Wrongful termination occurs when an employer fires an employee in violation of legal rights or company policies. California is an at-will employment state, so employers can terminate employees without reason or notice as long as the reason is not illegal. Wrongful termination often occurs for one of the following reasons:

  • Discrimination – Being fired based on race, gender, age, religion, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation is a clear case of discrimination, which is illegal under both state and federal laws.
  • Retaliation – If a worker reports illegal activities, safety violations, or harassment and is subsequently terminated, this is considered unlawful retaliation.
  • Violation of Public Policy – Being dismissed for exercising legal rights, such as voting, serving on a jury, or taking family medical leave, violates public policy and constitutes wrongful termination.
  • Breach of Contract – If an employment contract outlines specific conditions for termination, and the employer dismisses a worker in violation of these terms, this could be considered a breach of contract and wrongful termination.

Many protections are in place to prevent unjust dismissals, and an experienced Riverside wrongful termination attorney can ensure workers’ rights are upheld.

Lawyers for Justice, P.C. (LFJ) is a leading employment law firm that stands up for unjustly dismissed employees and ensures they receive the justice they deserve. The firm’s Riverside wrongful termination lawyers will fight for reinstatement or significant compensation.

What to Do If You’ve Been Wrongfully Terminated in Riverside

Riverside workers who believe they have been illegally dismissed should call a lawyer for unfair termination. Pursuing a wrongful termination claim provides validation and closure for wrongful treatment, and affirms that legally protected rights have been violated.

The following actions can strengthen a wrongful termination claim:

Document Everything

Gather evidence to support the claim, including employment contracts, emails, performance reviews, and witness statements. A wrongful termination attorney can identify and organize the necessary documentation.

Sign Nothing

Employers sometimes pressure a fired employee to sign a severance agreement or a waiver that protects the employer from legal action. Don’t sign anything before consulting a Riverside lawyer for wrongful termination.

Consultation

Schedule a consultation with a Riverside wrongful termination attorney to discuss the details of the case. They will evaluate the merits of the wrongful termination claim and provide legal advice.

Filing a Complaint

An employment lawyer will help their client file a complaint with the appropriate agency, such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the California Civil Rights Department (CRD), if applicable. These agencies can investigate the claim.

Investigation

The agency can investigate the claim and may attempt to mediate a settlement between the worker and the former employer. This process can take several months, depending on the complexity of the case.

Lawsuit

If mediation fails, the wrongful termination lawyer may file a lawsuit. This involves preparing legal documents, gathering further evidence, and representing the client in court.

Your Legal Rights After Unfair Termination in Riverside

Federal and California employment law protects Riverside workers’ rights. A wrongful termination lawyer in Riverside can use these laws to ensure that an illegally fired worker receives the financial compensation they deserve.

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act: Title VII prohibits workplace discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin.

California WARN Act: California’s WARN Act requires employers to provide advance notice of mass layoffs or company closures. Failure to provide notice can be grounds for a wrongful termination claim.

Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA): The FEHA prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation based on characteristics like race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, and more. It also protects employees who report such discrimination.

Labor Code § 98.6: Labor Code 98.6 prevents employers from firing employees who file wage and hour complaints or who exercise their labor rights, including filing claims for unpaid wages.

Jury Duty and Voting Protections (Labor Code §§ 230, 230.3): Labor Codes 230 and 230.3 prohibit termination for fulfilling civic duties, such as voting or serving on a jury.

California Family Rights Act (CFRA): The CFRA grants employees the right to take family and medical leave without fear of losing their jobs, similar to the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

California Labor Code 1102.5: Labor Code 1102.5 in California protects employees who report illegal activities and retaliation from their employers.

Labor Code § 6310: Labor Code 6310 protects employees from termination if they report unsafe working conditions or other violations of occupational safety and health regulations.

These employment laws enable Riverside wrongful termination lawyers to fight for meaningful compensation for illegally fired workers.

Get Legal Support From a Riverside Wrongful Termination Attorney

A wrongful termination lawyer in Riverside can help determine whether a dismissal was unlawful and hold employers accountable under California labor laws. These professionals guide workers through every phase of the legal process with skill and determination.

LFJ’s experienced Riverside wrongful termination attorneys:

  • Investigate the claim thoroughly
  • Interpret applicable employment laws
  • Advocate for workers’ rights
  • Pursue just and meaningful compensation

A wrongful discharge attorney strives to secure maximum compensation for damages, which may include lost wages, compensation for emotional distress, and even punitive damages in some cases.

For approximately 15 years, Lawyers for Justice, P.C. has recovered millions of dollars for employees through aggressive, strategic litigation. The firm has a proven record of taking on small businesses, major corporations, and huge companies—and winning.

LFJ’s wrongful job termination lawyers in Riverside offer free consultations. Services are available 24/7 in more than eight languages to ensure each client receives clear guidance. Virtual consultations are available. To schedule a free consultation, please call (818) JUSTICE today or complete this simple online form.

Other Areas We Serve

Wrongful Termination Lawyer Glendale
Wrongful Termination Lawyer Pasadena
Wrongful Termination Lawyer Sacramento
Wrongful Termination Lawyer San Diego
Wrongful Termination Lawyer Bakersfield
Wrongful Termination Lawyer Oakland
Wrongful Termination Lawyer San Bernardino
Wrongful Termination Lawyer Los Angeles

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