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Los Angeles Wrongful Termination Attorney

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lthough most employment contracts are “at will,” every employee has certain rights guaranteed by the state where they live. In all 50 states, your employer may not terminate you because of your sex, race, sexual orientation, disability, or religion. It can be incredibly distressing when you feel those rights have been violated, and such cases are classified as wrongful termination. In addition to the emotional damage of the termination, you may face far-reaching financial consequences. When unsure as to where to turn for justice, a Los Angeles employment attorney can help explain your rights and fight for you in a court of law.

Blackstone Law is a team of award-winning wrongful termination lawyers helping victims of Los Angeles seek justice. Named the leading employment law firm in the city, we understand the delicate nature of wrongful termination cases. Due to our extensive knowledge and experience with employment law, we can provide each client we work with the dedicated representation necessary to help build a solid wrongful termination claim.

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Does My Situation Qualify as Wrongful Termination?

Every circumstance is different, but there is one thing that all wrongful termination cases have in common. This unifying thread is that the employer’s actions were unjust. Wrongful termination can be extremely emotional, particularly when the victim has experienced discrimination based on innate characteristics. Some examples of wrongful termination are: 

  • Termination for filing a complaint 
  • Termination for reporting harassment
  • Termination due to a disability
  • Violation of employer’s internal discipline procedures

In addition to the pain of a job loss, you may feel unsure as to whether your termination was wrongful. While the official reason for termination may be legal, the underlying reason may be discriminatory and qualify as wrongful termination. To determine the validity of your case, it is best to speak with a wrongful termination attorney. They will evaluate the facts of your case and advise you on how to proceed.

Have You Been Laid Off or Terminated?

While evaluating your situation, consider whether you have been laid off or terminated. Although you may hear the terms used interchangeably, there is a legal difference between them. When you are laid off, your employer is eliminating your position. When you are terminated, it is likely that your employer hey will be filling your position with a different employee. 

What matters is not the term used by your employer, but whether they are eliminating the position. If you are uncertain of your designation, a wrongful termination lawyer may provide clarity.

How Do I Recover from Wrongful Termination?

Before filing a lawsuit, you may wish to file a complaint with the appropriate governing bodies, such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).  Do not hesitate to contact a Los Angeles wrongful termination lawyer before filing a complaint with the EEOC.

For many victims of wrongful termination, the path to recovery involves bringing a case before the California courts. A favorable judgment enables the victim to receive his or her rightful compensation. By pursuing a court case, victims can hold the perpetrators of wrongdoing responsible for their actions and recover their benefits and compensation.

What To Do If You Are Wrongfully Terminated in Los Angeles, CA?

If you are wrongfully terminated, it can take a toll on you financially and emotionally, especially if you believe the reason for your termination was illegal. California allows employees who have been illegally or wrongfully fired to file a complaint for wrongful termination and various other claims to recover compensation and alleviate the financial hardship of losing a job. 

If you have been wrongfully terminated, take these necessary steps to preserve any legal claim you have against your employer: 

Keep a Calm, Respectful Demeanor

The best thing you can do for yourself and a potential wrongful termination claim is to stay calm and respectful after receiving the news. Avoid actions like sending inappropriate emails, retaliating in any way, stealing company property, or lashing out at coworkers or supervisors. While keeping your emotions in check may be difficult in such unfair circumstances, acting rashly may impact your chances of recovering damages you are entitled to later down the road.

Seek an Explanation for Your Termination 

Understanding the reasons for your termination is essential. Often, when the initial conversation occurs, supervisors may give you a superficial reason as to why you are being terminated, and there are deeper underlying reasons which you may suspect. 

You may be entitled to sue if you uncover an illegal reason for your termination, such as discrimination, retaliation, breach of contract, harassment, or other unlawful reasons. If you suspect some events led to your termination, you should document all the details you remember, including who was involved (names and positions), the date it happened, and how it happened.

Obtain Valuable Evidence 

Obtaining information is a vital part of a wrongful termination claim. You should look for evidence that supports your allegations of illegal termination. This may include emails, voicemails, text messages, and photos. Any witness testimony supporting your claim is essential for substantiating your claim. 

File a Complaint With the Appropriate Agency 

Depending on the type of California wrongful termination you experienced, several agencies may help you, including: 

These agencies are responsible for investigating complaints and imposing penalties where mistreatment and illegal practices are found. They may also help you with settlement negotiations with your employer or with filing legal action against them. 

You should speak with an attorney before filing a complaint with these agencies. With the guidance of an experienced California wrongful termination lawyer, you will be able to determine what your best course of action will be to recover the damages you are owed. 

Speak to a California Wrongful Termination Lawyer

Retaining the help of a California wrongful termination lawyer will help you understand your best legal options moving forward and offer knowledgeable explanations on the process of filing an employment lawsuit against your former employer. 

In a successful California wrongful termination lawsuit, you may be able to recover compensation in the form of back pay and benefits had you not been terminated and potentially, albeit rarely, reinstatement of your old position if you are interested in continuing employment with your former employer.

What Type of Damages May I Collect Following Wrongful Termination in LA?

Following wrongful termination, victims may be left suffering from the financial damages of losing their job, emotional distress, and other psychological sufferings. To recover, a victim may seek compensation for the following damages:

Our experienced legal team can help you understand compensable damages in your case. We understand that no two cases are alike, and by retaining a skilled employment attorney after a wrongful termination, you may get the help you need to regain financial stability. 

What Are The Benefits of Hiring a Los Angeles Wrongful Termination Lawyer?

In California, there are many laws and regulations regarding labor and employment. If your employer has wrongfully terminated you, it is essential to understand your options and how you may uphold your rights. You may find a successful case outcome with a skilled wrongful termination lawyer. 

Below are some benefits of retaining legal services from a wrongful termination lawyer in California:

  • You will gain an honest case review to determine if your situation qualifies for a wrongful termination lawsuit. 
  • An employment lawyer works to help you gather evidence. 
  • Legal teams provide resources and expertise to help your eligible case succeed. 
  • Your legal team works to file and send necessary paperwork without delay or error. 
  • An employment lawyer represents you in a courtroom and lawsuit. 
  • Attorneys are skilled negotiators and may help you recover total compensation. 

Making a claim and disputing a wrongful termination may be stressful for any individual. With the help of an experienced and well-versed legal team, you will feel more at ease throughout the process. Our legal team ensures that clients understand their rights and are kept informed throughout the case.

What Should I Look for in an LA Wrongful Termination Lawyer?

Wrongful termination cases frequently involve sensitive information. When selecting a wrongful termination attorney in Los Angeles, you should search for one who can become your partner throughout the litigation process. A wrongful termination attorney needs full access to all the relevant details of your case, and you will want to find trustworthy counsel to advocate for your rights. Other qualities to look for in a wrongful termination lawyer include:

  • Prompt communications 
  • Attentive care
  • Positive client testimonials
  • Dedicated representation

A wrongful termination attorney needs full access to your case’s relevant details, and you will want to find trustworthy counsel to advocate for your rights. Our Los Angeles wrongful termination attorneys offer each of our clients these benefits with our service and more. Our Los Angeles wrongful termination attorneys offer each of our clients these benefits with our service and more.

Get in Touch With an Experienced Wrongful Termination Lawyer in Los Angeles

Every wrongful termination case is unique, and every wrongful termination lawyer has a different case management style. Although we cannot promise a quick fix, we will stay in constant contact as your case progresses and work to manage your expectations at every stage of the process. Whenever you have questions, you can reach your lawyer for a quick response. 

Your best interests are our highest priority, whether that means accepting a settlement or proceeding to trial. We hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards by placing a heavy emphasis on preserving your legal rights. When you need dedicated, determined, and honest legal representation, contact the Los Angeles wrongful termination attorneys at Blackstone Law.

If you would like to learn more about wrongful termination lawsuits, consider reviewing our guide to California Employment Law. In this guide, we delve into more detail about your rights as an employee, as well as the legal obligations of your employer. For a free case consultation, contact us here or call (310) 956-4054.

Every wrongful termination case is unique, and every wrongful termination lawyer has a different case management style. Although we cannot promise a quick fix, we will stay in constant contact as your case progresses and work to manage your expectations at every stage of the process. Whenever you have questions, you will be able to reach your lawyer for a quick response. Your best interests are our highest priority, whether that means accepting a settlement or proceeding to trial. We hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards with an emphasis on preserving your legal rights. When you need dedicated, determined, and honest legal representation, contact the Los Angeles employment attorneys at Blackstone Law.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wrongful Termination in Los Angeles, CA

How do I know if I have a wrongful termination lawsuit in Los Angeles, CA?

  • Wrongful termination is a discharge of an employee for an illegal reason. It can come in many different forms. For example, some wrongful termination situations include:
    • Breach of employee contract
    • Discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, disability, pregnancy or age
    • Retaliation
    • Violation of public policy like whistleblowing
  • Even if you resigned or quit, you may still have a viable claim for wrongful termination, if a reasonable person would have similarly quit under the circumstances
  • If you believe any of the above situations apply to your case, then you may have a wrongful termination lawsuit.

What should I do if I was wrongfully terminated in Los Angeles, California?

  • If you believe you were wrongfully terminated, you should talk to an experienced employment lawyer right away. As described above, there are many potential situations in which you may have a lawsuit. A lawyer can help you go through the facts, determine what your claims are, and take steps to assert your rights. For some situations, you may need to act quickly to protect your rights based on what statute of limitations apply to your case. A lawyer can file a lawsuit, help you negotiate a severance package, or advise you on other ways to resolve your claim.

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