Ruben Limonjyan | January 11, 2023 | Wrongful Termination

4 Things You Should Know About Wrongful Termination

A job termination or dismissal is deemed wrongful if an employee is retaliated against for unlawful reasons. California adheres to the at-will employment principle. This implies that your employer can terminate you without giving reasons or providing notice unless the employment is contractual. Therefore, reaching out to a wrongful termination attorney can be beneficial if you have a reasonable claim.

Suing an Employer

To successfully sue your employer, you must have a valid legal claim, and a skilled attorney can help with this. In California, you generally have to file a lawsuit within a certain period after the incident. The statute of limitations for different employment claims varies; hence you should understand how much time you have to sue your employer.

Collecting Unemployment Benefits

One issue that arises after an employee is terminated in California is whether they can receive unemployment benefits. In California, employees terminated from their job are eligible to receive unemployment benefits, provided they meet certain eligibility requirements. To qualify for unemployment benefits in California, you must:

  • Have been employed for a certain period (known as the “base period”) before becoming unemployed.
  • Have earned at least a minimum amount of wages during the base period.
  • Be actively looking for a job.
  • Be able and ready to work.

Should You Look for Another Job During Your Case?

If you are in the process of a wrongful termination case, it is appropriate to start looking for a new job, even if you are planning to fight for your rights. It would be best if you were prepared for the possibility that you may not be successful in your case and have a backup plan to help you feel more secure and in control of your future.

If you are unsure how to proceed, it might be a good idea to speak with an attorney or career counselor for advice on managing your job search while also handling your wrongful termination case.

Available Damages in a Wrongful Termination Case

In a wrongful termination case, damages may be available to compensate you for the financial losses you have suffered as a result of being wrongfully terminated, such as:

  • Lost wages and benefits
  • Lost future earnings
  • Out-of-pocket expenses

Besides these financial damages, you can also recover damages for non-economic losses, such as:

  • Emotional distress
  • Damage to reputation
  • Punitive damages

A wrongful termination attorney can help you understand the specific damages available in your case.

Contact a Wrongful Termination Lawyer Today

If you or your loved one are considering filing a wrongful termination lawsuit in California, it would be prudent to contact a lawyer for legal assistance. At Limonjyan Law Group, we are ready to help you with your case. Contact us today to speak to one of our lawyers and discover how we can help you.