If you have been fired from your job and feel like it was unfair, you may be wondering if you have been wrongfully terminated. Wrongful termination occurs when an employer fires an employee for illegal reasons, such as discrimination, retaliation, breach of contract, or violation of public policy. Our wrongful termination lawyers will discuss some common reasons for wrongful termination and provide tips on how to protect yourself.
1. Discrimination: Discrimination occurs when an employer treats an employee unfairly based on their protected characteristics, such as race, gender, age, disability, religion, or national origin. If you believe that you have been fired because of discrimination, you should document any evidence of discrimination and file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
2. Retaliation: Retaliation occurs when an employer fires an employee for engaging in protected activity, such as reporting discrimination, harassment, or illegal activity. If you believe that you have been fired for retaliation, you should document any evidence of retaliation and file a complaint with the EEOC.
3. Breach of Contract: If you have a written employment contract that specifies the terms and conditions of your employment, your employer cannot fire you without cause or without following the procedures outlined in the contract. If you believe that your employer has breached your employment contract, you should consult with an employment attorney.
4. Violation of Public Policy: If you have been fired for refusing to engage in illegal activity or for reporting illegal activity, your employer may have violated public policy. If you believe that you have been fired for a violation of public policy, you should document any evidence of the illegal activity and file a complaint with the appropriate government agency.
5. At-Will Employment: In California, most employees are considered at-will, which means that they can be fired at any time for any reason that is not illegal. However, there are some exceptions to at-will employment, such as discrimination, retaliation, and breach of contract. If you believe that your employer has violated the exceptions to at-will employment, you should consult with an employment attorney.
Contact Our Calabasas Wrongful Termination Lawyer
Wrongful termination can be a difficult and stressful experience. However, by understanding your rights and documenting any evidence of illegal activity, you can protect yourself and seek justice. If you believe that you have been wrongfully terminated, you should consult with an experienced employment attorney who can help you navigate the legal process.
At Gaines & Gaines, we specialize in helping employees who have been wrongfully terminated. We have extensive experience in representing clients in various employment law matters, including discrimination, retaliation, breach of contract, and violation of public policy. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help you.
Schedule an initial consultation with Gaines & Gaines to get started on your California wrongful termination case.