Los Angeles Wrongful Termination Lawyer

Fight Back Against Unfair Termination Policies

Going through disputes in the workplace is a stressful experience. Whether you are experiencing discrimination or failing to receive the appropriate wage, you should speak up for your rights. In some instances, this may result in the resolution of the issue. In others, you may face serious consequences, such as a wrongful termination.

At the Law Offices of Scott R. Ames, we have assisted many terminated employees in Los Angeles and throughout Southern California. We have helped many people assert their right to fair compensation after they were wrongfully terminated from their positions. While you are coping with the stress, our termination attorneys can ensure you receive the fair treatment you deserve.

Wrongful termination is a situation where an employee is fired in violation of that employee's legal rights.

Examples of wrongful termination in California include firing an employee due to:

• A protected characteristic, such as race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or religion
• A request for legally earned time off
• The employee reporting a legal violation committed by the employer
• A request for leave under the FMLA due to a medical condition or other qualifying event

Some cases of wrongful termination are straightforward. There are other situations, however, in which it may not be clear whether the employee experienced a wrongful termination.

California provides some of the most far-reaching protections of any state for employees in the workplace. Although federal laws provide some protections, California has expanded on these to combat harassment and other wrongful conduct in the workplace.

At-Will Employment & Wrongful Termination

Like many other states, California recognizes at-will employment. At-will employment arrangements allow an employer or employee can terminate their working relationship at any time and for any reason. Despite this liberty, California state law prohibits an employer from terminating an employment relationship due to discrimination.

Although at-will employment is the default arrangement, workers can enter into employment contracts that set specific terms for the arrangement. If an employment contract states that the employee cannot be fired without just cause, the employer must abide by this.

Are Whistleblowers Protected?

Employers are also prohibited from retaliating against employees who report the employer’s illegal conduct. This is known in many situations as whistleblowing.

Employers are prohibited from firing the employee for their reporting or engaging in other retaliation against that employee. Similarly, an employee cannot be fired if they refuse to engage in illegal activity at the behest of the employer.