Losing a job is hard, especially if you have a family to support. The loss of income and benefits can severely impact your livelihood and emotional well-being. Additionally, finding new employment may be challenging, causing further financial hardship.
For more than 40 years, JML Law has protected workers’ rights in California. If you believe you have been wrongfully terminated, you are not alone. We have extensive experience helping those who have lost their job due to discrimination, retaliation, and other illegitimate reasons. A Woodland Hills wrongful termination attorney will fight to reclaim your rights and the compensation you deserve. Contact the highly sought-after legal team of JML Law today for a free evaluation of your case by clicking here or calling us at 818-610-8800.
Defining Wrongful Termination In Woodland Hills, California
Employment law is very complex. California tries to balance the rights of employers with the rights of employees. In most cases, companies can employ and terminate workers for various reasons. However, workers are protected from termination under certain circumstances.
Discrimination
Workplace discrimination can lead to wrongful termination. Often, a company follows hiring practices that are acceptable by law regarding protected classes but then discriminates against them once hired. State and federal laws offer protection:
Fair hiring practices are one thing, but company culture is another. People in protected groups often experience discrimination from coworkers and superiors. If an employer terminates a protected group member without cause, they could face legal trouble.
Contract Violations
People often work under the terms of an agreed-upon contract, whether written or verbal. When an employer enters into an agreement with someone, they are giving them a guarantee of wages and benefits. By ending a contract early, they are jeopardizing the livelihood of that employee.
Suppose a painter is contracted to redo the interior of a private school. According to the contract terms, the estimated completion time is two weeks. The painter then passes on other opportunities during that time. If the privately owned school terminates the painter in the first week in favor of a lower bid, the painter has a right to pursue a claim for breach of contract.
If you have been terminated against the terms of an agreed-upon contract with your employer, you may need an attorney to bring a breach of contract or wrongful termination lawsuit against them.
Retaliation
In some cases, an employee may become aware and report illegal activity, negligent and hazardous working conditions, hostile environment, or other violations. Retaliation is any damaging actions an employer takes to punish the employee.
For example, suppose a server becomes aware of safety and health violations and reports the restaurant to the Department of Environmental Health. Retaliation occurs if the manager punishes the employee by reducing their hours, creating a hostile working environment to encourage their resignation, or terminating their employment.
Workers are protected from workplace punishment for reporting or participating in an investigation that involves;
- Sexual harassment or refusing sexual advances
- Discrimination of age, gender, race, religion, disability
- Illegal activities, including fraud, tax evasion, and corporate espionage
- Unpaid overtime or wages
- Tampering with time clock hours or employee status codes
- Safety violations, such as hazardous working conditions or exposure
- Failure to report work-related injuries and illnesses, including COVID-19
Whistleblowing
Whistleblowing is closely related to retaliation. According to the California Whistleblower Act, an employee is protected from reprisal by their employer for reporting illegal activities in the workplace.
For instance, suppose an employee discovers sensitive information has been stolen from a competitor. The employee reports the company to federal authorities for corporate espionage and is actively involved in the subsequent investigation. The employee is protected under the Whistleblower Act from termination or other forms of retaliation.
Request For Protected Rights
There are some cases where an employee has protected rights by the request that will prevent lawful termination by an employer.
For example;
- The Family and Medical Leave Act protects employees who meet certain requirements from termination after an extended leave.
- If an employee becomes pregnant or is recovering from childbirth, the Department of Fair Employment and Housing protects from termination and accommodations during employment.
- The Americans with Disabilities Act protects individuals from termination due to their disability and outlines rights to accommodations.
- Workers’ Compensation benefits injured employees and protect against termination due to their injury, including any resulting permanent damage.
What Damages Can A Woodland Hills Wrongful Termination Attorney Seek For Your Case
Sudden unemployment is daunting and can create an array of financial problems. At JML Law, our wrongful termination lawyers in Woodland Hills will fight for your best interests.
After an evaluation of your case, you may be entitled to damages, including;
- Lost wages and benefits.
- Lost future earnings.
- Emotional distress.
- Possible punitive damages to punish the employer for future violations.
The experienced attorneys at JML Law will examine your case and go over your options so that you can make an informed decision moving forward. You can contact us by clicking here or calling us at 818-610-8800.
JML Law’s Wrongful Termination Attorneys Will Protect Your Rights
If you feel you have been the victim of unlawful termination of employment, you need the skills and resources of JML Law. Our legal team has extensive experience protecting the rights of workers across California. We are determined to maximize your compensation and recover the full damages you deserve.
Contact an esteemed wrongful termination attorney in Woodland Hills by clicking here or calling 818-610-8800 for a free consultation.
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