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Wrongful Termination

Wrongful Termination

What is wrongful termination?

Wrongful termination in California refers to the illegal firing of an employee, violating their rights under the law. As an employee in California, you possess certain rights and protections that safeguard you from unjust termination. These protections are particularly crucial in cases involving discrimination, exercise of legal rights, or reporting unlawful conduct.


Discrimination in the Workplace

In a diverse workforce, instances of discriminatory behavior can occur. It is important to note that it is illegal to terminate an employee based on factors such as gender, race, religious beliefs, disabilities, or pregnancy. If you have been fired due to any of these protected characteristics, it may constitute wrongful termination.


Protection for Exercising Legal Rights

As an employee in California, you have the right to exercise various legal entitlements without the fear of losing your job. Employers cannot lawfully terminate you for exercising rights such as requesting medical leave, disability leave, or reasonable accommodations for disabilities. If you have been fired solely because you exercised one of these legal rights, your termination may be considered wrongful.


Reporting Unlawful Conduct

If you discover or reasonably believe that your employer has engaged in illegal activities, you are protected from retaliation after reporting their violations of the law. Wrongful termination can occur if you are fired as a direct consequence of reporting unlawful conduct by your employer.

What can I do if I was wrongfully terminated by my employer?

If you suspect that you have been wrongfully terminated in California, it is crucial to understand your rights and seek legal advice promptly. Consulting an experienced employment lawyer familiar with wrongful termination cases can provide you with the guidance and representation necessary to protect your rights and pursue appropriate remedies.

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What kind of damages can I recover for wrongful termination?

In wrongful termination cases in California, employees who prevail in their claims may be entitled to various types of damages. It's important to note that the specific amounts of damages awarded can vary widely based on the facts and circumstances of each case. Here are a few examples of damages that an employee may potentially recover:


Lost wages and benefits

A wrongfully terminated employee may be awarded compensation for the wages and benefits they would have earned if they had not been unlawfully terminated. This can include past and future lost wages, as well as lost bonuses, commissions, and other benefits. The amount of lost wages and benefits awarded will depend on factors such as the employee's salary, length of unemployment, and other relevant factors.


Emotional distress damages

Wrongful termination can cause significant emotional distress to the affected employee. In some cases, employees may be entitled to compensation for the emotional harm suffered as a result of the wrongful termination.


Punitive damages

In certain cases involving particularly egregious or malicious conduct by the employer, punitive damages may be awarded. These damages are intended to punish the employer and deter similar behavior in the future.


It's important to consult with an employment lawyer to get specific guidance regarding potential damages in a wrongful termination case. The amounts awarded in damages can vary greatly based on the facts of each case and are subject to the discretion of the court or jury.

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