Glendale Wrongful Termination Lawyer

Having a career is one of the most important aspects of many people’s lives. It can provide stability, a sense of purpose, and financial security. Unfortunately, sometimes the stable and secure job someone has worked so hard to obtain is suddenly taken away through no active fault of their own. If you have been terminated without reason, it is important to understand your legal rights and options to return to gainful employment.

The team at MM Law is here to help if you have been the victim of wrongful termination in Glendale, CA. Leading the practice at MM Law is Maralle Messrelian, a Glendale wrongful termination attorney with extensive experience in employment law. If you have legal grounds with solid evidence for a wrongful termination claim, our team can help you pursue the justice and monetary compensation you deserve as you work to get back on your feet and do what you love most.

What Is a Wrongful Termination Case?

In general, an employee in the state of California is considered to be “at will.” This means they can be terminated at any time, for any reason, with or without notice. However, there are exceptions to this rule. Some of the most common include:

• Violation of public policy. An employer cannot terminate an employee for exercising a legal right or engaging in a protected activity. For example, an employee cannot be terminated for filing a workers’ compensation claim or reporting illegal activity taking place at their workplace.
• Breach of contract. An employer cannot terminate an employee if doing so would violate the terms of an employment contract. For example, if an employment contract states that an employee can only be terminated for “cause,” the employer cannot terminate the employee without first proving that cause exists.
• Discrimination. Employers cannot fire any employee based on their race, religion, gender, or other protected characteristic. These types of terminations are illegal under both state and federal law to protect the most vulnerable type of employees in Glendale.
• Retaliation. Employers cannot fire any employee for engaging in a protected activity, such as reporting employment law discrimination or workplace sexual harassment.

These are just a few common examples of wrongful termination. If you have been terminated from your job and believe that one of these exceptions may apply to your case, you may have grounds for a wrongful termination claim.

Evidence to Support a Wrongful Termination Claim

To prove that your workplace termination was wrongful, you need evidence to support your claim. This may include:

• Emails or other communications from your employer that indicate a discriminatory or retaliatory motive for your termination
• Documentation of any workplace policies that were violated during your termination
• Witnesses who can attest to the circumstances surrounding your termination
• Your employment contract, if it contains provisions that were violated by your termination
• Documentation of any protected activity you engaged in before your termination, such as filing a discrimination claim

Collecting this evidence can be a daunting task, especially if you are already struggling to find new employment. The experienced team at MM Law can help you navigate the process and collect the evidence you need to prove your case.

What Are the Common Remedies for Wrongful Termination in Glendale, CA?

If you can prove your workplace termination was wrongful, you may be entitled to a variety of different remedies. These may include:

• Reinstatement. In some cases, the court may order your employer to reinstate you to your previous position.
• Back pay. If you are unable to be reinstated, you may be entitled to receive a designated amount of back pay for the wages you would have earned had you not been wrongfully terminated. In some cases, both reinstatement and back pay may be awarded.
• Compensatory damages. You may also be entitled to receive compensation for any out-of-pocket expenses you incurred because of your termination, such as the cost of job searching or relocation.
• Punitive damages. In cases of particularly egregious misconduct, you may also be awarded punitive damages designed to punish your employer and deter future wrongful terminations.

These are a few potential remedies that may be available to you if you have been wrongfully terminated.

What is the average settlement for wrongful termination in California?

There is no average settlement for wrongful termination in California, as each case is unique and will be valued according to its own specific facts and circumstances. Some factors that may affect the value of your settlement include the severity of the misconduct, whether you were able to find new employment, and the amount of back pay and other damages you are seeking.

Can I file a wrongful termination claim if I am an at-will employee in California?

Yes. Although at-will employees in California can generally be terminated for any reason, there are exceptions to this rule. If you believe that your termination violates one of these exceptions, you may have grounds for a wrongful termination claim.

How long can I file a wrongful termination claim in California?

In most cases, you will have one year from your termination date to file a wrongful termination claim. However, some exceptions to this rule exist, so it is important to speak with an attorney soon to determine the statute of limitations for your case.

Is a wrongful termination suit worth it?

Whether a wrongful termination suit is worth it will depend on the specific facts and circumstances of your case. Some factors to consider include the severity of the misconduct, the number of damages you are seeking, and the likelihood of success. An experienced attorney helps assess the potential value of your claim and can help you decide if filing a lawsuit is the best move for you.

Wrongful Termination Attorneys at MM Law

Wrongful termination can be a complex and difficult legal issue. If you believe that you have been wrongfully terminated, it is important to speak with an experienced Glendale unlawful termination attorney as soon as possible. The attorneys at MM Law are standing by to help you with your case. Contact us today to get started.