A Wrongful Termination Lawyer can Help Protect Your Rights
California is an at-will employment state, which means that an employer does not need reason or cause to let an employee go. Nonetheless, a termination can violate certain laws that protect workers' rights against discrimination and retaliation. If you believe you were illegally terminated, wrongful termination lawyer Gregory Thyberg in Sacramento, CA, has decades of experience advocating for workplace victims like you. To find out how we can assist you in your wrongful termination claim, contact Thyberg Law for your no-obligation case review.
Wrongful Termination Lawsuits
An employee can file a wrongful termination claim against an employer for compensation, including loss of wages and punitive damages. The lawsuit must prove that the termination was without cause, and was in violation of a protected class or fundamental public policy, pursuant to the California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. These regulations protect workers from being terminated relating to:
- Gender
- Pregnancy
- Age
- Race or national origin
- Disability
- Taking medical leave
- Sexual orientation
- Marital status
- Whistleblowing
- Reporting harassment
- Opposing unlawful, fraudulent or unethical conduct
Workers who have been wrongfully terminated should bear in mind that filing a wrongful termination suit needs to happen within a certain period of time, called the statute of limitations. Depending on your case type, you may need to make your claim within a year of termination.
Breach of Contract
In some instances, an employee has signed a contract that outlines terms of employment and conditions for termination. If that employee is discharged in violation of that contract, or an “implied contract,” they may have rights to a wrongful termination claim. Union agreements that protect employees by contractual provisions that specify the conditions for termination would be examples. There is also an official union appeals process for employees who believe they were wrongfully terminated.
An employee can file a wrongful termination claim against an employer for compensation, including loss of wages and punitive damages. The lawsuit must prove that the termination was without cause, and was in violation of a protected class or fundamental public policy.
How an Attorney Can Help
Proving that an employer wrongfully terminated you is not always as easy as it might seem. Employers who violate wrongful termination laws often go to great lengths to cover up their unethical and illegal behavior. The court will be looking for certain data to substantiate a claim, such as statistical evidence that illustrates a pattern of discriminatory practices, or direct evidence that offers record of specific actions or statements by other personnel. An attorney can make this case for you by gathering appropriate evidence, often by:
- Deposing key witnesses, including CEOs, managers, other employees, and vendors
- Reviewing employer personnel records
- Examining copies of company emails, letters, memos, and other internal communications
- Analyzing surveillance footage of the work areas
- Gathering hiring, firing, pay, and promotion data for comparative statistical analysis
Compiling this information into a strong case that proves you were wrongfully terminated and secures you compensation is extremely difficult to do without legal expertise. By relying on an experienced wrongful termination attorney, you greatly improve the chances of receiving the compensation you deserve while also relieving yourself of the stress and time associated with self-representation.
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
If you believe you were terminated for illegal reasons, contact Thyberg Law online today. You can also call our office at (916) 204-9173 to schedule your complimentary case review.
