Los Angeles Wrongful Termination Lawyer: Legal Help After an Unlawful Firing
While California is an “at-will” state, your employer cannot terminate employment for reasons that violate the law. If you believe your dismissal resulted from retaliation, discrimination, or exercising a protected right, you may have grounds to pursue a wrongful termination claim.
Some employees experience workplace conditions that become difficult enough to lead to a resignation. When certain legal standards are met, this may be considered a constructive discharge.
At Blair & Ramirez LLP, our wrongful termination attorneys represent employees in illegal termination and constructive discharge matters. We evaluate your situation, determine whether your rights were violated, and take legal action when appropriate.
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Why You Should Hire a Wrongful Termination Lawyer in Los Angeles
A wrongful termination lawyer in Los Angeles helps you understand your legal rights and prepares the next steps. Working with an attorney early in the process helps avoid missed deadlines and preserves your ability to pursue a claim under California employment laws.
Identifies if Your Firing Violated the California Labor Code
A wrongful termination lawyer reviews the facts of your termination to determine whether it violated the California Labor Code, FEHA, or Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. They assess the employer’s stated reason for firing and compare it to the actual events and timeline.
Common red flags include being fired after:
- Reporting harassment or discrimination
- Requesting medical or family leave
- Refusing to participate in illegal or unethical conduct
These patterns point to workplace retaliation, discrimination, or a violation of public policy, each of which may support a wrongful termination claim under state or federal law.
Evaluates Eligibility for a Wrongful Termination Claim
To build a case and take legal action, lawyers assess whether you fall within a protected class and faced a negative employment action. They help identify links between your dismissal and any protected activity, such as whistleblowing or medical leave.
They examine timelines and documentation to determine if your case may meet the legal requirements. If eligible, they outline the legal options available based on the facts.
Stops Employers From Exploiting Termination Gaps
After an unlawful dismissal, some employers may attempt to exploit the termination gap to limit your rights. They may pressure you to sign severance agreements that waive your legal rights, block unemployment claims, or use intimidation to silence complaints. In some cases, they create unbearable working conditions to make you resign voluntarily.
A Los Angeles severance lawyer steps in to identify these tactics early, block further harm, and preserve your ability to file a claim under protections.
Understands Local Court Systems and Employer Tactics
Los Angeles wrongful termination attorneys are familiar with how the local courts handle employment cases. They understand jury attitudes, court procedures, and how employers retaliate against claims.
Your lawyer also recognizes the tactics employers use to avoid liability. These may include vague performance write-ups, HR cover-ups, or altered documentation. By anticipating these strategies, your lawyer can respond quickly and strengthen your position in negotiations or court.
Pursues Potential Compensation You’re Entitled To
A wrongful termination lawyer builds your case around clear, documented harm. They document the financial and personal impact of your dismissal, including lost wages, missed benefits, and emotional and reputational harm where evidence supports it.
Your lawyer negotiates for potential compensation during settlement and argues your case clearly if it goes to trial. With legal representation, you’re likely to recover entitled damages.
What Services Do Los Angeles Wrongful Termination Lawyers Provide?
LA wrongful termination lawyers assist with each phase of your legal matter, from reviewing your dismissal to pursuing compensation through settlement or trial. Their role includes:
Investigation and Collecting Key Evidence
Your wrongful termination lawyer listens to your experience, investigates your dismissal circumstances, and determines if you have a viable wrongful termination claim.
They guide you on what key evidence to collect (like documents such as employment contracts, offer letters, employee handbooks, performance reviews, disciplinary notices, emails, text messages, company policies, and severance agreements) and gather potential witnesses and their statements.
File Claims with CRD, EEOC, or Civil Courts
Your lawyer actively files your claim with the correct agency or court and ensures it meets all deadlines. Based on the circumstances of your unlawful firing, your lawyer may file with
- California Civil Rights Department (CRD): File within 3 years of wrongful termination
- Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC): File within 300 days
- California Superior Court or other civil courts: File within 2 years
They track all statutory deadlines and handle procedural filings to keep your case on track.
Negotiate Settlements or Litigate in the Trial Court
Legal representation guides you through both settlement negotiations and trial proceedings. They begin by evaluating the strength of your claim and reviewing any settlement offers based on your lost income, emotional harm, and legal rights.
If the offer is fair, your lawyer negotiates favorable terms to secure compensation without going to court. If your employer refuses to settle or denies liability, your attorney prepares for trial by gathering evidence, organizing witness testimony, and building a fact-based legal argument.
How a Los Angeles Lawyer Uses California Employment Laws to Build Your Case
California, known as a "pro-employee" state, enforces some of the nation’s most employee-friendly employment laws. A wrongful termination lawyer in Los Angeles uses these legal labor protections to identify violations, prove employer misconduct, and pursue full compensation on your behalf.
Apply Robust State-Level Worker Protections
Your lawyer applies state laws, such as the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), California Labor Code §1102.5, and the California Family Rights Act (CFRA), to evaluate whether your rights were violated.
Because California law often offers broader protections than federal statutes, your attorney can rely on state-level standards to pursue claims that might otherwise be denied under federal law.
Leverage LA-Specific Legal Precedents and Strategies
An employment attorney who practices regularly in Los Angeles courts is familiar with the specific rules and procedures of the local judicial system. This local experience can be an important factor in developing a strong case, allowing your attorney to use:
- Relevant case law and judicial interpretations specific to LA County.
- Employer defense knowledge gathered from past local litigation or public records.
- Strategic filing decisions based on venue rules and court efficiency to streamline your case.
Track Statutory Deadlines and Compliance Timelines
California employment laws have strict statutory timings. Missing the deadline due to delays, incorrect agency filings, or internal confusion can result in losing your claim entirely. Your Los Angeles employment lawyer helps avoid these risks by monitoring limitation periods from day one, calculating cutoff dates, and preserving evidence on time.
Types of Wrongful Termination Cases We Handle at Blair & Ramirez LLP
We handle a range of wrongful termination cases involving discrimination, retaliation, and violations of protected rights under state and federal law.
These are the most common types of cases we take on and confidently win:
| Case Type | What it is |
|---|---|
| Pregnancy-Related Termination | May involve dismissal after disclosing pregnancy, requesting light-duty work, or taking protected leave under FMLA or CFRA. |
| Whistleblower Retaliation | Happens when an employee is let go after reporting unsafe, illegal, or unethical actions at work. |
| Disability Discrimination | Includes dismissal after requesting workplace adjustments or disclosing a medical condition, against legal protections. |
| Breach of Employment Contract | Involves firing that may violate a written or implied agreement that outlines job security or terms of work. |
| Constructive Discharge | Situations where a worker is pushed to resign because the workplace becomes hostile, unsafe, or too difficult to stay in. |
What Compensation Can a Los Angeles Wrongful Termination Lawyer Help You Recover?
Wrongful termination lawyers advocate for the recovery of all available damages by proving financial and emotional harm caused by the illegal firing. Typical recovery may include:
| Type of Compensation | What it Covers | How Lawyers Maximize it |
|---|---|---|
| Back Pay | Lost wages and benefits from the termination date to resolution | By calculating unpaid earnings, bonuses, and applicable benefits based on records |
| Front Pay | Future earnings lost due to career impact | Evaluating job market factors and case-specific timelines to estimate future impact |
| Emotional Distress | Mental suffering, humiliation, or reputational harm | Documenting therapist reports, personal statements, or supporting testimony |
| Punitive Damages | Penalties for blatant employer conduct | Preparing evidence to support a punitive damages request under Civil Code §3294 (When applicable) |
| Attorney’s Fees & Costs | Legal fees, court filing fees, and expert costs | Your attorney includes these items in the claim when allowed under California statutes |
Steps to Take Before Contacting a Wrongful Termination Lawyer
Before speaking with a Los Angeles wrongful termination lawyer, it's advisable to have a clear understanding of your experience. Getting legal help early potentially preserves your evidence and allows your lawyer to strategize your case.
Take these steps before your consultation:
- Collect relevant documents, including termination letters, performance reviews, HR emails, and severance offers.
- Create a timeline of key events leading up to your dismissal; what happened, when it happened, and who was involved.
- Avoid signing anything your employer issues, such as severance or settlement agreements, without legal review.
- Request copies of your personnel file from your employer.
- Preserve all written communication, emails, and text messages related to your job and dismissal.
- List witnesses who may support or testify to your claims.
- Stay calm and avoid confrontation with your employer. Any aggressive response could be used against you later.
Why Choose Blair & Ramirez for Wrongful Termination Cases in Los Angeles
Blair & Ramirez LLP represents Los Angeles workers in wrongful dismissal and constructive discharge matters. Our team focuses on providing responsive legal services tailored to each case.
Here’s how we support our clients:
- Experience with employment law cases involving wrongful termination and retaliation
- Recognized by Super Lawyers, an independent attorney rating service using peer nominations and review-based selection
- Litigation-ready team, equipped to pursue claims through trial when necessary
- Bilingual legal services are available in both English and Spanish
- No upfront cost and a contingency fee basis representation
Disclaimer: Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Each case is initially evaluated for free, individually based on its facts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wrongful Termination in California
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Los Angeles Wrongful Termination Lawyer Today
Blair & Ramirez LLP stands with you if you believe you were let go for unlawful reasons. We listen to your story, investigate your case, explain your rights, and guide legal motions your case may need.
Call (213) 568-4000 or fill out our online contact form to request a free consultation. We’re available 24/7 to discuss your case.
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