Wrongful Termination In California

In general, our ability to maintain financial independence is one of the most important aspects of our lives. The ability to continue paying rent and car leases, for example, not to mention insurance premiums is nothing less than necessary. By extension, then, our jobs are also incredibly important to us. And should we lose our job, the consequences could be devastating in nature. Many of us, then, might find ourselves justifiably upset at being let go. But when does this outrage cross over into a wrongful termination case?

If you believe that you have been wrongfully terminated from your job in California, take a quick look at the information below and contact us for further information.

Protected Classes

In general, your employer has the authority to terminate your employment at will, much as you have the right to terminate your employment at will. There are certain instances, however, where that termination of employment is unlawful. California law makes it illegal to terminate employees based on a number of protected classes, for example, including the following:

• Religion
• Race
• Age (40+ years of age)
• Marital Status
• Disability (Physical and Mental)
• HIV Status
• Medical Condition
• Veteran and Military Status
• Sex
• National Origin
• Pregnancy
• Gender
• Sexual Orientation
• Gender Expression
• Ancestry
• Gender Identity

Employees fired on the basis of any of the above might have a wrongful termination case.

Other Wrongful Termination Situations

In addition to protected classes, California also has laws in place that protect employees from retaliation. That means that you cannot be fired for reporting illegal conduct, reporting or protesting violations of employment law in California, filing a claim for workers’ compensation, and joining a labor union, among others. Implied contracts and constructive termination are two other instances where employees might be able to file a wrongful termination claim.

For more information about wrongful termination in California, including details about potential damages, contact us today!