San Bernardino Wrongful Termination Lawyer

Losing your job can be overwhelming and frustrating. You have so many questions and concerns, but it can be worse if you were unlawfully fired. There can be different causes for wrongful termination, like discrimination or harassment. A San Bernardino wrongful termination lawyer can assess whether your rights were violated. If they were, you deserve compensation for being fired for the wrong reason.

Park APC focuses on all aspects of employment law, including wrongful termination. You can trust us with your case. After reviewing the details of your termination during your initial consultation, we can develop a plan to face your employer and seek what you deserve. We have decades of experience and proven results for our clients. Our firm can strive to address your rights as an employee to fair treatment in the workplace.

Wrongful Termination in California

According to a report released by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the entity that deals with discrimination in the U.S., there were 88,531 such cases in 2024. In California, there were 5,099, accounting for 5.8% of the total nationwide.

The California Civil Rights Department (CRD), which handles these cases in California, states in its 2024 annual report that it investigated 6,089 claims that resulted in 872 settlements involving discrimination and harassment.

Wrongful Termination Laws

The California Labor Code details the employment laws related to wages, safety, and unfair labor practices. There are a few sections to note:

• Section 98.6: This section protects anyone who files a complaint about their employer. The protection includes termination or any other retaliation.
• Section 230: An employer cannot fire someone who is participating in legal proceedings, like jury duty. Another example would occur if the employee is a victim of a violent crime and has to testify in court on their own behalf.
• Section 232.5: No employee can be fired for disclosing unfavorable working conditions.
• Section 6310: This section includes protection for an employee who reports safety concerns in the workplace.

Another law that can be important in your wrongful termination case is the California Fair Employment and Housing Act. Section 12940-12954 explains the specific discrimination laws related to firing an employee. They cover race, color, sex, marital status, religion, age, sexual orientation, and many more.

To understand these laws and which ones apply to your specific case, consult a San Bernardino employment attorney.

Common Reasons for Wrongful Termination

There are some common reasons why employers terminate their employees. It may have come as a surprise to you, or you might have noticed events leading up to the firing. There could have been unwarranted complaints about you or several meetings with your boss before you were asked to leave. Here are some common causes for wrongful termination:

• You filed a complaint about workplace harassment, and they have retaliated by firing you.
• You report missing wages, like overtime, that haven’t been paid to you.
• You were hurt on the job and filed a workers’ compensation claim.
• You asked for medical leave.
• You request accommodations for a disability or medical condition.
• You have information about unsafe work conditions or safety concerns, and you become a whistleblower.
• Your employer breached the contract you signed. Then, when you bring it to their attention, you’re fired.
• You have been discriminated against for race, age, gender, religious affiliation, or any other personal trait.

What Should I Do If I’ve Been Wrongfully Terminated in Southern California?

When you’ve been wrongfully terminated, there are a few steps you need to take to help your case:

• Try to stay calm and professional. You don’t want your actions to be used against you by your employer.
• While you still have access to your work computer, gather as much information as you can, like emails, performance reviews, company policies and contracts, and any other documentation you feel is relevant to your case.
• Don’t sign anything. If your employer asks for your signature after you’ve been terminated, ask for a copy of the document. Your attorney can review it later.
• Make notes about every interaction you had with your supervisors over the past few months. That way, you can have documentation about what was discussed.
• Hire a wrongful termination lawyer who can analyze the evidence and build your case.

FAQs About San Bernardino, CA Wrongful Termination Law

What Does At-Will Employment Mean in California?

“At will” means that your employer doesn’t need a reason to fire you. If you have proof that you were terminated due to discrimination or some other reason that’s laid out in the California laws, you can file a wrongful termination claim. Your attorney can review your case to see whether you were wrongfully terminated.

Can I Get Fired for Whistleblowing?

No, you cannot be fired for whistleblowing. There are state and federal laws in place to protect you from retaliation from your employer, including termination. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reported 2,309 whistleblowing cases in 2023 related to safety in the workplace. A skilled wrongful termination lawyer can represent you after being fired for whistleblowing.

What If I Got Terminated While I Was on Family Leave?

Your employer can’t fire you while you are on family leave, such as for maternity or paternity leave, under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). They also can’t terminate you for seeking reasonable accommodations once you’ve returned, such as taking breaks for breastfeeding while at work after you’ve had a baby.

How Much Is a Wrongful Termination Claim Worth in California?

The compensation for a wrongful termination case depends on several factors. The reason for the wrongful termination and the evidence surrounding your firing must be considered. A compensation number is calculated based on the loss of wages, the amount of benefits you were receiving, and other fees associated with your case.

Hire a Wrongful Termination Lawyer in San Bernardino

At Park APC, we’re driven to pursue results. For employment law matters, you want someone who understands your complex case. We can handle your claim with professionalism, confront employers, and seek the appropriate compensation. Our attorneys have experience in dealing with cases in state and federal courts for our former clients. We can guide you through the filing process and represent your interests. Contact us today for a consultation.

San Bernardino, CA Wrongful Termination 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?