Pasadena Wrongful Termination Lawyer

Attorney advertisement by Edwin Aiwazian of Lawyers for Justice, PC, headquartered at 410 Arden Avenue, Glendale, CA 91203

If you’ve recently lost your job and believe it was unjust, you may feel confused, hurt, and unsure about what to do next. At Lawyers for Justice, PC, we understand how devastating wrongful termination can be and are here to help you navigate this challenging time. It is essential to work with a Pasadena wrongful termination lawyer committed to ensuring your rights are protected, and you receive the justice you deserve.

What Is Wrongful Termination in California?

Wrongful termination occurs when an employer illegally fires an employee. While California is an at-will employment state, meaning employers can terminate employees for any reason or no reason at all, this does not give them carte blanche to dismiss employees for illegal reasons.

Understanding the intricacies of wrongful termination is crucial to determining whether your dismissal was unlawful, which is one of the many reasons why working with a wrongful termination lawyer in Pasadena is important.

At-Will Employment in California

In California, at-will employment means that either the employer or the employee can end the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice. However, there are significant exceptions to this rule. These exceptions protect employees against unfair treatment and illegal firing practices.

Employers are prohibited from terminating employees for reasons that violate public policy, such as discrimination or retaliation. For example, firing an employee because of their race, gender, or disability is illegal under both state and federal laws. Similarly, employers cannot retaliate against employees for reporting illegal activities or unsafe working conditions.

Examples of Wrongful Termination

To better understand wrongful termination, consider the following examples:

• Discriminatory firing—an employee is terminated shortly after disclosing their pregnancy despite having a stellar performance record;
• Retaliatory firing—an employee is fired after reporting safety violations to OSHA;
• Firing in violation of public policy—an employee is terminated for refusing to participate in illegal activities requested by their employer;
• Contractual breach—an employee with a contract stipulating they can only be fired for cause is terminated without any valid reason;
• Whistleblower retaliation—an employee is fired after exposing company fraud to the authorities; and
• Taking protected leave – An employee is dismissed for taking medical leave under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

Your situation may or may not mirror one of these examples, so it is important to work with a Pasadena wrongful termination lawyer to determine whether your circumstances are applicable.

Laws Governing Wrongful Termination

Several state and federal laws protect employees from wrongful termination. One or more of these laws may apply to your situation, and an experienced attorney can help you navigate these complex legal protections.

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

This federal law prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It applies to employers with 15 or more employees.

California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA)

This state law protects employees from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in the workplace. It is more expansive than federal law and applies to employers with five or more employees.

Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)

Protects employees over 40 from age-based discrimination. This federal law applies to employers with 20 or more employees.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities. This federal law applies to employers with 15 or more employees.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

This federal law protects employees who need to take leave for medical reasons or family care. It applies to employers with 50 or more employees.

Statute of Limitations

It’s important to act quickly if you believe you have been wrongfully terminated. California’s statute of limitations for filing a wrongful termination claim depends on the specific circumstances and the applicable law. Generally, you have:

• Three hundred days to file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) under federal law;
• One year to file a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) under state law; and
• Two years to file a lawsuit for breach of contract.

Promptly consulting a Pasadena wrongful termination lawyer can help you meet these critical deadlines.

Why File a Claim?

Filing a wrongful termination claim is crucial for seeking justice and securing your financial future. Remedies or compensation available in wrongful termination cases can include:

• Reinstatement—being rehired to your former position;
• Back pay—compensation for lost wages and benefits from the time of termination to the resolution of the case;
• Front pay—compensation for future lost wages if reinstatement is not feasible;
• Emotional distress damages—compensation for the psychological impact of the wrongful termination; and
• Punitive damages—additional damages intended to punish the employer for particularly egregious conduct.

The legal remedies you are entitled to for wrongful termination largely depend on your claim’s unique circumstances.

Filing a Wrongful Termination Claim in California

If you believe an employer wrongfully terminated you, taking the following steps can help you file a successful claim.

Document Everything

Keep detailed records of events leading up to your termination, including emails, performance reviews, and discriminatory or retaliatory actions.

File a Complaint

Before filing a lawsuit, you may need to file a complaint with the EEOC or the CRD.

Consult a Pasadena Wrongful Termination Lawyer

Seek legal advice to evaluate your case and determine the best course of action.

How a Pasadena Wrongful Termination Lawyer Can Help

Hiring a wrongful termination lawyer in Pasadena can significantly increase your chances of success. Our experienced attorneys can provide comprehensive support at Lawyers for Justice, PC. Ultimately, our role is to alleviate your burden and provide expert guidance through each step of the legal process. We are committed to ensuring you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.

Case Evaluation

We will carefully evaluate your case by reviewing the details of your termination and gathering all necessary documentation and evidence. This includes obtaining performance reviews, emails, and records of discriminatory or retaliatory actions. Our thorough assessment helps determine whether you have a valid claim and the best legal strategy to pursue.

Filing Your Complaint

Our team will also assist you in filing complaints with relevant agencies, such as the EEOC or CRD. These initial filings are crucial as they often lay the groundwork for your case. We will ensure you meet all deadlines and that we present your complaint accurately and thoroughly.

Negotiations and Litigation

In addition to the administrative aspects, we will handle all negotiations with your former employer. We aim to achieve a fair settlement compensating you for lost wages, emotional distress, and other damages.

We are prepared to represent you in court if you cannot reach a satisfactory settlement. Our attorneys have extensive experience litigating wrongful termination cases and will vigorously advocate for your rights.

Contact Lawyers for Justice, PC Today

If you believe an employer wrongfully terminated you, don’t wait to seek help. Contact Lawyers for Justice, PC to start working with a dedicated Pasadena wrongful termination attorney.

We offer a free consultation to understand your claim and determine if our wrongful termination law firm is the best fit for you. Our compassionate and knowledgeable team is here to fight for your rights and help you get the justice you deserve.

For more information, visit our website or call us today to speak with a Pasadena wrongful termination lawyer. Let us be your advocate in this challenging time.