What can you expect to receive from a wrongful termination lawsuit? Realistically, there is no reliable way to zero in on an “average” amount of compensation for these cases. Most cases will result in payouts ranging from $5,000 to $75,000. If the employer’s conduct is particularly outrageous and the plaintiff is awarded punitive damages by a jury, the total amount of compensation may exceed $1,500,000.
If you were fired under unlawful circumstances, it’s natural to have questions about the average settlement for a lawsuit in California. After all, losing your job is tough enough on your finances and mental health, but the added stress of knowing it was done illegally can really push things over the edge.
At the end of the day, each employment case is unique, including how much you can expect to receive in damages. Though we understand how stressed you are, please know that our law firm is with your every step of the way. We are ready to assist you 24/7, so please feel free to reach out and talk to one of our legal experts during a free case review.
An Overview of California Wrongful Termination Settlements
Again, we want to mention that no two cases are alike, and ultimately, any figures that we provide in this article should be used for general purposes only
One the low end of the spectrum, unlawful termination cases can have values from $5,000 to $30,000. The mid-range in settlement values for wrongful termination is between $30,000 and $100,000. Finally, you have the category of extreme, high value claims, which can lead to settlements or jury verdicts of $100,000 to over $1,000,000.
Cases involving race, religion, and age discrimination are on the higher end of the spectrum, with payouts ranging from $50,000 to $1,000,000. Those fired for whistleblowing can end up with $450,000 and above, while disability discrimination cases may be worth $100,000 to $500,000.
Discussing your situation with a California employment lawyer is the best way to get an idea of the potential value of your claim. We have a dedicated team of lawyers that specialize in wrongful termination lawsuit, so give us a call as soon as possible.
What Counts Wrongful Termination?
As California has an at-will employment policy, an employer generally has the right to fire you at any time, for any reason or no reason at all. However, the employer cannot fire someone when it violates worker protections like anti-discrimination and retaliation laws. For example, employers are prohibited from termination and other discriminatory behavior based on characteristics such as:
- Age
- Race, ethnicity, or nationality
- Gender
- Religion
- Disability
- Citizenship status
- Political beliefs
- HIV status
- Pregnancy
Employers are also forbidden from retaliation when employees engage in protected activities such as filing for workers’ compensation, complaining about overtime violations, and filing a complaint to the California Labor Board or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. In addition, you cannot be fired for taking protected leave time if you or a family member is diagnosed with a serious medical condition.
Filing a Claim for Wrongful Termination
If you suspect that you were illegally terminated, you have the right to seek advice from a wrongful termination lawyer and file a claim with the applicable state and/or federal agency. This is a long and complicated process, but it is possible to obtain compensation and hold your employer accountable.
Building a Compelling Case
Evidence that supports your claim is of utmost importance, which may include:
- Performance evaluations and other documents from your employment records
- Written communications / emails pertaining to your termination
- Statements from your supervisors and colleagues
- Copies of complaints you filed with HR or a government entity
- Any evidence of harassment, discrimination, intimidation, and other unlawful treatment at your job.
We can help you locate and compile evidence that’s related to your case, so contact our office and talk to an experienced wrongful termination attorney.
Finding a Lawyer
The average person is completely unfamiliar with the claims process for a wrongful termination case. Understanding the laws and the procedures to file a claim can be extremely challenging, and that’s why legal representation is strongly recommended. A labor law attorney can help you gather evidence and ensure that you have a strong case against your employer. You should also have a lawyer to represent you in settlement negotiations, which is where a lot of employees face pushback and intimidation from the employer.
Our law firm is comprised of employment rights lawyers with decades of experience in wrongful termination complaints. We are happy to answer any questions you have about our experience and approach to representing our valued clients.
Factors that Influence a Wrongful Termination Settlement
Why do settlements vary so much from one case to the next? It has to do with many factors that are relevant to a wrongful termination claim, which you will need to go over in detail with your attorney. For now, let’s take a look at some of the variables that can impact the value of your settlement:
- The severity of misconduct by your employer
- The type and strength of evidence
- Total value of lost wages and employment benefits
- Level of emotional distress associated with wrongful termination and other adverse treatment by your employer
- The level of experience and skill by your attorney
Damages Awarded to Victims of Wrongful Termination
A wrongful termination settlement or jury award provides compensation for tangible losses to your finances, and possibly non-economic damages for psychological distress. Here are the damages you may be entitled to:
- Lost wages and job benefits (medical plan, retirement plan contributions, etc.)
- Expenses related to searching for a new job
- Damage to your professional reputation
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional distress
- Punitive damages
- Cost of hiring an attorney
Help from a Legal Expert
Guidance from a California employment attorney is critical when you are victimized by a corrupt employer. That’s why we encourage you to contact us immediately and learn about your rights and legal options.
There’s nothing to lose by meeting with one of our employment lawyers, as we offer free consultations. The decision to go ahead with a clam is completely up to you, and we will provide you with a Zero Fee Guarantee for any legal services. That means you pay absolutely nothing upfront, since all of our attorneys work on contingency. In essence, we have to win your case in order to receive payment from your employer, and there’s no cost to you if we don’t recover your settlement.
You can take advantage of this offer by contacting us at your earliest convenience. We look forward to hearing your story and fighting for justice on your behalf.
