Irvine Wrongful Termination Lawyer

Irvine Wrongful Termination Attorney

Being fired from your job can be upsetting, but it may be even more devastating if your employer violated the law when doing so. If your termination is due to discrimination, retaliation, or other violations of employment contracts, it could be considered wrongful termination. An Irvine wrongful termination lawyer can help you understand your options if your rights are violated.

At Engels-Janzen, we represent employees who have been wrongfully terminated and help them to pursue compensation, reinstatement, and other remedies. By having a strong advocate on your side, you can take action against employers for their unlawful conduct and protect your career, financial stability, and future opportunities.

Hire a Wrongful Termination Lawyer

The employment lawyers at Engels-Janzen are well-versed in California employment law and have considerable experience successfully handling clients’ wrongful termination cases. We have represented clients with discrimination, retaliation, whistleblower, and employment contract claims.

Our firm is known for being a skilled advocate that provides realistic solutions, and we are trusted throughout Irvine for representing employees. The employment attorneys at Engels-Janzen are here to carefully evaluate your case, provide strategic representation, and work toward getting you a favorable outcome.

Understanding At-Will Employment Exceptions

California is an “at-will” employment state. This means that, as a general rule, an employer can terminate an employee at any time for any reason. Exceptions to this general rule play a significant role. An employer cannot fire an employee for an unlawful reason. This includes firing someone for reasons of discrimination, retaliation, or in violation of public policy.

Additionally, if an employee has an employment contract (written or implied), an employer may be prohibited from firing them without cause. If you believe you may have been wrongfully terminated, it is important to understand which exception applies to your situation. In many cases, gathering evidence such as emails, performance records, or your employment contract can help prove that the termination was unlawful.

Retaliation and Protected Activities

Employees are protected by law from being terminated in connection with certain “protected” activities. For example, an employee who reports unsafe working conditions, files a wage claim, requests family or medical leave, or blows the whistle on employer wrongdoing is generally protected from retaliation by the employer. If the employee is fired for such an activity, the termination may be unlawful.

Proving retaliation can be difficult, and often depends on a showing of a causal connection between the protected activity and the termination. Evidence of retaliatory discharge can be based on documentation, testimony, and timing of the events. A wrongfully terminated employee may be eligible for compensation and reinstatement.

In FY 2023, the EEOC obtained $665 million in relief for workers who faced workplace discrimination, a figure that highlights both the extent of the issue and the agency’s ongoing commitment to protecting employee rights.

Discrimination-Based Termination

Terminating an employee based on his or her race, sex, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or another legally protected classification is illegal under both state and federal laws. The California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) is very comprehensive in the protections it affords workers from workplace discrimination, including discriminatory firings.

Many of these types of firings are less obvious and include sudden poor performance reviews, negative comments that single out a worker, or replacement by a less-qualified person outside of the protected group. Successful legal action in these cases requires solid evidence and professional legal analysis.

Workers who have been the victims of a discriminatory firing in Irvine are able to file a claim with either the California Civil Rights Department or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission prior to filing a lawsuit.

Remedies Available in Wrongful Termination Cases

If employees prevail in their wrongful termination lawsuits, they may be entitled to various remedies. These remedies may include reinstatement to their previous job, back pay, lost benefits, and compensatory damages for emotional distress. In cases where the termination was particularly egregious, courts may also award punitive damages to punish the employer.

Additionally, employees may be able to recover attorney’s fees and court costs. Overall, the potential remedies available in wrongful termination cases in California can help ensure that employees are made whole and held accountable for unlawful terminations.

FAQs

What Makes a Firing “Wrongful” in California?

A firing is wrongful in California when it is in violation of state or federal law. California is an at-will employment state. However, employers may not fire an employee for discriminatory reasons, in retaliation for reporting illegal activity, or in violation of an employment contract.

Employees who are wrongfully terminated can file claims for back pay, reinstatement, and damages. Consulting with a wrongful termination lawyer in Irvine can help you determine the legality of your dismissal according to California statutes.

How Do I Prove Wrongful Termination?

You demonstrate wrongful termination by presenting evidence that your employer violated the law. This could include performance reviews, email correspondence, witness statements, or records of protected activity like filing a complaint or taking medical leave.

Showing wrongful termination may also require you to clearly establish a timeline of events that led to your firing. Strict time limits require legal assistance to guarantee proper claim filing alongside documentation that establishes a strong legal argument.

What Is the Deadline for Filing a Wrongful Termination Claim?

Limits on filing a wrongful termination claim vary depending on the claim involved. Under the FEHA, for example, most employees have three years under California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act to file a complaint with the Civil Rights Department.

Claims filed with the EEOC under federal law may have shorter time limits. Other wrongful termination claims are governed by the civil statute of limitations. Filing a claim without delay following termination prevents loss of rights and missed deadlines.

Can I Sue My Employer for Emotional Distress After Being Fired?

It is possible to file a claim against an employer for emotional distress when fired, particularly if the termination was wrongful. Courts have permitted employees to claim damages for stress, anxiety, or reputational harm resulting from illegal firings.

Employees might use therapy records, medical notes, or witness testimony to support their case. To seek emotional distress damages, the employee must show how the firing directly caused their distress, which an employment lawyer can help to prove.

Contact an Irvine Wrongful Termination Lawyer

At Engels-Janzen, our Irvine wrongful termination attorneys protect employee rights with trusted legal guidance. Irvine is home to major employers in technology, healthcare, and education, and disputes in these industries often involve complex legal issues. Our firm is experienced in addressing the unique challenges Irvine workers face. Contact us today to hire a wrongful termination lawyer, discuss your case, and pursue fair remedies.