Wrongful Termination Lawyers in San Diego, CA
A San Diego employee who has been fired under questionable circumstances may question whether their dismissal was legal. While California is an “at-will” employment state, meaning an employer can fire a worker at any time without cause or reason—they cannot do so for an illegal reason. A termination for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons, or a reason that violates the employee’s contract or public policy, may be wrongful and against the law. A San Diego wrongful termination lawyer can protect the worker’s rights and fight for the employee’s reinstatement or significant financial compensation.
Wrongful termination occurs when an employer fires an employee for illegal reasons. These reasons can range from discrimination based on race, gender, age, religion, or disability, to retaliation for whistleblowing or exercising legal rights. If the termination violates federal or state laws, it’s typically wrongful.
An employee who lives or works in San Diego and has experienced an unfair dismissal has legal rights. A San Diego wrongful termination attorney can review the claim and devise a plan to hold the employer accountable. Even better, an employment lawyer in San Diego can guide the employee through each step of the legal process—from gathering evidence to negotiating a settlement or representing the case in court, if necessary.
What to Do If You’ve Been Wrongfully Terminated in San Diego
An employee who suspects their dismissal was unlawful must take steps to protect their legal rights. A skilled wrongful termination lawyer in San Diego can build a case to hold the employer legally accountable, but taking the following steps is essential to strengthen the case:
Sign Nothing
Do not sign a waiver or severance agreement without first consulting an attorney for wrongful termination. These documents often include language that protects the employer from legal action.
Document Everything
Gather all written communication relevant to the dismissal. This includes the employment contract, termination letter, all performance reviews, and any corporate policies or employment handbooks. Include the names and contact information for any potential witnesses to discriminatory or retaliatory behavior.
Request a Written Explanation
A fired employee should ask the employer to provide the reasons for the dismissal in writing. This formal justification may clarify and reveal the unlawful nature of the termination.
Consult a Wrongful Termination Attorney
An experienced attorney for employee termination in San Diego protects workers’ rights and can fight for the worker’s job, or secure meaningful compensation.
Your Legal Rights After an Unfair Termination in San Diego
Employees are protected by a range of state and federal laws that regulate workplace rights. If any of these laws apply to a dismissal, a qualified San Diego wrongful termination lawyer can step in to safeguard those rights and pursue fair compensation on the employee’s behalf.
California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) – The FEHA prohibits discrimination and harassment in the workplace.
California Labor Code § 98.6 – 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 Family Rights Act (CFRA): The CFRA grants employees the right to take family and medical leave without fear of losing their jobs, similar to the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act – Title VII prohibits workplace discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin.
Labor Code § 6310: Labor Code 6310 protects employees from termination if they report unsafe working conditions or other violations of occupational safety and health regulations.
California Labor Code § 1102.5 – California Labor Code 1102.5 protects employees who report illegal activities and retaliation from their employers.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) – The ADA is a federal law that protects individuals with disabilities against discrimination.
Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) – The ADEA protects workers over 40 from discrimination.
Federal and state employment laws detail workers’ rights. Dedicated wrongful termination lawyers in San Diego fight to protect these rights and seek significant compensation when employees’ rights are violated.
Get Legal Support From a San Diego Wrongful Termination Attorney
A San Diego wrongful termination lawyer can distinguish between a lawful or an illegal firing. When the law has been broken, the employment attorney fights to hold the employer accountable and secure significant monetary compensation for the wronged employee.
A skilled San Diego attorney for employee termination can provide:
- Thorough Case Assessment
- Strategic Evidence Collection
- Customized Legal Strategies
- Skilled Negotiation
- Vigorous Litigation
- Comprehensive Client Support
- Deft Mitigation of Damages
Lawyers for Justice, PC (LFJ) is a prominent employment law firm dedicated to making the workplace more fair for all workers. LFJ’s San Diego wrongful discharge attorneys fight for their clients’ rights, and hold employers accountable for their actions. When reinstatement is not a viable option, the legal team seeks meaningful financial compensation for the wronged worker.
For about 15 years, Lawyers for Justice, PC has a proven track record for providing justice to employees. The firm fights employers big and small, and has recovered millions of dollars in compensation for its clients.
LFJ’s wrongful termination lawyers in San Diego provide free consultations 24/7—an invaluable opportunity to discuss a potential claim with an employment law expert. Consultations are available in over eight different languages, and virtual consultations are available, as well.
To schedule a free consultation with a qualified San Diego lawyer for wrongful discharge, please call (818) JUSTICE or complete this brief contact form.
Other Areas We Serve
Wrongful Termination Lawyer Glendale
Wrongful Termination Lawyer Pasadena
Wrongful Termination Lawyer Sacramento
Wrongful Termination Lawyer Bakersfield
Wrongful Termination Lawyer Oakland
Wrongful Termination Lawyer Riverside
Wrongful Termination Lawyer San Bernardino
Wrongful Termination Lawyer Los Angeles
FAQs About Wrongful Termination in San Diego
An employee fired after reporting safety issues, taking medical leave, or facing discrimination may have a wrongful termination claim. A strong performance history coupled with inconsistent reasons for dismissal could be warning signs that they were unjustly fired. A San Diego wrongful employment lawyer can review the case and determine if an employee’s legal rights were violated.
Yes. If the firing was unlawful, legal action may be taken. A wrongful termination attorney in San Diego can assess the claim and pursue compensation, or reinstatement, if appropriate.
No. California law protects full-time, part-time, temporary, and probationary employees. If the dismissal was unlawful, a claim may be filed.
Most attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning:
- No upfront legal fees are required
- The attorney receives payment only if the case is won
Helpful documents include:
- Employment contract
- Termination notice
- Performance reviews
- Emails or written communication
- Evidence of retaliation or discrimination
- Timeline of events
These materials help build a strong case with a San Diego wrongful termination lawyer.
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