Getting fired is difficult. But being fired – or wrongfully terminated – because of discrimination or a violation of public policy is even more difficult. Unless you’re your own boss, you’ll never be safe from losing your job, even if you believe you’re the most qualified among your co-workers. Being wrongfully terminated is similar to contracting a disease that puts a strain on your body and life. Not to mention the fact that you are completely unaware of its presence.
However, there is an antidote to wrongful termination i.e., building a case to file a wrongful termination suit and win a substantial settlement. In most cases, though, you would need the assistance of a professional and experienced Los Angeles wrongful termination attorney who can determine whether or not you were wrongfully terminated.
What Is “Employment-at-Will”?
Employment in Los Angeles is “at-will.” In general, this means that the employer has the right to terminate you for any reason, even if it is unjustified, with no warning or opportunity to defend yourself.
If your employment is “at-will,” you still have the rights to be protected from wrongful termination that is against the law. This includes discrimination against people based on their race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, and other protected characteristics. Consult a wrongful termination lawyer to assist you if you have points or causes to suspect your employer terminated you unfairly. Lawyer collaborates firmly with their clients in order to keep employers liable for the harm they have caused. The wrongful termination may have resulted in a loss of income as well as emotional distress.
Signs you were wrongfully terminated
When an employer terminates an employee for the following reasons, it is considered to be wrongfully terminated.
- • Religion
- • Age (over 40)
- • Medical condition (HIV, AIDS, cancer, etc.)
- • Marital status (terminating employee after finding out he/she was married)
- • Disability (mental & physical)
- • Sexual harassment
- • Place of birth or national origin
- • Sexual orientation & expression
- • Gender identity & expression
- • Race
- • Sex, including pregnancy, breastfeeding & childbirth
- • The employer has violated the terms of the employee’s employment contract or collective bargaining agreement;
- • Termination to stop paying wages or bonuses
- • Termination after taking time off for maternity leave, caring for a sick or disabled family member, serving on a jury, or voting;
- • Terminating employees who refuse to conduct illegal activities for the employer
- • Retaliating against whistleblowers (employees who reveal illegal activity in the workplace or disclose financial fraud).
These blogs are meant purely for educational purposes. They contain only general information about legal matters. They are not legal advice, and should not be treated as such. If you have any specific questions about any legal matter you should consult with an attorney.