Ruben Limonjyan | May 11, 2022 | Wrongful Termination

Wrongful Termination in California—What Should You Do if You Suspect it?

If you were terminated for reporting harassment, pregnancy or after filing a workers’ compensation claim, you have a right to file a wrongful termination lawsuit against your employer. However, knowing what to do next is not always clear.

At Limonjyan Law Group, we provide the guidance, support, and advocacy you need to assert your rights against your employer. In this blog post, we will explore what steps you can take if you suspect you were wrongfully terminated in California.

Employee and “At-will” Employment in California?

In California, an employee is a worker under an employer’s direction, control, and supervision. This means the employer controls when, how, and where the employee performs his or her work. Also, California is an at-will employment state. This means that the employees can leave their jobs whenever they want, and employers are free to terminate their employees anytime.

An employer can terminate the employee without a specific reason – even when they are doing a great job. However, it is illegal for an employer to terminate an employee based on things such as gender, religion, pregnancy, or disability.

What Is Considered Unlawful Termination?

Although California is an at-will employment state, the termination laws prohibit employers from firing employees for inappropriate reasons. Your employer can not terminate you for:

  • Taking time off work for medical leave, military leave, maternity leave, or any other leave you are entitled to.
  • Acting as a witness against the employer or reporting an illegal activity occurring within the organization.
  • Filing a workers’ compensation claim or reporting an unsafe working condition.
  • Belonging to a specific class, religion, gender, or race. Besides, your employer should not terminate you for having a disability.

What Should You Do if You are Wrongfully Terminated in California?

It is normal to feel frustrated and angry if you are a victim of wrongful termination. However, you can take the following steps to ensure your rights are protected:

  • Collect Evidence– Collect any document related to your termination. These documents may include emails or dismissal letters. It is also essential to write down details of the termination to avoid forgetting them later.
  • Protect yourself– Even if you are convinced you experienced wrongful termination, it is imperative to avoid bad mouthing or destroying the company’s property. Any form of retaliation can affect your efforts to get rightful compensation.
  • Reach out to an employment law attorney– Filing a wrongful termination claim is a challenging process, which is why you need to work with a lawyer who understands California job termination laws.

What Damages Are Awarded in Wrongful Termination Cases?

Some of the damages you can recover compensation after a wrong termination include:

  • Emotional distress
  • Legal fees
  • Lost income
  • Back pay

Get Help From an Employment Law Attorney

At Limonjyan Law Group, we will offer personalized representation to ensure you get the legal attention you deserve. If you have been wrongfully terminated in California, we are ready to help. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.