Roseville Wrongful Termination Attorney
Being fired from a job is never easy and can cause extreme financial and emotional stress. Being fired for illegal reasons can be even more overwhelming and add legal concerns to your mountain of worries. Understanding your rights and working with a Roseville wrongful termination lawyer can help put your mind at ease.
While most employers in Roseville, California, can legally let employees go at any time for any reason, it is illegal to fire someone for unlawful reasons, such as race, gender, sexual orientation, or political affiliation. It is also against the law to fire people as a form of retaliation or because they requested workers’ compensation or time off that they are entitled to.
If you or a loved one have been fired for unlawful reasons, you should contact an experienced wrongful termination lawyer to advocate for your rights. At The Ward Firm, we understand how frustrating and confusing getting laid off can be, and we do everything we can to fight for our client’s rights in this distressing time. We can listen to your story, review all the details and evidence, and help you craft a strong case against your employer.
What Qualifies as Wrongful Termination in California?
California is considered an “at-will” employment state, which means you can usually be fired at any time for any reason. Legally, your employer does not have to give you prior notice before firing you and does not need to provide an explanation for why they let you go.
However, your employer cannot terminate your employment for protected reasons, so make sure you know what qualifies as legal and illegal termination. If your employer fires you for unlawful reasons, then it is an instance of wrongful termination.
All of the scenarios below are examples of unlawful reasons for firing an employee in the state of California. If you have been through any of the following discriminatory situations, you have likely faced wrongful termination:
- Discrimination: Firing someone because of protected reasons such as gender identity, race, sexual orientation, political affiliation, religious beliefs, physical or mental disabilities, or marital status.
- Employee leave: Firing someone because they requested time off that they are legally entitled to.
- Statutory Obligations: Firing someone for performing a legal obligation, like jury duty.
- Whistleblower activities: Firing someone for reporting a violation of the law.
- Retaliation: Firing someone for complaints about the neglect of employee rights, such as wage law violations, sexual harassment, or the creation of a hostile work environment.
- Worker’s Compensation Claims: If workers are hurt on the job, they can fire a worker’s compensation claim. In California, it is illegal for employers to fire an employee for filing a worker’s compensation claim.
Every instance of wrongful termination looks a bit different. Sharing the exact details of what you went through with an employment lawyer is important, as they can help determine if you have a case that you can pursue and outline your legal options moving forward.
What Are Examples of Wrongful Termination?
No employee deserves to be fired without just cause, but unfortunately, employers frequently lay off employees for illegal reasons. For example, if an employee is facing ongoing sexual harassment from their boss, they might take it upon themselves to report the harassment to human resources. When their boss becomes aware of the report, they might retaliate by firing the employee. Firing an employee for reporting harassment is against the law, and the employee can benefit from hiring a lawyer and seeking compensation for their losses.
Another example of wrongful termination that is unfortunately common in California and many states is firing someone because of their sexual orientation. For instance, if an employer finds out the sexual orientation of an employee in their workplace and fires them because of that, this is unlawful termination. California law bans discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender, so if you think you were laid off because of these factors, you should seek legal representation.
Can I Sue My Employer for Wrongful Termination in California?
Employees who have been wrongfully terminated in California have the right to sue their employers. A wrongful termination attorney can help you fight for compensatory damages, including restitution for lost wages and emotional distress from the termination, in addition to legal fees and other benefits.
In California, employees who want to sue an employer for wrongful termination must file a claim that the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) will evaluate. The EEOC is a federal agency that enforces workplace discrimination laws. If you want to file a claim for the EEOC to review, you should consult a Roseville employment lawyer. They know all the ins and out of the claim filing process and can handle the complex administrative steps required for filing a wrongful termination claim.
Your lawyer will respectfully listen to all the details of your experience and develop a strong legal strategy to protect your rights. If they determine that you were wrongfully terminated, they can help you complete claim forms and supporting documentation without error and gather strong evidence that backs up your case. In order to be compensated for damages, you need to be able to prove that your termination was unlawful, and hiring an employment lawyer is essential for building a strong case.
The exact amount of the settlement in California will depend on the contextual factors of your termination. A lawyer can review the details of your case and help set your expectations for the legal process.
Talk to an Experienced Wrongful Termination Lawyer in Roseville, California
Wrongful terminations can be extremely frustrating. All of a sudden, you have lost your income, have to look for a new job, and must navigate the complex emotions that come with being fired. You don’t have to go through this alone.
At The Ward Firm, we don’t put up with wrongful termination, and you shouldn’t either. We take the time to examine every client’s situation and provide compassionate support and informed legal guidance. We can walk you through every step of filing a wrongful termination claim and fight to hold your employer accountable for their actions. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step in standing up for your rights.
Schedule a Free Consultation
At your free initial consultation, you will meet directly with Justin, and he will explain how he can best help you with your case. If you decide to work with us, we will immediately get started on creating a strategy that protects your interests.
To get more information, call our office at 916-443-2474 or send us an email using our contact form. We are available by phone 24 hours a day. Se habla español.