Losing your job can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. It can be even more challenging if you believe you were terminated unfairly. In the United States, employees have certain legal protections against wrongful termination. This article provides an overview of wrongful termination, your rights as an employee, and how a wrongful termination attorney in Pasadena can help.
What is Wrongful Termination?
Wrongful termination occurs when an employer fires an employee for an illegal reason. Federal and state laws protect employees from termination based on discriminatory reasons such as race, religion, gender, age (over 40), disability, or national origin. These laws also protect employees from retaliation for filing a complaint about discrimination or other workplace violations. Additionally, some states, including California, have additional protections for employees based on things like marital status or pregnancy.
Signs You May Be Wrongfully Terminated
While every situation is unique, there are some general signs that may indicate a wrongful termination:
You were fired shortly after requesting a leave of absence, filing a discrimination complaint, or reporting a safety violation.
You were laid off while similarly situated employees with less seniority were kept on.
You were given a poor performance evaluation shortly before being terminated, but this was not a previous issue.
You were the only person in your department or demographic who was laid off.
What Can a Wrongful Termination Attorney in Pasadena Do For You?
If you believe you were wrongfully terminated, a wrongful termination attorney in Pasadena can be a valuable resource. Here are some ways an attorney can help:
- Evaluate Your Case: An attorney can review the details of your termination and advise you on whether you have a strong case for wrongful termination.
- Gather Evidence: Attorneys can help you gather evidence to support your claim, such as documentation of your performance evaluations, emails, or witness testimonies.
- Negotiate a Settlement: In many cases, a wrongful termination attorney can negotiate a fair settlement with your employer, which may include compensation for lost wages, benefits, and emotional distress.
- Represent You in Court: If a settlement cannot be reached, your attorney can represent you in court.
Choosing a Wrongful Termination Attorney in Pasadena
Finding the right wrongful termination attorney in Pasadena is important. Here are some factors to consider when making your decision
- Experience: Choose an attorney who has experience handling wrongful termination cases.
- Track Record: Look for an attorney with a successful track record of representing employees in wrongful termination cases.
- Communication Style: It is important to choose an attorney with whom you feel comfortable communicating and who will keep you informed about the progress of your case.
- Fees: Wrongful termination attorneys typically work on a contingency fee basis, which means they will only get paid if they win your case. Be sure to understand the attorney’s fee structure before you hire them.
Taking Action
If you believe you were wrongfully terminated, it is important to take action as soon as possible. There are often time limits for filing a wrongful termination lawsuit. A wrongful termination attorney in Pasadena can advise you of the specific deadlines that apply to your case.
Additional Resources
The following resources can provide you with more information on wrongful termination:
- The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC): https://www.eeoc.gov/
- The Department of Labor (DOL): https://www.dol.gov/
- California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH): https://calcivilrights.ca.gov/
