Most of the time, losing a job—whether by your own volition or by being fired—is not an easy transition. However, it can be even harder if you think you were fired without any reason or that it has been done unfairly. In simpler words, wrongful terminations can be determined as dismissals that are illegal or violate basic rights. Most people find it confusing whether their particular circumstance is wrongful termination or not—this post is all about a few signs that can help determine whether you have been terminated wrongfully. It will also depict how a wrongful termination lawyer in Los Angeles could be of aid to you. We aim to equip you with straightforward information so that you can make informed decisions freely.
Signs You May Have Been Fired for Illegal Reasons
1. Discrimination Played a Role
One of the top signs of wrongful termination is if you were fired due to discrimination. This can involve being let go because of your race, age, sex, religion, national origin, or disability. For example, pregnant women getting fired solely because they are expected to go on maternity leave is discrimination. California prohibits such actions from happening and allows the employees being discriminated against to stand in their own support for their rights.
2. Retaliation for Reporting Problems
Were you laid off shortly after calling out dangerous working conditions, wage discrepancies, or harassment? If yes, you would be correct in assuming that your employer has avenged against you for voicing your opinion. Employees reporting misconduct to supervisors, HR, or any government office are covered under certain laws. If you report a grave issue and then are immediately sacked or chased out of the place, this might give clues about wrongful termination. Assistance from a wrongful termination lawyer in Los Angeles can help you ascertain whether your employer engaged in illegal behavior.
3. Sudden Policy Changes that Only Affect You
Sometimes employers make up new rules or policies with respect to amending their decision to fire certain employees. For example, they might claim you breached a newly instated practice of attendance, although no one else in the firm was expected to keep it. This may be a warning that your employer’s real motive for firing you was something else, such as bias or vengeance. Keep an eye out for policy changes or requirements that seem targeted at you or a small group of people.
4. You Were Promised Job Security but Fired for No Reason
If you have an employment contract that assures you of employment for a specified period of time or requires certain steps before firing, and none of those steps were followed, you may have a valid claim. In the event that your employer ignores these stipulations, it may be time to contact a wrongful termination attorney in Los Angeles to understand your rights.
5. Firing After Taking Legally Protected Leave
The Family and Medical Leave Act, or the California Family Rights Act, gives workers a right to take leave for family and medical reasons. If you have been on such leave and were fired soon after returning from it and were also told that you would not be employed because of such leave, it seems as if your employer has cut your employment to avoid honoring your rights. Firing in this sense can be illegal when the employer had no other legitimate ground for terminating you except the leave you took.
Conclusion
There are various instances in which wrongful termination can occur. These include but are not limited to discrimination, retaliation, kicking an employee out due to an unform policy change, breach of contract, and termination after a leave that is protected. If any of these signs ring a bell, chances are you might have a strong case against your previous employer. Documenting the sequence of events and understanding your rights are important things to undertake. From this point forward, a wrongful termination lawyer in Los Angeles can analyze your case and provide recommendations for the best legal steps.
Cummings & Franck, P.C. is willing to help you if you feel that you were wrongfully terminated. We understand how complicated and depressing this process can be; therefore, we are with you every step of the way. To set up a consultation with an attorney regarding your case, please call (213) 995-6132 or send an email to lee@cummingsandfranck.com. Always keep in mind that your rights matter and you have a right to fight for them.