Representing Employees Who Have Been Wrongfully Terminated
Being let go or fired from a job is difficult and emotional. However, it is important to ensure that the terms of your termination are legal. If you believe you were wrongfully terminated from your job, it is essential to speak with a lawyer who can evaluate your situation.
With years of experience, clients who have been wrongfully terminated from their jobs turn to our attorneys, James R. Kristy and Kurt Kananen. From our Los Angeles area-based firm, Kristy & Kananen, we represent clients in a wide range of employment issues, including wrongful termination. We are dedicated to helping you exercise your rights and stand up to even the largest employer to ensure you get the result you deserve.
What Is At-Will Employment?
California employees are hired under a concept called “at-will employment.” This means that at any time, for any reason or no reason, an employee can be terminated from their job. The employer is not even obligated to provide an explanation. However, at-will employment does not cover situations in which an employee was terminated for illegal reasons, such as reporting discrimination or due to their being in one of the protected classifications. These include disability, sex, gender, pregnancy, age, race, national origin and more.
Terminations That Were Wrongful
Anything beyond legitimate performance concerns, violations of company best practices and guidelines, division-wide layoffs or other specific situations may constitute wrongful termination. Reporting discrimination or sexual harassment is not a basis for demotion or termination. Raising issues with management is not a basis for termination if the concerns were brought up in good faith. There are many other situations that would lead one to believe they were wrongfully terminated. However, only experienced employment lawyers like ours can determine if you have a case.
Do You Have A California Wrongful Termination Case?
You may suspect you were terminated wrongfully, but how can you know for sure? Here are some telltale indicators that your termination might have been useful:
- Discrimination: If you were terminated over gender, age, religion, disability, racial discrimination or another protected characteristic, you may have a case.
- Retaliation: If you were fired after reporting illegal activities, unsafe conditions or harassment, your termination might be retaliatory and therefore wrongful.
- Contract violations: If your termination breaches the terms of your employment contract, such as being fired without proper notice, it could be wrongful.
- Public policy violations: If you were let go for reasons that violate public policy, such as refusing to engage in illegal activities or taking time off for jury duty, this might constitute wrongful termination.
An employment attorney can be instrumental in determining whether your termination was just or wrongful. They will review your employment history, the circumstances surrounding your termination and any relevant documentation. By doing so, they can identify any violations and advise you on the strength of your case.
Filing a wrongful termination claim is a critical step in seeking justice and compensation. The claims process involves:
- Gathering evidence
- Filing the necessary paperwork
- Negotiating with your former employer or their legal representatives
An experienced wrongful termination lawyer can guide you through each step, ensuring you file correctly and within the statute of limitations. We can also:
- Evaluate your case: Assess the merits of your case and determine the best course of action
- Gather evidence: Help collect and organize the necessary evidence to support your claim
- Negotiate on your behalf: Work with your former employer to reach a fair settlement and potentially avoid a lengthy court battle
- Represent you in court: Protect you in court if your case goes to trial to achieve the best possible outcome
Consulting with an employment law firm can significantly increase your chances of a successful wrongful termination claim. We have the experience and skill required to present a compelling claim and push for maximum compensation, including punitive damages.
Working Together With You On Your Case
We partner with our clients when pursuing their wrongful termination cases, working together to see that their rights are preserved. To learn more, schedule a free consultation at our office. Call us at 888-473-0934 or contact us via email.