Known for its vineyards and beautiful landscapes, Santa Maria is a great place to live and work, regardless of what you do for a living. Unfortunately, some employers in Santa Maria do not respect the law when it comes to employment rights, and this includes government regulations that prohibit wrongful termination. This is a type of termination that happens when the employer fires someone over illegal reasons, like discrimination and retaliation.
If you believe that your recent job loss was unlawful, you should seek legal assistance as soon as possible. Chances are, you have grounds to file a wrongful termination claim or lawsuit against your employer. To verify your eligibility for an employment law violation claim, make sure to contact California Labor Law Employment Attorneys Group as soon as possible. Our attorneys have been fighting for the rights of California workers for several decades. We are proud to represent workers in Santa Maria and other cities in the Central Coast region. Please use our contact form or give us a call 24/7 to schedule a free case evaluation.
You are Protected by State and Federal Employment Laws
Both the U.S. government and the State of California have laws to ensure that workers are treated fairly by employers. At the federal level, workers are protected from discrimination and wrongful termination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. You also have laws that protect specific categories of people, like the Pregnancy Discrimination Act and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act.
California has its own set of laws for employment rights, including the Fair Employment and Housing Act. Employees that need medical leave for themselves or an immediate family member may qualify for up to 12 weeks of job-protected leave, thanks to the California Family Rights Act.
Keep in mind that these are just some of the protections that you can rely on if you were wrongfully fired from your job in Santa Maria, CA. For more information on your right to seek justice under state and federal labor laws, talk to a member of our legal team as soon as possible.
Government Agencies that Enforce Labor Laws
So, now that you know there are laws that prohibit termination under certain conditions, what can you do if your employer broke the rules? This is not something most people think about when they first get that job offer and feel excited about the prospect of a long and fruitful relationship with their employer.
With a wrongful termination, you no longer have the opportunity to show up to work and try to work things out with your former employer, However, you have the option of filing a complaint with a federal or state agency, like the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or the California Civil Rights Department. The EEOC is a federal entity, meaning they enforce and punish employers that violate U.S. employment laws. The CRD, on the other hand, upholds California laws that have to do with worker’s rights. Which agency should you turn to if you lost your job through illegal means? Our Santa Maria wrongful termination lawyers are here to answer all your questions and help you put together a strong and compelling case against your employer.
When can I Sue My Employer for Wrongful Termination?
While an employment claim is helpful in holding your employer accountable, what about the monetary losses you incurred when you lost your job? This is where a lawsuit comes in, but you cannot go ahead and petition the courts right away. First, you must prove to the EEOC or the CRD that you have a legitimate case for wrongful termination. This is why you file a claim with either agency and submit all the evidence that supports your allegations.
Upon investigating what happened to you, the agency will make a decision on whether you can sue your employer directly. If you have the option of going ahead with litigation, the applicable agency will send you a Right to Sue letter. At this point, things have to move very quickly to ensure that you do not miss the deadline for a lawsuit.
What is the Time Limit to Sue for Wrongful Termination?
After you are notified of your right to sue by the EEOC or CRD, the race is on to beat the clock before the statute of limitations runs out on your case. If your claim was handled by the EEOC, you have just 90 days to file a lawsuit, starting from the date on the Right to Sue letter. If you were given permission for a lawsuit from the CRD, the deadline is 1 year. This is why it’s advantageous to have a lawyer representing you from right from the start. By working with a wrongful termination attorney, you have a better chance of making a strong case that supports your right to monetary damages. Once you get the letter telling you that you can sue your employer, the transition to a lawsuit will be much quicker and smoother if you already have a Santa Maria attorney that specializes in wrongful termination.
Do You Need a Second Opinion on Your Case?
Most people are familiar with the idea of getting a second opinion from another doctor, but what if you have important questions or concerns about a legal case? A second opinion on your rights and legal options is a critical option for those who are seeking justice from a lawsuit for wrongful termination.
What is the point of a second opinion, you ask? It’s an opportunity to get another lawyer’s insight before making important decisions, like whether to accept a settlement. You may have also thought about the possibility of finding a new lawyer. Issues like poor communication, lack of progress, and unprofessional conduct may be hurting your case and finding a new law firm may be for the best.
Many people wonder if there are legal penalties for switching lawyers in the middle of a case. Let us assure you that you have the right to find new legal counsel at any point during a lawsuit. Still, this is not a decision you should make lightly, and the problems you are having may be resolved in other ways. Once we learn more about your case and what you are dissatisfied with, we can help you make an informed decision on whether or not to fire your attorney.
