Wrongful Termination Lawyer Los Angeles

Fight Back Against Wrongful Termination With Expert Attorneys

Pink Slip or Red Flag?

You know the reason you were given for having been fired from work. But is that the real reason? Unscrupulous employers may not tell you the whole truth about why you were dismissed, especially if they are concealing that you were wrongfully terminated. 

A wrongful termination violates your rights as an employee and can seriously affect your finances and career going forward. If you believe that the reasons given for your dismissal were a smokescreen for a darker truth, you need the help of a lawyer with significant nationwide employment law experience. Call the Law Offices of Todd M. Friedman, P.C., at 323-925-2659 to discuss your suspicions and explore your options.

What Is Wrongful Termination?

Many employers hire on an “at-will” basis, meaning they can fire employees at any time, for any reason. Despite this seemingly insecure arrangement, there are specific legally established reasons for which an employer cannot fire you. 

Some Excuses Don’t Fly: Have You Been Wrongfuls Terminated?

For example, you may have a wrongful termination case if you’ve been fired after having reported:

• Sexual harassment: If you inform the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or your state’s department of employment about sexual harassment at work and are terminated afterward, you may have a case that you were wrongfully terminated.
• Unprofessional or illegal conduct: Another common reason for wrongful termination occurs when you are fired for reporting a supervisor to Human Resources or your industry’s regulatory council for violating professional rules or regulations.
• Discrimination (based on age, gender, religion, or disability): Similarly, if you are fired for reporting any form of discriminatory behavior to the EEOC or another agency, you have been wrongfully terminated.

You may also have a case if you were fired after taking time off for maternity leave, after taking protected time off under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), or if you refused to partake in illegal activity that your boss requested. 

If you have a feeling that your firing was not right, don’t ignore it. You deserve to protect your employment from retaliation for doing the right thing or exercising your legal rights. Call us to speak with our experienced Los Angeles wrongful termination lawyer, Todd M. Friedman.

Wrongful Termination for Contract Employees

But what if you aren’t considered an “at-will” employee? In that case, wrongful firing is even more obvious. Employees under contract may not be terminated for any of the above reasons. In addition, they are protected by the terms of their employment agreement. If your employer violates these terms, they have wrongfully terminated you, regardless of whether it would be permitted for at-will employees. 

For example, suppose your employment contract says that your company can only terminate you with 60 days’ notice. If they fire you and expect you to stop working that day, you have been wrongfully terminated. You have every right to pursue a breach of contract and unlawful termination lawsuit with the help of an experienced attorney like Todd M. Friedman.

Uncovering the Hidden Truth: Proving Wrongful Termination Claims

Wrongful termination cases can be hard to prove. Even if your suspicions that you’ve been wrongfully discharged are likely correct, you still need evidence to show that you were fired for illegal reasons. 

• Collect evidence. Gather any information you can, including emails, other correspondence, employment contracts, and other related documents. These items are invaluable documentation of your job performance and your manager’s attitudes toward you. They can demonstrate that your employer’s treatment of you changed after you reported them or took protected leave, or they may show that you were discriminated against compared to other workers. 
• Talk to your colleagues. Co-workers who may have witnessed significant interactions at your place of employment may be able to provide valuable information as well. Their testimony can support your claim that your employer had no other reason to terminate you or that the reason given for your termination was false.

One of the benefits of working with the Law Offices of Todd M. Friedman, P.C., is direct contact with the lawyer handling your case. Attorney Todd M. Friedman can analyze your situation and determine if you have enough evidence to mount a viable case against your former employer. You can schedule your consultation to learn more about how your attorney will work with you to prove your claims in court.

Hold Your Employer Accountable: Pursuing Damages for Wrongful Termination

Fighting back against wrongful termination is about more than just the principle of the matter. Being fired can significantly impact your finances. You may be able to hold your employer liable for the losses you suffered due to your unlawful firing by taking legal action. If so, your employer will likely be ordered to compensate you through damages, including:

• Compensatory damages: Payment for the earnings you lost because you were fired as well as any lost benefits, overtime, and other compensation you would have received if you had remained employed.
• Punitive damages: Additional money the company is ordered to pay you as punishment for its unlawful actions.
• Job reinstatement: The court may order the company to offer you your job back if you have not found equivalent employment.
• Legal costs and fees: The court will typically order the company to pay the legal costs you incurred fighting the unfair treatment.

Call for Your Free Initial Consultation

Don’t let your employer violate your rights by firing you for illegal reasons. If you believe you’ve been wrongfully terminated, you can and should stand up for yourself. 

You can learn more about your options by discussing your situation with attorney Todd M. Friedman. Your free initial consultation will give you the information you need to make the right decision for you. Call our office at 323-925-2659 or email us to get started.