It’s important to understand your rights as an employee in San Diego, especially if your employer has broken a contract early or terminated you for unfair, unethical reasons that violate public policy, state laws, or federal laws. If they believe they were unjustly terminated, employees can defend themselves via wrongful termination claims. A lawsuit can result in the ability to collect owed compensation and benefits coverage.
California is an at-will state that permits employees and employers to leave a position or terminate an employee, respectively, at any time. But the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission still enforces civil rights laws against workplace discrimination in Southern California. Our team of experienced employment lawyers are well-versed in the nuances of wrongful termination laws and can help you navigate the appeals process if you believe you were wrongfully dismissed from your job.
What Is Considered Wrongful Termination in California?
Wrongful termination comprises cases where employees are fired or laid off for reasons that should have been prevented by state or federal law or public policy. Both federal and state laws protect employees in the workplace from prejudice, harassment claims, and other acts that prevent the equal-treatment and safety of employees. Public policy protects employees too—for example, you cannot be required to break a law for your job or prevented from reporting violations of law.
Severance and wrongful termination cases often align. So if you are asked at any point to agree to severance upon termination, take a moment and consider discussing the matter with an employment attorney who can help you learn more about your rights.
What Are Some Examples of Wrongful Termination?
Wrongful termination includes any terminations carried out based on reasons of employment discrimination such as:
- Race
- Gender
- Physical or mental disability
- Religion
- Ancestry
- National origin
- Military and veteran status
- Pregnancy or any related medical conditions
- Medical leave
- Age
- Sexual orientation or gender identity
- Political affiliations
Wrongful termination also includes the following:
- When a party is terminated for adhering to public policy, i.e. whistleblowing
- When an employment contract between employee and employer is broken
- Fraud
If you were terminated for any of these reasons, consider your rights as an employee. And let one of our wrongful termination attorneys help you learn more about federal and state laws designed to protect you.
How Do You Prove Wrongful Termination?
Evidence is paramount when it comes to proving that you were wrongfully terminated. Understand your rights and the circumstances of your dismissal, and be prepared to provide ample evidence to defend your case.
Contact HKM Today
The law office of HKM Employment Attorneys is knowledgeable in all practice areas of employment law, including wrongful termination, severance, sexual harassment, non-competes, and separation agreements. Located in San Diego, our attorneys work to ensure clients get equal opportunity per federal and local employment laws. Call HKM Employment Attorneys to learn more about your rights as an employee in California.
Rely on our law firm’s expert familiarity on both local and federal laws, including:
- Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
- Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- Matters concerning national origin or the Civil Rights Act (CRA)
HKM Employment Attorneys in San Diego specializes in local California laws and is ready to offer legal advice to employees in San Diego County and across Southern California. We also have offices across the country, each specializing in those local areas. Contact us today for a consultation.
