The Los Angeles wrongful termination lawyers at Eldessouky Law work hard to help wrongfully terminated employees get the justice they deserve. We are here to provide guidance, advice, and representation to our clients who were wrongfully fired from their job.
You shouldn’t put up with being treated unfairly or wrongfully terminated from your job, and neither do we. California is an “at-will” state, meaning that employers have the right to fire employees for any reason at all – or no reason at all.
However, they are not allowed to fire you due to your race, gender, age, religion, disability, or because of any other protected class under the law or if you have engaged in protected activity. When an employer wrongfully terminates an employee based on any of these factors, they are breaking the law and can be held accountable.
Our law firm is dedicated to helping wrongfully terminated employees like you get the justice they deserve. We know how difficult it can be to deal with wrongful termination, especially when you feel like you have no voice or power in the process.
Our Los Angeles employment attorneys can help you navigate the confusing legal process and make sure your rights are protected. You have questions, and we are here to answer them and provide guidance every step of the way.
If you or someone you know has been wrongfully terminated from your job, don’t hesitate to contact us at 714-409-8991 for a free consultation with one of our dedicated lawyers. We are ready to fight for you and make sure justice is served.
Dealing with an Employment Dispute?
Discuss your legal options with an attorney at Eldessouky Law
or, give us a ring at 714-409-8991.
What is wrongful termination?
Wrongful termination is the act of firing an employee from their job in violation of either state or federal laws. It can occur for a variety of reasons, including discrimination based on race, gender, age, religion, disability, or another protected class under the law.
There are other reasons why an employee might be wrongfully terminated, such as employer retaliation after filing a complaint of harassment or discrimination, or being fired for refusing to break the law.
Wrongful Termination Laws in California
Under California law, most employees are considered at-will. This means that employers can terminate workers for any reason or no reason at all – except if they were fired due to discrimination or employer retaliation.
When an at-will employee is fired under illegal circumstances, they may be able to file a wrongful termination lawsuit against their employer.
Some unlawful reasons for firing or layoffs include, but are not limited to:
- discrimination or harassment under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964;
- retaliation under the False Claims Act;
- and a variety of additional behaviors governed by federal, state, and/or local laws.
- “Blowing the whistle” on illegal activities or business practices
As an example, California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act make it illegal to fire or lay off workers based on their sexual orientation.
How Much is a Wrongful Termination Lawsuit Worth in Los Angeles?
An average wrongful termination claim in Los Angeles can be settled for as little as $10,000 while more complex cases can lead to verdicts in the millions of dollars. Since every wrongful termination case is unique, with different circumstances, lost wages, and emotional distress, each claim needs to be evaluated separately.
There are many factors the courts will assess to determine how much a wrongful termination case is worth.
Most of the time, workers can seek compensation (also known as financial damages) for the following kinds of harm if they have strong grounds to file a wrongful termination claim:
- Anxiety and other emotional trauma resulting from the termination
- Attorney’s fees and legal costs
- Loss of benefits
- Lost wages – both past and future
- Punitive damages – only if an employer has engaged in fraud or is guilty of malice
Additionally, workers are entitled to any wages they are owed at the time of termination. If your employer has withheld any of your wages, this action is unlawful per Cal. Labor Code § 201. Similarly, Cal. Labor Code § 227.3 and Cal. Labor Code § 201 entitle workers to compensation for any accrued and unused paid time offer and earned commissions. Therefore, if your employer has withheld any of these forms of compensation, your wrongful termination claim can address this wrongdoing as well. Cal. Labor Code § 203 even allows a worker who has been denied any of these forms of compensation to collect “waiting time penalties” in an amount equal to their ordinary daily pay rate multiplied (up to 30) days that the worker was denied their rightful pay.
However, to better understand the potential value of your case, you should speak with a California wrongful termination lawyer who can help you understand the process and what to expect.
Can I Sue my Employer for Wrongful Termination in Los Angeles?
Yes, you can sue your employer for wrongful termination if the firing or layoff is illegal. Employees in California have the right to sue their employer for wrongful termination – but they must do so within a certain timeframe or risk losing their legal rights.
If you believe you should be able to file a lawsuit against your employer, it’s best to speak with an experienced Los Angeles employment attorney as soon as possible about your case. They can help determine if you have a viable claim and what your next steps should be.
How Long Do You Have to Sue for Wrongful Termination in California?
three years
If you have been wrongfully terminated, you must file a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD), previously called the Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH), within three (3) years of your termination. Once you have filed a complaint with the CRD, you will then be able to sue your employer in civil court.
Do not wait to file your complaint, as the statute of limitations for wrongful termination claims in California is strict and will prevent you from being able to sue your employer if you wait too long.
In addition, the longer you wait, the more difficult it will be to gather evidence and build a strong case against your employer.
How do You Prove Wrongful Termination in California?
To have a successful wrongful termination case against your employer, you must be able to prove that your termination was illegal.
In order to prove wrongful termination in California, you must be able to show that:
- The firing was based on illegal reasons, such as discrimination, unlawful retaliation, a violation of public policy, or a breach of contract;
- The employer’s stated reason for firing you is not truthful or was not the true reason.
An employer will not outright lie in court; however, they can sometimes be dishonest or misleading. Proving that the firing was illegal is not always an easy task.
It will often take the help of an experienced Los Angeles employment lawyer to uncover the truth and build a strong case against an employer.
Do You Need to Hire a Wrongful Termination Lawyer “Near Me”?
Not necessarily. Employment dispute cases can fall under both state and federal jurisdiction. That is why it is important to work with an employment lawyer from your area who has experience working with both state and federal laws.
If you have a wrongful termination dispute in Los Angeles, you will need an employment lawyer licensed to practice law in California.
When searching for the best wrongful termination lawyer for your case, look for someone who has a history of success with similar cases and who has the experience needed to effectively handle your particular situation. In addition, you should feel comfortable working with them and confident that they will work hard to help you get the compensation you deserve.
Hiring a local employment lawyer can provide you with a number of benefits. If you’ve been a victim of wrongful termination in Los Angeles, you need to talk to an attorney who is familiar with the local laws and can fight for your legal rights.
Eldessouky Law has litigated several cases all throughout Los Angeles county and is familiar with all State and Federal court local rules. Eldessouky Law also has offices located conveniently located from Stanley Mosk Courthouse which is the busiest courtroom in Los Angeles.
The lawyers at Eldessouky Law are here to help. Give our office a call at 714-409-8991 or fill out one of our contact forms online.
Have You Been Wrongfully Termination in Los Angeles?
Contact our Los Angeles wrongful termination lawyers at Eldessouky Law today at (714) 287-7242. You have questions. We have answers. Initial consultations are free; there are no up-front costs or fees. If we feel that you have a strong case and decide to take it on, we’ll immediately begin working towards getting you the compensation you deserve.
Need Legal Help? Let’s talk. or, give us a ring at 714-409-8991.
Contact a Los Angeles Wrongful Termination Attorney Today
If you need the help of a Los Angeles employment lawyer, contact Eldessouky Law at (714) 409-8992 to speak with a member of our team. We’ll be happy to discuss your case and explore your legal options with you.
Initial consultations are free; there are no up-front costs or fees. If we feel that you have a strong case and decide to take it on, we’ll immediately begin working towards getting you the compensation you deserve.
