Losing your job can be a devastating experience, especially when you believe your termination was unjust or illegal. At Elite Employment Law, we understand the emotional and financial toll that wrongful termination can take on individuals and their families.
We exclusively represent employees and have decades of experience successfully handling wrongful termination cases. If you think your termination may have been unfair, we want to help.
Contact our Irvine employment law attorney at Elite Employment Law today to schedule a free consultation. We will answer your questions, explain your options, and help you determine your next steps.
Why Choose Elite Employment Law for Your Wrongful Termination Case
At Elite Employment Law, we are dedicated to fighting for the rights of employees throughout California. Our team brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to every case we handle.
Some of the many reasons why you should choose us to handle your wrongful termination claim include:
- Our Proven Track Record. We have a 99 percent success rate in handling employment dispute claims. In eighty percent of our cases, we negotiate a successful settlement without ever needing to file suit.
- Personalized Attention. We understand that every case is unique. Our attorney takes the time to listen to your story and develop a tailored legal strategy that addresses your specific needs and goals.
- Resources and Experience: Our firm has the resources and experience necessary to take on even the most complex wrongful termination cases, including those involving large corporations and government entities.
- Commitment to Justice. We are passionate about protecting workers’ rights and holding employers accountable for unlawful employment practices.
- No-Risk Consultation. We offer free initial consultations to evaluate your case and discuss your legal options. You have nothing to lose by speaking with our experienced attorney.
- Contingency Fee Structure. Because we handle wrongful termination cases on a contingency fee basis, you pay nothing unless we successfully negotiate a fair settlement or win your case.
Do not let a wrongful termination derail your career and financial stability. If you believe you have been unlawfully terminated from your job in California, we can help.
Wrongful Termination in California
California is an “at-will” employment state, which means that employers generally have the right to terminate employees for any reason or no reason at all. However, there are important exceptions to this rule that protect workers from unlawful dismissal.
Understanding these exceptions is essential for determining whether you have a valid wrongful termination claim.
Discrimination
California law prohibits employers from terminating employees based on protected characteristics such as race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age (40 and older), disability, or genetic information.
Retaliation
It is illegal for employers to fire employees for engaging in protected activities, such as reporting discrimination or harassment, filing a workers’ compensation claim, or whistleblowing.
Violation of Public Policy
Employers cannot terminate employees for reasons that violate fundamental public policies, such as refusing to engage in illegal activities or exercising legal rights.
Breach of Contract
If you have an employment contract that specifies the terms of your employment, including reasons for termination, your employer must abide by those terms.
Constructive Discharge
This occurs when an employer creates such intolerable working conditions that an employee feels forced to resign.
Signs That You May Have Been Wrongfully Terminated in Irvine
Recognizing the signs of wrongful termination is not always easy. Employers rarely admit to unlawful practices. However, some signs that your termination may have been illegal include:
- You were fired shortly after reporting workplace violations or engaging in protected activities
- Your employer gave inconsistent or changing reasons for your termination
- You were treated differently from other employees in similar situations
- Your termination followed a pattern of harassment or discrimination
- Your employer violated their own policies or procedures in terminating you
How Our Irvine Employment Law Attorney Can Help You
At Elite Employment Law, we are committed to protecting the rights of workers throughout California. Our attorney has a proven track record of success in handling wrongful termination cases.
We offer a free confidential consultation to discuss your case. We will conduct a thorough review of your case to determine the strength of your claim, explain your rights, and help you determine your best options.
If we determine that you have a valid wrongful termination claim, we will develop a customized legal strategy to achieve the best possible outcome for your case. We will assist you in filing the required complaints with the appropriate government agencies.
Our experienced Irvine wrongful termination attorney will negotiate with your former employer to try to reach a fair settlement. If we are unable to achieve justice through negotiation, we will take your case to trial and aggressively litigate to get the full compensation you deserve.
Our goal is to secure the maximum compensation for our clients. This may include lost wages and benefits, future lost earnings, emotional distress damages, attorneys fees, and more.
We understand that losing your job is a stressful and upsetting event. Our team is committed to providing compassionate support throughout the legal process. We will keep you informed and empowered every step of the way.
At-Will Employment and Its Exceptions
While California’s at-will employment doctrine gives employers significant latitude in terminating employees, there are several important exceptions including:
- Implied Contract Exception. If an employer’s actions or statements create an implied promise of continued employment, they may be held to that promise.
- Public Policy Exception. Employers cannot fire employees for reasons that violate public policy, such as terminating an employee for serving on a jury or refusing to commit illegal acts.
- Covenant of Good Faith and Fair Dealing. This implied covenant requires employers to act fairly and in good faith in all employment decisions, including terminations.
Protected Leave and Wrongful Termination in Irvine
California laws provide strong protections for employees who take leave for certain reasons. It is illegal for employers to terminate employees for taking protected leave under laws such as:
- Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
- California Family Rights Act (CFRA)
- Pregnancy Disability Leave Law (PDLL)
- California’s Paid Sick Leave Law
Whistleblower Protections
Whistleblower protection laws prohibit employers from retaliating against employees who report illegal activities or violations of public policy. These protections apply to both internal reports to company management and external reports to government agencies.
Contact Our Irvine Wrongful Termination Lawyer Today
Our dedicated team is ready to fight for your rights and help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve. Let us help you. Call us today to schedule your free confidential consultation.