence that your termination was unlawful. This could include the following:
- Emails or documents showing discriminatory intent
- Testimony from coworkers or HR representatives
- Family Medical Leave Act documents
- Patterns of behavior that suggest bias or retaliation
Our attorneys work with you to compile documentation and gather witnesses. We will build a strong case on your behalf and collaborate with expert witnesses to quantify damages.
To get started, contact us to schedule a confidential consultation. Our legal team will examine the specific circumstances of your case and determine whether there are grounds to justify direct legal action for compensatory damages or not.
Wrongful Termination Laws and Regulations
Wrongful termination laws in California are some of the strongest in the nation. Key wrongful termination laws in California include the following:
- California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA)
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act
- California Family Rights Act (CFRA)
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- California Labor Code Section 1102.5 (Whistleblower protections)
Our team stays current on evolving state and federal regulations to ensure our clients receive the legal representation they deserve.
Finding the Right Wrongful Termination Lawyer
Exercising your legal options amidst wrongful termination claims means choosing an experienced lawyer to represent you. At California Civil Rights Law Group, we have a proven track record of successfully representing workers in complex employment law cases. Our team has deep knowledge of employment cases pertaining to:
- Sexual harassment
- Unpaid wages
- Occupational safety
- Hostile work environment
- Emotional distress caused by supervisors/employers
- Adverse actions against whistleblowers
- Gender identity discrimination
When you choose our team, you will be represented by experienced trial attorneys who are also compassionate advocates. We understand the emotional toll of being wrongfully terminated and are here to protect your statutory right to work in a discrimination-free environment.
Preparing for a Wrongful Termination Lawsuit
If you think that you were fired and the act is considered wrongful termination, you should do the following to prepare for legal action:
- Document everything, including emails, performance reviews, and termination notices
- Make a list of people who could support your claim
- Secure your employment contract or employee handbook
Our legal team will walk you through each step of this process. If you are unable to obtain any of the information or resources outlined above, our attorneys can formally subpoena all records related to your employment and termination.
Contact Us Today
Need to talk to a wrongful termination lawyer in California? California Civil Rights Law Group provides confidential consultations. We’ll review your case, explain your rights, and fight for the justice you deserve. Book your consultation today.
Frequently Asked Questions
The value varies widely based on factors such as your salary before termination, the level of emotional distress you experienced, and other variables. Settlements can range from a few thousand dollars to millions, depending on the severity of the case.
Start by documenting everything you can. Do not sign a severance package or any agreements before reviewing them with your attorney. An unscrupulous employer may try to incorporate “hold harmless” clauses in the documents, which could impact your ability to file a claim.
Employers may even try to coerce you into signing such an agreement by offering a time-sensitive severance package. Don’t fall for it.
Winning your case requires strong evidence and the right legal team. Many cases can be settled out of court, which saves time and helps you avoid the stress of a drawn-out legal battle. However, it’s important to choose an attorney who is willing to take your case to trial if necessary.
California Civil Rights Law Group strives to resolve claims as quickly as possible, but we won’t hesitate to go to trial if the other party refuses to negotiate in good faith.
California Civil Rights Law Group won a record-breaking $137,000,000 jury verdict for race discrimination. In total, our legal team has recovered over $800 million for our clients and has a 99% success rate. While every case is unique, it’s important to choose an attorney with a track record of success. If you are facing wrongful discharge, our team is here to help.
Not always. Many cases settle through negotiation or mediation. However, if a fair resolution isn’t possible, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial.
During a trial, we will present the facts to the judge and jury in hopes of achieving a favorable verdict. If a jury delivers a verdict in your favor, the other party will be legally obligated to compensate you in accordance with the court’s order.
California Civil Rights Law Group offers free consultations to evaluate your case. During your consultation, we will discuss billing options and whether your case is eligible for contingency billing or not. Often, we work on a contingency basis, which means that you pay nothing unless we win.
In some cases, you can get your job back if you win your claim. However, many clients prefer to seek financial compensation so they can move on from a toxic or unhealthy work environment. Think of it as an opportunity for a fresh start.
Bring any documents related to your termination, such as your employee handbook and any employment contracts in your possession. If you received written documents notifying you of the termination, bring those as well.
The more evidence you can provide, the better. One of our attorneys will use these documents to evaluate your case and identify the best path forward.
If you cannot obtain certain documents, such as email records, come speak to us as soon as possible. If you choose our team to represent you, we can send a formal notice to your previous employer that requires them to retain any evidence related to your case. This prevents them from disposing of evidence that could support your discrimination claims.
In most cases, you have between one and three years to file a claim with the California Civil Rights Department. If you are filing a claim with the EEOC, you generally have up to 180 days.
However, you shouldn’t wait until anywhere near the deadline. As soon as you suspect wrongful termination, you should schedule a consultation with an experienced attorney.
In most cases, yes, you should. One of these agencies must issue a right-to-sue letter before you can pursue your claim in court. However, you do not have to rely on them to investigate the complaint. One of our attorneys can investigate your claim and litigate the case on your behalf.
