Wrongful Termination Lawyer in Sacramento, CA

What is Wrongful Termination?

Wrongful termination is when an employer fires an employee for an improper reason that is usually not legally permissible. Some of the most common examples include discrimination, retaliation, and breach of contract. While employment in California is considered an “at-will” status, employers cannot blatantly fire someone for things that are either out of their control or for doing the right thing.

Wrongful Termination Laws That Protect Sacramento Workers

In California, there are a number of anti-discrimination laws in place to prevent wrongful terminations from occurring. These laws offer a broad range of protection from a variety of scenarios and some of them even overlap with federal laws to ensure that people cannot be improperly fired. As such, if an employee is suspecting that they have been wrongfully terminated, it is important that they familiarize themselves with these laws.

• Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) – Protects workers over 40 from discrimination
• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) – Protects against disability discrimination
• California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) – Prohibits discrimination and harassment in employment
• California Family Rights Act (CFRA) – Grants employees the right to take family and medical leave without the fear of losing their jobs.
• California Labor Code 6310 – Protects employees from termination if they report unsafe working conditions and violations to local and federal occupational safety and health administrations and agencies.
• California Labor Code 98.6 – Prevents employers from firing employees who file wage and hour complaints and exercise their labor rights for proper compensation.
• California Labor Code 1102.5 – Protects employees who report illegal activities and retaliation from their employers.
• California Labor Code 230.2 – Prohibits an employer from terminating their employee for fulfilling civic duties such as voting or serving on a jury.
• California Labor Code 230.3 – Prohibits an employer from terminating their employee for taking time off to perform emergency duty as a volunteer firefighter, a reserve peace officer, or emergency rescue personnel.
• California WARN Act – Legally requires employers to provide advance notice for any mass layoffs or company closures, and any failure to do can serve as grounds for a wrongful termination claim.
• Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) – Strictly prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation based on factors such as age, race, gender, ancestry, disability, marital status, sex, and sexual orientation.
• Title VII of the Civil Rights Act – Prohibits workplace discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin

How Can a Sacramento Wrongful Termination Lawyer Help Me?

A Sacramento wrongful termination lawyer can help evaluate the value of a case and help gather crucial evidence to represent a client in court. Hiring an experienced attorney can help navigate the legal process, and advise on legal options at every stage of a claim. While employees can file and pursue a claim on their own, it is highly discouraged because wrongful termination cases are generally difficult to prove and even more so, to win. It is highly recommended to hire a talented lawyer who will fight and watch out for their best interests.

How to Prove Wrongful Termination?

In order to prove wrongful termination, it is important to gather detailed documents such as performance reviews, emails, and any reports about any incidents of discrimination or retaliation. Should an employee get wrongfully terminated, they should request a written explanation regarding the main reasons behind it. Depending on the official reason for the termination, it could provide clarity and strengthen the case if the termination is deemed unlawful.

It is recommended that employees refrain from posting details about their termination on their social media, because it could become publicly shared information which could be used against the person filing the claim. As such, it is vital that wrongfully fired employees keep details confidential and only discuss their situation with trusted legal counsel.

Once an employee has gathered all of the necessary documents and details, they can consult with an employment attorney so they can evaluate the situation and determine the best course of action. Depending on the circumstance, employees may need to file a claim with a government agency, such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, in order for an official investigation to be conducted.

What Kind of Compensation Can Be Recovered In a Wrongful Termination Lawsuit?

When it comes to recovering compensation in a wrongful termination lawsuit, the most common types are reinstatement, back pay, lost wages, and lost benefits.

However in more severe circumstances, victims of a wrongful termination case can potentially recover non-economic and even punitive damages should the employer show clear signs of negligence and recklessness. Considering how the total value of a claim will vary on a case-by-case basis, it is recommended to consult with an experienced employment attorney to get an accurate estimation for your claim.

Lawyers for Justice, PC is Here To Help

As filing a wrongful termination claim can be a stressful and complex situation, it is important to find trusted legal counsel that people can trust and rely on. Lawyers for Justice, PC, is a prominent employment law firm that is dedicated to providing justice for those who were wrongfully terminated. The firm’s legal team are well-versed in the Sacramento court system and due to their years of experience, they are confident that they can get their clients the compensation they deserve.
To speak with a representative, call 818-JUSTICE or complete our online form for a free case consultation!