Are you a resident or worker in Moreno Valley who recently lost their job? Do you have reason to believe that your termination was illegal, meaning it was a violation of state and federal labor laws? As a victim of wrongful termination in Moreno Valley, you may have grounds to sue your employer for lost wages and other monetary damages. If you are interested in learning more about your legal options after being fired illegally, contact the offices of California Labor Law Employment Attorneys Group as soon as possible.
What Does It Mean to be Wrongfully Terminated?
A wrongful termination occurs when an employee is fired based on one or more reasons that violate current employment laws. Of course, terminations happen all the time for legitimate reasons, and it’s important to recognize that California is an at-will employment state. So, the employer is not obligated to state a specific reason as to why you are fired, and you do not need to give cause or notice if you wish to quit your job.
However, employers cannot make employment decisions, including terminations, based on discrimination. What counts as discrimination is based on specific characteristics that are defined by federal and California employment laws.
Legal Terminations under the At-Will Employment System
As we mentioned, California operates under the system of at-will employment. So, unless there is a contract stating otherwise, the employer has the right to end your employment at any time, for just about any reason. As a courtesy, the vast majority of employers do give a reason for the termination and notice of at least a few days. However, it is legal for an employer to fire you without warning, even if your job performance has been satisfactory. But there is usually a reason behind why someone is let go from their job, like failure to meet performance objectives, constantly being late or too many absences, budget cuts, and phasing out redundant positions.
Legal Protections against Wrongful Terminations
Various laws by the state and federal government protect workers from certain types of terminations and other adverse employment decisions. Two primary laws that you should be familiar with are the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. These and other statutes forbid employers from discriminatory practices, like firing you for speaking out about discrimination, sexual harassment, and other abuses in the workplace.
If you would like more information on your rights under Title VII and FEHA, contact our team of Moreno Valley wrongful termination lawyers.
Your Right to Sue after a Wrongful Termination
As someone who was fired unlawfully in Moreno Valley, you may be interested in taking legal action against your employer. For example, you may have the option of filing a discrimination claim with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). This federal agency oversees and enforces employment laws, including regulations that prohibit workplace discrimination.
At the state level, you can choose to file a claim with the California Civil Rights Department. The CRD offers similar protections against wrongful termination as the EEOC, including the right to seek restitution if you were fired as an act of retaliation.
Once your claim is investigated by the EEOC and/or DFEH, you may receive what is known as a Right to Sue notice. At that point, you can file a civil lawsuit for wrongful termination and ask for monetary damages from the employer. Until you receive the Right to Sue letter, you cannot go ahead with a lawsuit, so it’s essential that you present a strong and clear argument with extensive evidence to show how and why you were fired.
About Your Right to Compensatory Damages
If you were wrongfully terminated and given the right to sue your employer, what are the payments you are entitled to? This is a crucial topic, as losing your job for even a month or two can put you at risk of unpaid bills and other financial setbacks. That’s why our attorneys fight to secure maximum payment on behalf of Moreno Valley workers who wish to sue for wrongful termination.
Let’s take a look at the categories of compensation that you can potentially recover:
- Back pay and front pay
- Compensation for work benefits that were lost as a result of wrongful termination
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages
- Cost of legal representation
Deadlines in a Wrongful Termination Case
All employment claims in California must be filed within the statute of limitations. This is a complicated matter with labor law cases, which have different deadlines based on the type of legal action. For example, you have 3 years to file a claim for wrongful termination with the California Civil Rights Department. On the other hand, you have 180 days from the date of discrimination to file a claim with the EEOC.
Make sure to verify the deadline that’s applicable to your situation by speaking to a California wrongful termination attorney. A lawyer can also tell you about the deadline for a lawsuit, which depends on which agency issued the Right to Sue notice. While all this may seem overwhelming right now, please know that our attorneys are just a phone call away, and we are with you every step of the way on the journey to emotional and financial recovery.
Contact a Moreno Valley Employment Attorney
Wrongful termination can happen to anyone, regardless of what they do for a living or how long they have worked for a specific employer. If you were let go from your job and suspect that the reason was not legal, it’s essential to contact a wrongful termination attorney as soon as possible.
Here at California Labor Law Employment Attorneys Group, we have a team of experienced employment lawyers who are ready to fight for your interests. We also provide legal services on a contingency basis, meaning you pay $0 out of pocket. The only payment owed to us is a percentage of the compensation you receive from a wrongful termination lawsuit. You are also protected by the Zero Fee Guarantee, so if we do not win your case, you pay $0 in legal fees. It’s really that simple, so please take a moment to contact our office and schedule a free consultation if you need a Moreno Valley lawyer that specializes in wrongful terminations.
