Riverside Wrongful Termination Attorney
Having a job can provide a sense of purpose and pride, not to mention a regular paycheck that sets the foundation for a stable life. Unfortunately, for many workers, the job can also be a source of stress and anxiety when facing the threat of wrongful termination.
If you have recently been under the stress of wrongful termination from your job, it is highly recommended you seek legal counsel from an experienced Riverside wrongful termination lawyer who can help you protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve. It is unfair for an employer to fire an employee based on discriminatory reasons or in retaliation for reporting illegal activity. If you have been the victim of wrongful termination, you may be able to file a claim against your employer and receive damages for your losses.
The experienced Riverside wrongful termination attorneys at Clark Employment Law can help you evaluate your claim and determine the best course of action to take. We have an undeniable and proven track record of success in handling wrongful termination cases, and we will work with a narrow focus to get you the justice you deserve. Contact us today to begin consultation and learn more about how we can help you with your wrongful termination lawsuit.
What Is Wrongful Termination?
Wrongful termination is defined as an abrupt end to employment motivated by discrimination or retaliation. These are scenarios where the employee has not done anything wrong but has been let go due to the employer’s illegal or discriminatory reasons. Anyone who experiences wrongful termination is often left feeling shocked, betrayed, and confused about their next steps.
What Are Common Types of Wrongful Termination in Riverside, CA?
There are various forms of wrongful termination, but some of the most common include:
- Discrimination: An employer cannot fire an employee based on their race, religion, gender, national origin, or disability. These are characteristics that are protected under state and federal law. It is illegal for an employer to use them as a basis for terminating someone’s employment.
- Retaliation: An employer cannot fire an employee in retaliation for reporting illegal activity or filing a claim against the company. This is known as retaliatory termination, and it is illegal under both state and federal law.
- Violation of Public Policy: An employer cannot fire an employee for engaging in activities that are protected by public policy. For example, an employee cannot be fired for voting or serving on a jury.
- Medical Status: An employer cannot fire an employee for having a medical condition or taking leave to recover from an illness. We cannot control our health to any great extent or predict health emergencies, and it is unfair for an employer to use this against us.
- Veteran Status: An employer cannot fire an employee for being a veteran or reservist. This is a protected status under federal law and is to be respected by employers.
- Marital Status: An employer cannot fire an employee for being married or divorced. Whether someone is single or in a relationship should not impact their ability to do their job and, therefore, should not be used as a reason for termination.
- Pregnancy: An employer cannot fire an employee for being pregnant or taking maternity leave. Pregnancy is a natural process that should be respected and embraced as your employees balance advancing their careers with your organization and growing their families in their personal lives.
If you have been wrongfully terminated from your job for any of these reasons or any other illegal reason, you may have a claim against your employer. It is important to seek the help of an experienced wrongful termination lawyer who can evaluate your claim and assess your legal options under business law.
What Can I Do If I’ve Been Wrongfully Terminated?
If you have been wrongfully terminated, there are several things you can do to get ahead of the situation:
- Don’t panic: Take a deep breath and try not to worry. This is a difficult and stressful time that should not happen to anyone, but it is not uncommon. It is possible to rectify the situation and seek appropriate justice. An experienced wrongful termination lawyer can walk you through each step of the process.
- Get organized: The next thing you should do is start to organize your thoughts and your paperwork. Gather any documents you have related to your employment, such as your contract, performance reviews, pay stubs, etc. These will be helpful in proving your case. You should also make a list of any witnesses who may have seen or heard any that may have occurred at your place of work related to your claim. These people can provide valuable testimony to support your case.
- Talk to employment lawyers: It is extremely difficult to navigate the legal system without the help of an experienced lawyer. They have years of experience understanding the ins and outs of the law specifically to provide people like you with the best possible representation. An experienced California wrongful termination lawyer will be able to help you understand your rights and options under the law, and they will fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
- Do not sign anything: One of the most important things to remember if you have been wrongfully terminated is not to sign anything. The company may try to get you to sign a release or waiver that gives up your legal rights in exchange for a severance package. Do not sign anything without first talking to a lawyer.
What Can I Be Compensated For In a Settlement?
If you have been wrongfully terminated, there are a few things you may be able to recover in a settlement. These include:
- Lost Wages: You may be able to recover the wages and benefits you would have earned had you not been wrongfully terminated. This can include things like salary, bonuses, 401k contributions, and vacation time.
- Pain and Suffering: You may also be able to recover damages for the emotional distress that was caused by the wrongful termination. This can include things like anxiety, depression, and other mental illness.
- Medical Expenses: If you had to seek medical treatment as a result of the wrongful termination, you may be able to recover those expenses in a settlement. This could include therapy, medication, and hospital bills.
- Punitive Damages: In some cases, victims of unlawful termination may be able to recover punitive damages. These damages are intended to punish the employer for their illegal actions and deter them and others from engaging in similar conduct in the future.
FAQs on Wrongful Termination Claim
How much is the average settlement for wrongful termination in California?
There is no easy answer to this question, as every case is different, and settlements vary widely depending on the facts and circumstances. However, in general, you may be able to recover lost wages, emotional distress, and medical expenses, which can be significant, depending on how severe the wrongful termination was.
How easy is it to sue my employer for wrongful termination in California?
If you can prove that the real reason you were fired was because of discrimination, you may have a claim. However, if your employer has a legitimate, non-discriminatory reason for firing you, it may be difficult to prove that discrimination was the real reason. The only way to know for sure is to talk to an experienced wrongful termination lawyer.
How long does it take to sue for wrongful termination in California?
There is no set amount of time to expect a case to take, as several factors could affect the proceedings and whether it goes to trial. However, you generally have two years from the date of your termination to file a claim. There are some exceptions created to support the nuances to this rule, so it is important to chat with a lawyer as soon as possible.
How do I file a wrongful termination lawsuit in California?
To have a valid claim, you must be able to show that you were fired for an illegal reason, such as discrimination or retaliation. If you are not sure whether you have a claim, you should talk to an experienced wrongful termination lawyer who can evaluate your case and advise you of your legal rights and options.
Contact Clark Employment in Riverside, California Today
If you believe your employer has intentionally engaged in wrongful termination, or even if you are questioning the circumstances of your termination, contact Clark Employment today. We have experience handling wrongful termination cases and can advise you of your legal rights and options. People who have been wrongfully terminated often feel like they have nowhere to turn, but we can help. As our previous clients will share, we’re passionate about protecting your rights in the workplace.
Contact us today to begin exploring your options. We are always standing by and are ready to answer any questions you have. We will seek justice in your case and work to earn you the compensation that you deserve. We can help you get your financial security back in your hands.