Unlawful termination can be a serious challenge, especially for healthcare, medical, and pharmacy professionals whose careers partially rely heavily on their reputations. If you believe you were fired for illegal reasons, lawyers who handle wrongful termination can help you. They will guide you through the legal process to protect your rights.
Losing your job can be devastating, particularly if you were fired illegally or unjustly. It is our job as unlawful termination lawyers to handle the legal recourse during this emotional time and difficult time.
Below, you can find a brief overview of what constitutes unlawful termination, the steps to take if you were wrongfully fired, and which attorney to contact to advocate for you.
Unlawful termination occurs when an employer fires an employee for illegal reasons, violating state or federal laws. In California, it is against the law for an employer to fire an employee for discrimination. This includes race, sex, age, pregnancy, disability, religion, sexual orientation, and other protected traits. These rules are part of the California Employment and Housing Act (FEHA).
Employers are also not allowed to terminate employees in retaliation for reporting workplace violations, refusing to engage in illegal activities, or exercising legal rights, such as taking medical leave under the California Family Rights Act (CFRA).
California is an at-will state, meaning employers can terminate their workers for any reason or no reason at all — as long as it is not illegal. For instance, an employer can legally fire an employee for performing poorly or showing up late regularly.
However, an employer cannot fire an employee for reasons based on discrimination, in retaliation for whistleblowing, or for violation of an employment contract.
If you think you were unlawfully terminated, consider taking the following steps:
Keep all records related to your termination because thorough documentation can help you and your unlawful termination lawyer build a strong case. These records include:
If you were wrongfully terminated, you may be able to sue your former employer. To prove wrongful termination under California law, you must demonstrate that:
Speaking with an unlawful termination attorney can help you understand your legal options. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to receive compensation for lost wages, emotional distress, and punitive damages; reinstatement to your previous position if possible; or negotiation for a severance package if your termination was unfair but does not meet the legal requirements for a lawsuit.
Depending on why you were terminated, you will likely need to report the violation to the right state agency. If you were fired because of discrimination, like disability discrimination, or retaliation, you can file a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD).
If you were fired for reporting labor law violations, like unpaid wages, denied breaks, or retaliation for taking protected medical leave, you can file a complaint with the California Labor Commissioner’s Office (DLSE).
Several other U.S. agencies handle specific cases depending on the reason for your termination. Unlawful termination (California) attorneys are equipped to guide you in determining where to file your complaint.
If a government agency cannot resolve your claim or does not cover specific circumstances of wrongful termination, you may file a civil lawsuit against your employer. For example, you might consider taking legal action if your termination went against a contractual agreement.
At Fenton Jurkowitz Law Group, our team of seasoned lawyers for unlawful termination has extensive experience in navigating wrongful termination claims. We are committed to ensuring you receive the compensation and justice you deserve.
In addition to filing claims, our attorneys can help you explore appeals and legal challenges to fight for your reinstatement or financial recovery. If you were unlawfully or wrongfully terminated, contact an unlawful termination attorney ASAP — before the statute of limitations expires — by filling out the contact form on our website.