Buena Park Wrongful Termination Lawyer

Trusted Wrongful Termination Attorney in Buena Park, CA

The right to work to provide a living for you and your family is foundational for all Californians. Losing that job can be difficult, particularly when it violates the law. A Buena Park wrongful termination lawyer provides legal representation to workers who believe they were fired in violation of California or federal law. An unexpected job loss can create financial difficulties and uncertainty and leave an employee wondering what they can do to seek justice.

Wrongful termination claims are often legally complex and require an analysis of the situation to determine the employee’s rights. At Kristy & Kananen, we help employees understand their legal rights and evaluate whether they may have grounds to pursue a wrongful termination claim.

Hire a Wrongful Termination Lawyer

Kristy & Kananen has been offering dependable employment law services to California employees since 2000. We know how difficult it can be for employees who have lost their jobs. We work to safeguard the rights of employees who have been terminated or laid off under state and federal law.

Many wrongful termination cases are settled, but we will go to trial if an employer is unwilling to settle a dispute in good faith. We offer clear legal advice, responsive communication, and committed advocacy tailored to each client’s specific needs.

Wrongful Termination in California

California is an at-will employment state. In California, an employer or an employee may end an employment relationship at any time, for nearly any reason. Although California Labor Code § 2922 establishes at-will employment, employers may not terminate employees for reasons that violate state or federal law.

A termination can be unlawful if it breaches an employment contract, violates a public policy, or breaches state or federal statutory protections. To decide if a firing was unlawful, it is necessary to look at an employee’s work history, the employer’s stated reason for termination, and the events leading up to the firing.

Illegal Reasons an Employer Cannot Fire an Employee

Employers are not allowed to fire workers for activities that are protected by California or federal law. For instance, an employer generally cannot terminate an employee for reporting a safety issue in the workplace, complaining about discrimination or harassment, requesting reasonable accommodation, taking a qualifying protected leave of absence, serving on a jury, or reporting a wage and hour violation.

Employees are also protected under various state and federal laws when they report suspected legal violations or refuse to participate in illegal activities. Whether a termination was illegal will depend on the particular facts of the situation, the laws that are implicated, and the evidence that the employee can present in support of their claim.

Evidence That May Help Prove a Wrongful Termination Claim

Developing a wrongful termination claim typically starts with evidence collection. Pertinent documents can include termination letters, employment agreements, employee handbooks, performance reviews, disciplinary records, emails, text messages, payroll records, and written communication with supervisors or HR. Witness statements from coworkers may also help establish the events surrounding a termination.

Retaining relevant documents when possible and compiling a timeline of key events while they are still fresh in the mind can help. Thorough documentation can make it easier to assess whether a termination violated California or federal employment laws.

Potential Remedies in a California Wrongful Termination Case

Employees who establish that they were wrongfully terminated may be entitled to various remedies, depending on the circumstances. Remedies may include back pay and front pay, loss of employment benefits, and, in some cases, emotional distress damages.

Certain wrongful termination claims may also allow the recovery of attorney’s fees and other relief authorized by law and such other relief as may be provided by law. In some cases, reinstatement to the former position may also be available. Which remedies are available will vary based on the cause of action alleged and the facts proven.

FAQs

Can I Be Wrongfully Terminated During a Probationary Period?

Employees can have legal protections during their probationary period. A Buena Park wrongful termination claim may be valid if an employer fired an employee for an unlawful reason, including retaliation, discrimination, or another violation of California or federal law. Whether a probationary employee has a valid claim depends on the termination reason, the employer’s actions, and the evidence supporting the allegation.

How Many Workplace Complaints Are Reported to the California Civil Rights Department?

California employees file thousands of workplace-related complaints each year. The California Civil Rights Department reported receiving 33,505 intake forms alleging civil rights violations in 2024. While those reports cover a range of employment-related complaints, the numbers show how often California employees turn to authorities when they believe their workplace rights might have been violated.

Where Are Wrongful Termination Legal Claims From Buena Park Typically Filed?

Wrongful termination legal claims that originate in Buena Park are most often filed in the Orange County Superior Court if the legal action becomes necessary. Venue and procedural factors like the parties involved and the specific legal claims made will determine which court a case is heard in. Filing a claim in the proper court and complying with applicable procedural requirements can affect how a wrongful termination case proceeds.

How Common Are Retaliation Charges Filed With the EEOC?

Retaliation claims continue to be the most common type of charge filed with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. In its fiscal year 2024 Statistical Summary, the EEOC reported that 42,301 retaliation charges were filed. Since retaliation is frequently associated with wrongful termination allegations, these statistics show that protections for employees who exercise their rights under applicable laws remain necessary.

Buena Park Wrongful Termination Lawyer

Being fired from your job can have serious financial and emotional repercussions, particularly if you were wrongfully or unlawfully terminated. Kristy & Kananen serves employees in Buena Park and the surrounding communities in wrongful termination and other employment law cases.

We provide sound legal advice, prompt communication, and zealous representation customized to the needs of our clients. We can help work towards an effective resolution, whether your case is handled through negotiations or in court. Schedule a consultation and let our team help you hold your employer accountable.