What Are Your Rights After Being Dismissed From Your Job?

Being dismissed from your job is a deeply unpleasant thing to go through. But what if your dismissal was unfair, or even illegal? Sadly, many workers in California lose their jobs as the result of discrimination or because they refused to accept illegal actions on the part of their employer. In a previous article, we discussed a case where a man appeared to have lost his job for being too old.

However, regardless of the reasons for your dismissal, you have certain rights. These vary somewhat from state to state, but there are a number of things to which you may be entitled. These are explained in greater detail here but may include the following:

• There may be a timeframe within which you are owed your final paycheck. Often this is shorter if you were fired than if you left the position of your own volition. California employers are required to issue payment immediately to an employee in the event of dismissal.
• Depending on your employment contract or other promises made to you during the course of your employment, you might be entitled to severance pay. However, this is not a requirement under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

You might be eligible for employee compensation. This is usually calculated based on your pay during a designated period. The amount you receive will generally be a percentage of that pay.

Of course, if you were wrongfully dismissed from your job, you may also be able to pursue compensation for your unfair treatment. This could even result in your job being reinstated. A wrongful termination attorney in California can advise you further about your options and may be able to guide you through the process.