If you are here today because you think you have been wrongfully terminated by your employer, we strongly encourage you to seek legal assistance immediately. At The Rager Law Firm, our knowledgeable and experienced wrongful termination attorneys thoroughly understand these cases. We will investigate your claims and work to secure any compensation you may be entitled to. Whether you have been terminated for discriminatory reasons, retaliation, or something else, we are ready to help.
Why would a termination become illegal?
California is an “at-will” employment state, which generally means the employer has a right to hire and fire a person for any reason. However, there are often times when a person loses their job because of discrimination, retaliation, or other illegal reason as defined by state or federal law.
Discrimination: One of the main reasons a person is wrongfully terminated is due to discrimination. According to the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH), there are strong protections in place to shield any worker from discrimination based on the following:
- Age
- Disability
- Equal Pay/Compensation
- Genetic Information
- Harassment
- National Origin
- Pregnancy
- Race/Color
- Religion
- Retaliation
- Sex
- Sexual Harassment
California also provides strong protections for workers against discrimination based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
Any worker who is fired for discrimination based on any of the above factors has been wrongfully terminated and should pursue a claim against their employer.
Retaliation: Workers in California are also protected from termination due to retaliation by their employer for the following:
- Reporting unsafe working conditions.
- Reporting instances of discrimination or harassment in the workplace.
- Discovering and reporting unequal pay between women and men.
- Participating with or becoming a witness in an EEOC or state investigation.
- Refusing to participate in or reporting the illegal/fraudulent activities of the employer.
Violations of public policy: There are a variety of laws in place to protect employees, and workers cannot be terminated for participating in the following:
- Taking time off allowed through the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) or the California Family Rights Act (CFRA).
- Serving in the National Guard or military reserve.
- Taking time off to vote or for jury duty.
- Requesting accommodations allowed through the ADA.
Violation of company written policy: There are times when an employer bypasses company disciplinary policies, such as written and verbal warnings, and terminates an employee. This is a violation of an agreed-upon contract.
Let us help you through this
If an employer has wrongfully terminated you or somebody you care about, contact a skilled and experienced attorney today. At The Rager Law Firm, we are going to put the full resources of our firm on your case in order to secure any compensation you are entitled to. This can include:
- Reinstatement to your job
- Front pay and back pay
- Interest on unpaid wages
- Pain and suffering damages
- Court cost and legal fees
- Possible punitive damages against the employer
When you need a Long Beach wrongful termination attorney, you can contact us by clicking here or calling us at 310-527-6994 for a free consultation.