Employment At-Will
Being fired from a job can be stressful, especially when you believe your employer terminated you for an unlawful reason. While California generally follows the employment at-will doctrine, there are important exceptions that may protect employees from wrongful termination. If you believe you were unlawfully fired, a wrongful termination attorney in Los Angeles can help you understand your rights and potential legal options.
Employment Contract
An employment contract may provide additional protections against termination. A breach of a written employment contract can occur when an employer fails to follow the terms of the agreement. For example, if an employee is hired under a contract for a specific 12-month term and the employer terminates the employee after three months without a legally permitted reason, the employee may have a claim for breach of contract or wrongful termination depending on the agreement and circumstances.
Proving the existence of an implied employment contract can be more difficult. Courts may consider the circumstances surrounding the employment relationship, including statements, policies, practices, and other evidence, to determine whether an implied agreement existed and whether it was breached.
If you believe your employer violated an employment agreement when terminating you, an employment lawyer for wrongful termination can review the agreement and other relevant evidence.
If You’re Wrongfully Terminated…
If you believe you were wrongfully terminated, it is important to preserve documents and communications related to your employment and termination. Relevant evidence may include emails, text messages, performance reviews, employment agreements, disciplinary records, and communications with supervisors or human resources.
Speaking with a wrongful termination lawyer in Los Angeles can help you determine whether the facts support a wrongful termination claim and what options may be available. An attorney can also help you understand how other potential claims, such as discrimination or retaliation, may relate to your termination.
Job Discrimination
Federal and California laws prohibit employers from making certain employment decisions based on protected characteristics. Depending on the circumstances, these protections may include race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, disability, age, and other legally protected characteristics.
Employers generally cannot use a protected characteristic as the basis for an unlawful termination. For example, if an employee is fired because of their disability, pregnancy, race, or age, the termination may violate applicable employment discrimination laws.
If you believe discrimination played a role in your termination, a wrongful termination lawyer in Los Angeles can help you evaluate the circumstances and determine whether you may have a legal claim.
