Losing a job can be a devastating experience for any employee, even more so when it was based on retaliation or unlawful discrimination. California is an at-will state meaning that employers can designate this title to their employees and terminate or demote them for seemingly no reason. Many employees are left confused and frustrated because our job ultimately determines our quality of life. You may not even realize that you were wrongfully terminated or demoted but there are signs to look for.
I am Matthew A. Kaufman, a Long Beach wrongful termination attorney and I have represented men and women who have been wrongfully terminated in Long Beach and the surrounding areas. I am dedicated to my clients and have represented them in state and federal court. My law firm is equipped to handle class action lawsuits as well as individual disputes. No issue is too small or too large. Our Long Beach wrongful termination attorney can discuss your case to determine the best option for your circumstances.
There is a difference between being fired unfairly and being wrongfully terminated. There are several circumstances that qualify as wrongful termination including:
Retaliation– Many employers will attempt to retaliate against an employee when he or she has filed a discrimination claim or helped in the investigation of discrimination. This form of retaliation is illegal under civil rights laws. An employer cannot fire you for filing a discrimination suit or participating in an investigation.
Discrimination– It is illegal for an employer to make hiring, promoting and firing decisions based solely on the individual’s self-identifying features like race, religion, sex, age, or nationality. Some regions also cover sexual orientation. Although illegal, many employers still participate in these practices.
Employee Refusing to Commit an Illegal Act– You cannot be fired for refusing to commit an illegal act. Employers will use the intimidation of losing your job to manipulate you into committing an illegal act at work.
Violation of Termination Policies– Employers will have an employee handbook that outlines termination procedures. Always review your employee handbook to see if these procedures were followed. If they were not then you may have a claim.
We understand that this is a devastating time as the loss of a job can change your life and that of your family. Every instance is different but we all depend on our income to shape our lifestyle. Being wrongfully terminated can be even more traumatic and it is imperative to hold your former employer accountable. If you or a loved one has been wrongfully terminated it is time to schedule an initial consultation to discuss your circumstances and options. We have a proven track record for protecting the rights of workers in Long Beach and throughout Southern California. Contact The Kaufman Law Firm today.
Your job is more than just a source of income. It is a major part of your lifestyle. If you have been the victim of wrongful termination, wrongful demotion or any kind of discriminatory business practices, it is time to take action and contact a Ventura employment law attorney that can help. Attorney Matthew A. Kaufman and the team at The Kaufman Law Firm bring experience and a vast arsenal of legal resources to help clients recover the money they deserve.
To learn more, contact our California law office today and schedule an initial evaluation to discuss your case.