Riverside Wrongful Termination Lawyer

Loss of employment can be a difficult and stressful experience for anyone. Suspecting that you are the victim of wrongful termination can sting even more. Hiring an experienced and knowledgeable Park APC Riverside wrongful termination lawyer can help you make sense of what happened and help you decide if you have a case for a wrongful termination claim.

What Does It Mean to Be an at-Will Employment State?

California is an at-will employment state, meaning either an employer or an employee may end their employment relationship at any time without cause. Often, people think this means that an employer can fire you for any reason, but that’s not really true. They cannot fire you in retaliation, for discriminatory reasons, or for reporting harassment.

To put it another way, they cannot violate public policy to terminate your employment, so understanding public policy laws before taking your case to the Riverside County Superior Court is essential.

Employer Retaliation

According to California law, an employer cannot retaliate against you for filing or threatening to file a complaint against them, filing discrimination suits, whistleblowing, or refusing to help with unlawful activities. They also cannot break a legally binding contract.

Sometimes retaliation is overt, such as a firing or harassment. Other times, retaliation is much more subtle, such as moving you to another department, passing you over for raises and promotions, and/or negative performance reviews. Keeping a good record of all emails, notes, phone calls, and reviews will help you build a stronger case should you decide to pursue a wrongful termination case.

A 2021 Gallup poll showed that one in four Black and Hispanic workers faced workplace discrimination, and Riverside’s diverse population includes a majority of Hispanic workers. If you think your employer has engaged in discrimination, harassment, or and/retaliation against you, a Park APC Riverside employment lawyer can help you identify whether or not you have a case for wrongful termination.

California’s FEHA

California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) is a law preventing employers from discriminating against, harassing, or retaliating against their employees.

When an employee suspects discrimination or harassment, identifying the type of discrimination and/or harassment may help determine whether or not they have a wrongful termination case. Employers in California may not harass you or discriminate against you based on your actual or perceived:

• Age (40+)
• Sex/Gender (including breastfeeding, pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions)
• Ancestry
• Color
• Disability
• Gender Identity or Expression
• Marital Status
• Military or Veteran Status
• Race/Religion
• National Origin
• Reproductive Health Decision Making
• Medical Condition
• Sexual Orientation

If you suspect you have been harassed or discriminated against based on one of these categories, a skilled Riverside wrongful termination lawyer can help you file a claim for reparation.

While it’s impossible to know the true wrongful termination rate in California, the unemployment rate is rising, which often indicates more wrongful termination cases.

Effects of Wrongful Termination

A wrongful termination can cause both emotional and economic harm. Not only can it cause damage to your reputation, but it may also alter your entire career path. Further, even if you find new employment quickly, you’ve still likely suffered economic harm if you aren’t earning as much as you were at your previous place of employment.

A passionate Riverside wrongful termination lawyer can factor these costs into any claims and help you resolve any emotional or economic harm.

Hire a Wrongful Termination Lawyer

At Park APC, we’ve been protecting and fighting for workers’ rights for years. We have the experience and skills to navigate the complex state and federal laws that influence a wrongful termination case.  We also know how stressful and confusing it can be to lose your employment, especially if you suspect you were wrongfully terminated. If you have a wrongful termination case, we can guide you confidently through the complex claim process to hold your employer accountable.

FAQs About Riverside, CA Wrongful Termination Law

What Are the Odds of Winning a Wrongful Termination Suit?

The odds of winning a wrongful termination suit vary widely. The two types of resolution for a wrongful termination suit are settlement or litigation. Many clients are happy with a settlement as it means not going to court, while other clients may want litigation if the settlement offer is unsatisfactory or there are other factors that need to be litigated. The odds of winning with a wrongful termination lawyer are much higher.

What Is the Size of a Wrongful Termination Settlement in California?

Wrongful termination settlement amounts may vary widely. An experienced wrongful termination lawyer like those at Park APC can calculate your lost wages, benefits such as health insurance, emotional distress, medical expenses, attorney fees, and punitive damages. Your discrimination lawyer in Riverside can help you get more from your employer because they know the right questions to ask and details to include.

What Qualifies as Wrongful Termination in CA?

Wrongful termination in California means your employer broke the law when they terminated you. California’s at-will employment may make it seem like there is no way to be wrongfully terminated, but that is not the case. Breaking the law means they discriminated against you, they harassed you, or they retaliated against you.

What Does It Cost to Sue for Wrongful Termination?

The cost of a claim for wrongful termination depends on the complexity of your case. Some cases settle quickly, avoiding a trial. Some employers and employees prefer to settle because it’s quicker and more private. Other cases require a trial, and costs will include attorney fees plus other costs, such as expert witness fees.

Park APC Is Here for You

Park APC has been fighting for workers’ protections and rights for years. We’ve represented employees fighting discrimination, wrongful termination, harassment, retaliation, and wage and hour violations. We know that pursuing a wrongful termination claim can be emotionally charged, confusing, and stressful, and we’re here to help you build a case while giving you the emotional and legal support you need. Contact us today for a free consultation.

San Bernardino Discrimination Law Resources:

• What Counts as Pregnancy Discrimination in California?
• California Wrongful Termination Law – All You Need to Know
• What Are Your Legal Rights as a Whistleblower in California?