Successfully representing employees for over 35 years.

phone icon Free Consultation
phone icon916-442-8614
phone icon Free Consultation
divider

Sacramento Wrongful Termination Lawyers

separator

Recently lost your job? You might be questioning whether you have grounds for a wrongful termination lawsuit.

What is Wrongful Termination?

California is a “right-to-work” or “at-will” state, which means that both you and your employer can terminate your employment relationship at any time and for any reason; however, there are some exceptions to this rule. If your employer fires you for discriminatory reasons, in retaliation for exercising your workplace rights, or in violation of an employment contract, you may have a legal claim for wrongful termination.

Wrongful termination laws are complicated, so we strongly advise you to speak with a qualified employment attorney right away to determine if you have a case and what steps you must take.

wrongful termination lawyers

Laws Protecting Employee Rights

There are several laws protecting California employee rights.

Common Types of Illegal Workplace Discrimination

The California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (FEHA) has clear and specific guidelines prohibiting discrimination based on:

  • Age
  • Ancestry
  • Color
  • Denial of Family and Medical Care Leave
  • Disability
  • Gender, Gender Identity, and Gender Expression
  • Genetic Information
  • Marital Status
  • Medical Condition
  • Military/Veteran Status
  • National Origin
  • Race
  • Religion
  • Refusal to break the law
  • Sex (including pregnancy and its medically-related conditions)
  • Sexual Orientation

Wrongful Termination as a Form of Retaliation

Every employee expects the workplace to be hospitable and free from discrimination. But employees are occasionally terminated for some of these illegal reasons:

Being dismissed or demoted for any of the above is illegal, so it is important to promptly file a complaint or seek guidance from an experienced Sacramento wrongful termination attorney.

Wrongful Termination for Whistleblowing

What happens if you discover the company you work for is conducting business illegally or in an unsafe manner? As someone concerned about the well-being of others, you may want to report these findings to officials within the company or even outside it, if appropriate.

Fear of retaliation or demotion often prevents employees from speaking out – something commonly known as whistleblowing. But laws protect you from being wrongfully terminated for this type of activity, and you may, in fact, be entitled to compensation from entities who have been harmed by the company’s illegal practices if your assistance helps them recover lost costs.

Illegal Termination of a Contract Employee

Perhaps your working relationship involves a contract, either written or oral, that outlines your work and the length of your employment. If your employer breaks this agreement, then he or she could be held responsible for wrongful termination. If, however, the terms of the contract state that you are an “at-will” employee, then standard rules apply.

Since oral contracts can be very difficult to prove in court, you should consult with an experienced Sacramento-based wrongful termination lawyer right away. Filing complaints in a timely manner is crucial, and it may be necessary to file a complaint with the state labor division in your area within 12 months of a suspected wrongful termination.

What Is Constructive Wrongful Termination?

Sadly, unscrupulous employers still exist, and, sometimes, they go to great lengths to make employees quit, so that they don’t have to terminate them. This practice is also illegal. If working conditions have degraded to the point where you can’t effectively do your job, and you feel as if you were forced to resign, your employer may still be held liable for wrongful termination … even if you left voluntarily. In situations like this, a Constructive Wrongful Termination complaint or lawsuit may be in order.

Get Immediate Legal Assistance

There are a lot of options when it comes to dealing with a wrongful termination situation. If you feel that you were fired in an illegal manner, contact a wrongful termination attorney right away. A lawyer will help you determine the strength of your complaint and find out if you have grounds for additional local or state claims. And most importantly, they can lead you in your efforts to return to your job, receive an appropriate severance agreement, or file a lawsuit.

Losing your job is stressful and losing it illegally is devastating. Our experienced wrongful termination lawyers understand the range of emotions you may be feeling, and we are dedicated to making you whole and obtaining the best possible compensation for your situation. With more than 35 years of combined experience, we’ve handled a wide variety of wrongful termination cases, large and small, and each case receives our full attention.

Contact our California wrongful termination lawyers today at (916) 245-2219 to schedule a FREE case evaluation.

To determine if your employer has committed wrongful termination, call our Sacramento office today at (916) 245-2219 to schedule your initial consultation. If you choose to fill out a contact form, we will respond within one business day, even on the weekends.

Next: How to File a Wrongful Termination Lawsuit and Win