At Yoosefian Law Firm, P.C., we understand that losing your job under unfair circumstances can be one of life’s most challenging experiences. As dedicated Los Angeles wrongful termination lawyers, we stand ready to protect your rights and help you seek justice when you’ve been unlawfully dismissed from your position.
What Constitutes Wrongful Termination in Los Angeles?
While California is an at-will employment state, there are numerous circumstances where termination becomes unlawful. At Yoosefian Law Firm, P.C., we help Los Angeles workers understand their rights and pursue justice when employers violate employment laws through wrongful termination.
Discrimination-Based Wrongful Termination
California law prohibits employers from terminating employees based on protected characteristics. These unlawful terminations include dismissal due to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, disability, medical condition, genetic information, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, military status, or veteran status. When employers make termination decisions based on any of these factors, they violate both state and federal employment laws.
Wrongful Termination: Retaliation
Employers cannot legally terminate workers for engaging in protected activities. This includes firing employees who report workplace safety violations, file wage claims, complain about harassment or discrimination, participate in investigations, or assist others in exercising their workplace rights. California law provides strong protections for whistleblowers who expose illegal activities or unsafe conditions.
Wrongful Termination: Contract Violations
Written employment contracts create binding obligations that employers must honor. Termination that breaches these agreements constitutes wrongful termination. This applies to formal employment contracts, collective bargaining agreements, and implied contracts created through employee handbooks or long-standing company practices.
Wrongful Termination: Public Policy Violations
Termination becomes wrongful when it violates established public policy. This includes firing workers for taking legally protected leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) or California Family Rights Act (CFRA), serving on jury duty, fulfilling military service obligations, or refusing to engage in illegal activities.
Wrongful Termination: Protected Leave Violations
California provides extensive leave rights for workers. Employers cannot terminate employees for using pregnancy disability leave, paid sick leave, workers’ compensation leave, or time off for voting, school activities, or domestic violence issues. Firing workers for exercising these rights constitutes wrongful termination.
Wrongful Termination: Constructive Discharge
Sometimes employers make working conditions so intolerable that employees feel forced to resign. This constructive discharge equals wrongful termination when the conditions would cause any reasonable person to quit. Examples include severe harassment, discrimination, unsafe working conditions, or drastic changes in job duties or pay.
Wrongful Termination: After Complaints or Claims
Termination following workplace complaints or legal claims often indicates retaliation. This includes firing workers after they file discrimination complaints, wage claims, workers’ compensation claims, or safety reports. The timing between protected activities and termination often provides crucial evidence in these cases.
Wrongful Termination: Good Faith and Fair Dealing
Employment relationships carry an implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing. Employers who terminate workers to avoid paying earned commissions, bonuses, or retirement benefits may violate this covenant. Similarly, fabricating reasons for termination or manipulating performance reviews to justify firing can constitute wrongful termination.
How a Wrongful Termination Lawyer Can Help You
At Yoosefian Law Firm, P.C., our Los Angeles wrongful termination lawyers understand that losing your job unfairly can be overwhelming. Here’s how we help protect your rights and pursue justice:
- Initial Case Review: We thoroughly evaluate the circumstances of your termination and identify potential legal violations to determine the strength of your case.
- Evidence Gathering: Our team collects and preserves crucial documentation, including emails, performance reviews, witness statements, and company policies that support your claim.
- Legal Deadline Management: We ensure all necessary paperwork and filings meet strict legal deadlines, protecting your right to pursue compensation.
- Administrative Proceedings: Our lawyers handle all interactions with government agencies, including the EEOC and California Civil Rights Department.
- Settlement Negotiations: We leverage our experience to negotiate with employers and insurance companies, seeking maximum compensation for your losses.
- Litigation Representation: When necessary, we take your case to court, presenting compelling arguments and evidence before judges and juries.
- Damage Assessment: We calculate all forms of harm, including lost wages, benefits, emotional distress, and career impact to ensure full compensation.
- Strategic Planning: Our team develops targeted legal strategies based on discrimination, retaliation, contract violations, or public policy claims.
- Employer Defense Management: We anticipate and counter common employer tactics used to minimize or dismiss valid claims.
- Witness Coordination: We identify, interview, and prepare witnesses who can support your case with relevant testimony.
- Documentation Review: Our wrongful termination attorneys analyze personnel files, company policies, and communication records to build strong evidence.
- Career Protection: We negotiate terms that protect your future employment prospects, including reference arrangements and confidentiality agreements.
- Communication Management: We handle all interactions with opposing counsel, allowing you to focus on moving forward with your life.
- Resolution Options: We present clear explanations of your legal options and potential outcomes, helping you make informed decisions about your case.
- Professional Support: Throughout your case, we provide dedicated representation while offering compassionate guidance during this challenging time.
Don’t face wrongful termination alone. Contact Yoosefian Law Firm, P.C. today to speak with a Los Angeles wrongful termination lawyer about your situation. Time limits apply to these claims, so call us now to protect your rights and begin building your case.
Compensation You May Be Entitled To After a Wrongful Termination
At Yoosefian Law Firm, P.C., we help wrongfully terminated employees recover full compensation for their losses. Our Los Angeles wrongful termination lawyers pursue these key types of compensation:
- Back Pay: Covers all lost wages, salary, and earnings from the date of termination until your case resolves, including overtime, bonuses, and commissions.
- Front Pay: Compensates for future income losses while you search for comparable employment or if reinstatement isn’t feasible.
- Lost Benefits: Includes the value of health insurance, retirement contributions, stock options, and other employment benefits lost due to termination.
- Medical Expenses: Covers healthcare costs and insurance premiums incurred after losing employer-provided coverage, including COBRA payments.
- Career Damages: Accounts for lost promotions, diminished earning capacity, and long-term impact on your professional advancement opportunities.
- Job Search Costs: Reimburses expenses for finding new employment, including career counseling, retraining programs, and relocation if necessary.
- Emotional Distress: Compensates for psychological impacts like anxiety, depression, and stress, including costs of mental health treatment.
- Reputational Harm: Covers damage to your professional reputation and standing in your industry that affects future employment prospects.
- Punitive Damages: Available in cases of particularly egregious employer conduct to punish misconduct and deter similar behavior.
- Legal Expenses: Successful cases often result in employers paying your attorney fees and litigation costs.
- Training Costs: Covers expenses for developing new skills or certifications needed to secure comparable employment.
- Lost Pension Benefits: Accounts for reduced retirement benefits due to premature termination of employment.
Don’t settle for less than you deserve. Contact Yoosefian Law Firm, P.C. today to discuss your wrongful termination case with our Los Angeles wrongful termination lawyers. We’ll help evaluate your potential compensation and fight for your rights.
Is A Wrongful Termination Suit Worth It?
At Yoosefian Law Firm, P.C., potential clients often ask whether pursuing a wrongful termination lawsuit is worth their time and effort. This is a legitimate question that deserves careful consideration. Here’s what you should know when deciding whether to move forward with legal action.
Potential Compensation
When successful, wrongful termination cases can provide substantial compensation. This typically includes back pay from the date of termination, covering lost wages and benefits. Many cases also result in front pay, compensating for future income losses until you find comparable employment. Additional damages may include emotional distress, damage to reputation, and in cases of egregious employer conduct, punitive damages.
Career Protection
Filing a wrongful termination suit can protect your professional future. A successful case creates a record that your termination was unlawful, helping explain the employment gap to future employers. It may also prevent negative references and protect against future discrimination or retaliation.
Workplace Reform
Legal action often prompts employers to change discriminatory policies or practices. Your case could prevent similar situations from happening to others. This broader impact makes many clients feel their efforts contributed to meaningful workplace reform.
Time Commitment
A wrongful termination case typically takes several months to resolve, sometimes longer if it goes to trial. However, our Los Angeles wrongful termination lawyers handle most legal tasks, minimizing disruption to your life. Many cases settle before trial, reducing the time commitment required.
Cost Considerations
Most wrongful termination cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay legal fees only if we win your case. This arrangement makes legal representation accessible while ensuring your interests align with ours in pursuing the best possible outcome.
Emotional Investment
Legal proceedings can be stressful, but many clients find the process empowering. Standing up for your rights often provides a sense of closure and justice. Our team provides support throughout the process, helping manage the emotional aspects of your case.
Success Factors
Several factors influence the likelihood of success:
- Strength of evidence supporting your claim
- Documentation of the termination process
- Witness availability and credibility
- Employer’s history of similar conduct
- Timing between protected activities and termination
Risk Assessment
Every case carries some level of risk. We conduct thorough evaluations to assess your case’s strengths and weaknesses before proceeding. This helps you make an informed decision about moving forward with legal action.
Alternative Solutions
Sometimes alternatives to litigation may better serve your interests. We explore all options, including negotiated settlements, mediation, or administrative remedies. Our goal is finding the most effective path to resolution.
Long-term Benefits
Beyond immediate compensation, successful cases often yield long-term benefits:
- Restored confidence in your professional abilities
- Improved future employment prospects
- Protection against similar situations
- Sense of personal vindication
Industry Impact
Your case might influence industry practices beyond your former employer. Companies often monitor legal developments and adjust their policies accordingly. This ripple effect can create positive change throughout your industry.
Professional Growth
Many clients emerge from wrongful termination cases stronger professionally. The experience often leads to better understanding of workplace rights and improved ability to advocate for themselves in future employment situations.
Decision Timeline
While you need time to consider your options, remember that legal deadlines apply to wrongful termination claims. Consulting with our Los Angeles wrongful termination lawyers promptly helps preserve your rights while evidence remains fresh.
Support Systems
Throughout your case, you’ll have access to our experienced legal team. We provide guidance, answer questions, and help you navigate challenges. This support often proves invaluable in achieving positive outcomes.
Final Considerations
When deciding whether to pursue a wrongful termination suit, consider:
- Strength of your legal claims
- Available evidence
- Personal goals and priorities
- Potential compensation
- Timeline for resolution
- Impact on future employment
Was Your Firing Illegal?
At Yoosefian Law Firm, P.C., we understand the confusion and frustration that comes with unexpected job termination. While California’s at-will employment law allows employers significant freedom in termination decisions, many firings cross legal boundaries. Our Los Angeles wrongful termination lawyers help you recognize when your termination may be illegal.
Signs Your Termination May Be Illegal
Protected Characteristics
Your firing may be illegal if it occurred because of your race, age, gender, religion, national origin, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Even if your employer cites other reasons, termination based on these characteristics violates state and federal law.
Recent Complaints
If your termination followed complaints about discrimination, harassment, safety violations, or wage issues, this timing suggests potential retaliation. California law protects workers who report workplace problems from retaliatory termination.
Medical Leave Issues
Termination during or after taking legally protected medical leave, including FMLA, CFRA, pregnancy disability leave, or workers’ compensation leave, often indicates illegal action. This includes firing workers shortly after requesting or returning from such leave.
Contract Violations
Review any employment contracts, union agreements, or employee handbooks. Termination that violates these documents’ terms or procedures may be illegal, even in an at-will employment state.
Performance History
Sudden termination despite a history of positive performance reviews raises red flags. Watch for abrupt changes in performance evaluations or new criticism immediately before termination.
Discriminatory Patterns
Consider whether your employer treated other employees differently in similar situations. Patterns of terminating workers within protected categories while retaining others may indicate discrimination.
Protected Activities
Your firing may be illegal if it followed participation in protected activities like union organizing, reporting illegal conduct, participating in investigations, or refusing to engage in unlawful activities.
Wage Claim Connection
Termination after raising concerns about unpaid wages, overtime, meal breaks, or other compensation issues often indicates illegal retaliation. California strictly prohibits firing workers for pursuing wage rights.
Changed Circumstances
Watch for termination following requests for reasonable accommodations, announcement of pregnancy, disclosure of medical conditions, or other changes in circumstances protected by law.
Hostile Environment
If intolerable working conditions forced your resignation, this constructive discharge may qualify as illegal termination. Examples include severe harassment, discrimination, or unsafe conditions.
Common Employer Tactics
False Documentation
Some employers create paper trails to justify illegal termination. Watch for sudden negative reviews, written warnings, or disciplinary actions that contrast with your actual performance.
Pretextual Reasons
Employers may cite performance issues or company restructuring to mask discriminatory motives. Our Los Angeles wrongful termination lawyers can help uncover true reasons behind termination decisions.
Pressure to Resign
Sometimes employers pressure workers to resign rather than face termination. This tactic attempts to avoid liability for wrongful termination while achieving the same result.
Selective Enforcement
Watch for employers who strictly enforce rules against certain workers while overlooking similar conduct by others. This inconsistent treatment often reveals discriminatory intent.
Stand Up For Your Rights-Contact
If you’ve experienced wrongful termination in Los Angeles, don’t wait to seek help. Contact Yoosefian Law Firm, P.C. today for a confidential case evaluation. Our Los Angeles wrongful termination lawyers are ready to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve. Call us now – time limits apply to wrongful termination claims.
Los Angeles Wrongful Termination Lawyer FAQs
How long does a wrongful termination case typically take to resolve?
Most cases take between 6-12 months to resolve through settlement, though complex cases that go to trial may take longer. Our Los Angeles wrongful termination lawyers work efficiently to achieve the best possible outcome in a timely manner.
Can I be fired while on disability leave?
While employers can terminate employees on disability leave for legitimate business reasons unrelated to the disability, firing someone because they took disability leave or requested accommodations is illegal. The specific circumstances determine whether the termination violated the law.
Does my employer need to provide a reason for firing me?
California employers are not legally required to provide a reason for termination. However, their failure to provide a clear, consistent reason can sometimes support claims of wrongful termination, especially when discrimination or retaliation is suspected.
What compensation can I recover in a wrongful termination case?
Beyond lost wages and benefits, you may recover damages for emotional distress, harm to professional reputation, job search costs, and in some cases, punitive damages. Each case’s specific circumstances determine available compensation.
If I quit instead of being fired, can I still claim wrongful termination?
Yes, under certain circumstances. If your employer made working conditions so intolerable that any reasonable person would feel forced to resign, this constructive discharge may qualify as wrongful termination.
What if my employer offers severance in exchange for signing a release?
Before signing any release or severance agreement, consult with our Los Angeles wrongful termination lawyers. These agreements often require you to waive valuable legal rights, and the offered compensation may be less than you deserve.
Do I need to file a complaint with a government agency before suing?
Some wrongful termination claims require filing administrative complaints before pursuing court action. Others allow direct legal action. Our team ensures compliance with all procedural requirements for your specific case.
Can my employer fire me for discussing workplace problems with coworkers?
No, discussing workplace conditions, pay, or problems with coworkers is generally protected under labor laws. Termination for engaging in these protected communications may constitute wrongful termination.
What if my employer is spreading false information about me after termination?
If your former employer provides false, damaging information to potential employers or others, they may be liable for defamation. This often accompanies wrongful termination cases.
Does it matter if my employer replaced me with someone similar to me?
While replacement by someone similar doesn’t automatically defeat a discrimination claim, replacement patterns can provide important evidence in wrongful termination cases.
What rights do I have if my position was eliminated?
While employers can eliminate positions for legitimate business reasons, they cannot use restructuring as a pretext for discriminatory or retaliatory termination. The circumstances and timing of the elimination matter significantly.
How do I prove my employer’s real reason for firing me was illegal?
Circumstantial evidence often proves crucial, including timing of termination, treatment of other employees, inconsistent explanations, violation of company policies, and patterns of discriminatory behavior.
Can my employer monitor my job search after termination?
While employers may learn about your new employment through normal business channels, actively interfering with your job search or providing negative references in retaliation for protected activities is illegal.
What if I find evidence of wrongful termination after accepting severance?
The enforceability of severance agreements depends on various factors, including what information was known when signing. Contact our Los Angeles wrongful termination lawyers to review your specific situation.
Does working remotely affect my wrongful termination rights?
Remote workers maintain the same workplace protections as in-office employees. Location of work doesn’t diminish your rights regarding discrimination, retaliation, or other illegal termination.
Contact Yoosefian Law Firm, P.C. today to discuss your specific situation with our Los Angeles wrongful termination lawyers. We’ll help evaluate your case and explain your legal options.