The timely, cost-effective resolution of a wrongful termination claim calls for an attorney who is experienced in handling employment law matters and providing personal service. Contact our firm today to schedule a consultation and case evaluation with an employment law attorney.
Wrongful Termination Law Attorneys in Los Angeles
Helping Southern California Businesses and Employees Understand Employment Law
The attorneys of the Bononi Law Group, LLP, represent both employees and employers in Los Angeles and throughout southern California in wrongful termination and firing claims. For more details about how we can defend your rights or the rights of your firm in these cases, please visit our wrongful termination page.
Below we have provided some general information to educate you and your business about how wrongful termination law in California. To get answers about your specific case, contact us to arrange a no-charge consultation with one of our experienced attorneys.
Thank you for contacting Bononi Law Group, LLP. Your message has been sent.
Call us now
or use the form below.
Wrongful Termination - An Overview
Wrongful termination refers to the involuntary termination of an employee in violation of the law or an employment contract. For example, federal and some state laws enumerate specific characteristics against which employers must not discriminate. Employment contracts often spell out reasons that an employee may and may not be fired. If you believe that your employer terminated you in violation of the law or a contract, speak with an experienced employment law attorney from Bononi Law Group, LLP in Los Angeles, California, for advice.
Protected Categories
Under federal law, employers must not discriminate against employees based on certain characteristics. It is illegal to make employment decisions based on:
- Race
- Color
- Religion
- National origin
- Gender
- Disability
- Age
In addition, some states ban discrimination based on characteristics such as sexual orientation and familial status.
Federal and some state laws protect workers from retaliation for:
- Whistleblowing
- Making legal claims against employers
- Filing complaints about workplace safety
- Refusing to work in unsafe conditions
- Filing for workers' compensation
If the reason for termination violates public policy, the employee may have a cause of action for wrongful termination. Reasons for termination that violate public policy include:
- Employee's refusal to commit an illegal act on behalf of the employer
- Exercising a legal right
- Complaining about or reporting illegal conduct of the employer
Breach of Contract
When an employee signs an employment contract, the contract often states that the employee may only be fired for good cause. Union contracts also may establish the same rule. Alternatively, the employee may have formed an oral contract with the employer to the same effect.
Sometimes, even when there is no explicit contract, the employee handbook establishes rules for termination upon which employees rely.
If an employer breaches a contract or agreement by firing the employee without good cause, the employee may have a legal claim against the employer. An attorney can explain whether the employee's rights have been violated and what the remedy may be.
Conclusion
Some reasons for termination are neither illegal nor contract violations. If a worker is an at-will employee, meaning that the employee or employer may end the relationship at any time and for almost any reason, the employer does not need good cause for firing the employee. The employer simply may not want to see the employee anymore. On the other hand, whether a contract exists or not, it is illegal to fire an employee in violation of the anti-discrimination and other laws described above.
If you or a loved one has been wrongfully terminated, or if you believe that you will be fired for a reason that violates the law or a contract, contact an employment law attorney from Bononi Law Group, LLP in Los Angeles, California, for information on your rights.
Copyright ©2009 FindLaw, a Thomson Business
DISCLAIMER: This site and any information contained herein are intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Seek competent legal counsel for advice on any legal matter.
