Top 5 Grounds for Wrongful Termination Lawsuits in California

California and federal employment laws protect workers from being fired unfairly. An experienced employment lawyer can help you determine if there are grounds for you to file a wrongful termination lawsuit.

There are several circumstances that may provide grounds for workers to file wrongful termination lawsuits against their former employers.

If you’re not sure whether or not you have a case, here are five common reasons for wrongful termination lawsuits in California.

5 Common Grounds for Wrongful Termination Lawsuits in California

Most wrongful termination lawsuits revolve around employment discrimination, employer retaliation, and employment contract violations.

Here are the top five grounds for wrongful termination lawsuits in California to help you determine whether or not you may be due compensation from your former employer.

1. Employment Discrimination

Employment law prevents employers from firing employees or making decisions based on discrimination against protected characteristics, including race, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship, and more.

If you have been fired and you suspect it is due to discriminatory reasons, an employment lawyer can advise you on your next steps.

2. Employer Retaliation

Federal and state laws protect employees against employer retaliation. This protection can be after several circumstances. First, making a complaint. Next, taking family leave. Additionally, attending jury duty. qualifying for workers’ compensation, or otherwise exercising their employee rights. Lastly, this also includes protection against retaliation for whistleblowers that report illegal activities.

If you have been terminated due to employer retaliation, you may be entitled to damages.

3. Contract Violations

Employment contracts are legally binding. Consequently, If your termination violates your contract, you may have grounds for a wrongful termination lawsuit. This includes written, oral, and implied contracts.

Contract violations may include a breach in the ability or length of termination. If your contract has been violated, you may be able to sue for lost wages and other employee benefits.

4. Wrongful Constructive Termination

California employment law includes protections against wrongful constructive termination. Nonetheless, this makes it possible to sue for wrongful termination even if you weren’t actually fired.

Constructive termination refers to an employer forcing an employee to resign by creating a hostile or intolerable work environment. So, If your employer intentionally created or permitted poor working conditions that would force a reasonable employee to resign, you may have grounds for a wrongful constructive termination lawsuit.

5. Public Policy Violations

It is illegal for employers to fire employees that are exercising their legal rights. Basically, employers cannot fire you for refusing to perform illegal activities, reporting illegal activities, or complaining about employment violations.

Additionally, if you have been fired due to one of these reasons, you may be entitled to damages in the form of lost wages and employee benefits.

Hire an Experienced Employment Attorney

California employment laws exist to protect workers against unfair treatment, discrimination, and harassment. If you suspect you have been fired illegally, an employment lawyer can help you hold your former employer accountable. Additionally they can help you achieve the compensation you deserve as a result of your experiences.

At B|B Law Group, our experienced employment lawyers are dedicated to helping California workers protect their rights against infringement.

Contact us today to consult with an experienced employment lawyer and learn more about how we can help you defend your employee rights.