California upholds an at-will employment law designed to protect both employees and employers. Under at-will employment, an employee has the right to leave their job at any time, with or without giving prior notice, and with no requirement to provide a specific reason. Similarly, an employer has the right to terminate an employee at any time, with or without prior notice and at their discretion. While this may sound like it gives employers the ability to legally fire anyone for any reason, employers may not fire employees for illegal reasons.
A wrongful termination occurs when an employer bases a termination decision on an illegal reason. Some employers may attempt to hide their discriminatory reasons for firing an employee with legal excuses, but these usually fall apart with significant scrutiny. After a termination for illegal reasons, you may feel hopeless in the face of the at-will employment laws in California. However, if you have any evidence that shows your employer fired you for an illegal or discriminatory reason, you have grounds for legal action. An experienced Los Angeles wrongful termination attorney is the best asset you can have in this situation.
The right attorney can make a tremendous impact on the outcome of your wrongful termination case. Navigating these cases is more difficult than the average person might realize, and you could be entitled to more compensation than you expect. Hiring the right Los Angeles wrongful termination attorney not only increases your chance of success with the claim but is also likely to maximize your recovery. You may have grounds to hold your employer legally accountable for violating the law as well as for losses caused by your wrongful firing.
The Law Offices of Miguel S. Ramirez have years of experience representing Los Angeles, CA-area clients in a wide range of employment disputes, including wrongful termination. Our attorneys will examine the details of your recent firing and evaluate any evidence you provide to substantiate your claim. You will likely need to file a claim with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in response to your wrongful termination, and we can assist with this as well. Our goal is to provide support and peace of mind when you need it most.
A wrongful termination occurs when an employer fires an employee for an illegal reason. For example, if you revealed that you are pregnant to your employer and they fired you shortly thereafter without any sound justification, their firing decision could be based on your pregnancy and your future leave of absence. Wrongful termination may also occur due to other forms of discrimination. It is illegal for any employer to make hiring and firing decisions on the basis of race, sex, sexual orientation, ethnicity, age, medical status, or religion.
In almost every wrongful termination case, the employer attempts to hide their true reasons for firing an employee with other excuses. For example, if they have a discriminatory intention for firing an employee, they may give the employee an unreasonably harsh performance review. They could then cite this as justification for their firing decision. If you are unsure whether your recent termination was wrongful, it’s vital to consult an experienced Los Angeles wrongful termination attorney as soon as possible.
Proving wrongful termination is often very difficult, but it is possible when you have a reliable legal team supporting you. There are important steps you must complete to succeed with your wrongful termination claim. First, note that you cannot sue your employer directly. Instead, you must file a wrongful termination claim with the EEOC. The EEOC will investigate your claim, and if the agency determines that a wrongful termination occurred, they will issue you a Notice of Right to Sue. This document allows you to proceed with a civil action against your employer. If the employer’s behavior was particularly egregious, the EEOC may initiate formal criminal charges against the employer.
Every wrongful termination case is unique, but every such case must begin with an EEOC claim. Your Los Angeles wrongful termination attorney will assist you in gathering evidence to submit to the EEOC with your claim, including records of correspondence with your employer, past performance reviews, and statements from your coworkers. Once the EEOC receives and approves your claim, your attorney can help you determine which damages you can seek in your civil action.
Some employees who are wrongfully terminated desire reinstatement to their positions, but this isn’t acceptable for many claimants. You also have the right to seek compensation for lost wages or benefits resulting from the termination, as well as any out-of-pocket costs you incurred due to your firing. Your attorney can help you calculate these losses and even pursue compensation for emotional distress and reputation damage caused by the wrongful termination.
Success with your wrongful termination suit can provide fair compensation for the losses you sustained from the incident. Your suit may also potentially prevent others from facing the same treatment. If the EEOC determines that your employer has engaged in a pattern of wrongful termination and other discriminatory practices, they will likely take additional punitive action against them. The best way to hold an employer accountable for unfair, unethical, and illegal business practices is to consult with a Los Angeles wrongful termination lawyer as soon as possible.
The Law Offices of Miguel S. Ramirez have extensive experience handling a wide range of wrongful termination cases in multiple industries. Our compassionate team has built a stellar reputation for supporting Los Angeles area employees as they navigate unfair employment practices. We understand the anxiety, frustration, and uncertainty that a wrongful termination can cause and can provide support and peace of mind during this challenging time.
Don’t live with the negative emotions and financial impacts of your wrongful termination another day. Schedule a case review to see how a skilled Los Angeles wrongful termination attorney can assist with your claim. Contact the Law Offices of Miguel S. Ramirez for more information or to request your review.