What happens if your employer fires you unfairly in Calabasas?
If your employer in Calabasas fires you without good cause, you likely face immediate stress over income and your future. California law protects employees from many types of wrongful termination, even if your employment was "at-will." You might have a claim for lost wages, benefits, and other damages if your termination violated public policy, an employment contract, or anti-discrimination laws.
How long do you have to file an employee rights claim in California?
Most employee rights claims in California have specific deadlines that vary widely depending on the type of claim. For many claims involving personal injury, like those arising from workplace harassment that causes emotional distress, you generally have two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1). However, if your claim involves a public entity, like the City of Calabasas or a state agency, you must present a formal claim within six months of the incident (Cal. Gov. Code § 911.2). This short six-month deadline applies to incidents involving death or injury to a person or personal property, and you cannot sue until the public entity responds or fails to respond to your claim.
Some employment claims have even shorter administrative deadlines, such as those filed with the Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Missing these deadlines, known as statutes of limitations, can permanently bar you from seeking justice. The law generally pauses the deadline while an injured person is a minor (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 352), but that pause does not apply to claims against public entities. Because deadlines have many exceptions, confirm what applies to your specific facts with an attorney.
California law allows recovery for several types of harm in employee rights cases. This includes economic damages like back pay, front pay, lost benefits, and emotional distress. Punitive damages are also sometimes available when an employer's conduct was particularly egregious, such as acts of oppression, fraud, or malice (Civ. Code § 3294(a)).
What types of employee rights cases do we handle?
Our law firm helps Calabasas employees facing many different issues. We represent workers who experience wrongful termination, which can happen when an employer fires someone for an illegal reason, such as retaliation for reporting misconduct or discrimination based on age, gender, race, religion, or disability. If you believe you were fired unfairly, you can explore your options on our main Employee Rights page.
We also assist employees with discrimination, harassment, and retaliation claims. This includes situations where an employer takes negative action against you for asserting your rights or participating in a protected activity. For example, if you faced retaliation after seeking specific workplace accommodations, we can help you understand your rights related to leave and accommodations.
Other areas we cover involve wage and hour disputes, such as unpaid overtime, missed meal and rest breaks, and misclassification of employees. We also advise on executive and professional employment issues, including employment contracts and severance agreements. We extend our services to communities like San Dimas and Simi Valley, ensuring workers across Los Angeles and Ventura Counties receive protection.
Where do you file an employee rights claim from Calabasas?
An employee rights lawsuit from Calabasas is generally filed in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. Under Los Angeles County's local rules, a personal injury case is filed in the judicial district where the incident occurred and is assigned to that district's Personal Injury Hub department (LASC Local Rule 2.3; General Order re Assignment and Transfer of Personal Injury Cases, effective May 17, 2024). For Calabasas, cases are typically heard at the Van Nuys Courthouse East, located at 6230 Sylmar Ave, Van Nuys, CA 91401. Your claim against a public entity, like the County of Los Angeles, also starts with presenting that written claim within six months (Cal. Gov. Code § 911.2).
What should you do after an employer violates your rights?
- Document everything. Keep detailed records of dates, times, names, and descriptions of incidents. This includes emails, texts, performance reviews, and anything related to your employment.
- Do not quit your job without advice. Quitting can make it harder to pursue certain claims, such as wrongful termination. Discuss your situation with an attorney before making a decision.
- Seek medical attention if injured. If the employer's conduct caused you physical or emotional harm, see a doctor or therapist. Keep records of all appointments, diagnoses, and treatments.
- Avoid discussing your situation with coworkers. While you might feel isolated, limit conversations about your legal issues to trusted legal counsel. Your employer might use such discussions against you.
- Contact an employee rights attorney. An attorney can evaluate your specific facts, explain your rights, and determine the best course of action. They can also ensure you meet all critical deadlines.
What does working with Casa Legal Los Angeles involve?
Working with our firm starts with a confidential conversation where we listen to your story and assess the facts of your case. We explain your legal options and how California law applies to your specific employment situation. We handle all communications with your employer and their attorneys, aiming to resolve your claim efficiently and effectively. This allows you to focus on your recovery and future. Our team handles the investigation, gathers evidence, interviews witnesses, and works towards securing the compensation you deserve, whether through negotiation or litigation. We also serve employees in other areas like Santa Paula and South El Monte.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "at-will employment" mean in California?
In California, "at-will employment" means an employer can generally terminate an employee at any time, for any reason, with or without cause, as long as the reason is not illegal. However, this rule has exceptions. An employer cannot fire you for discriminatory reasons, in retaliation for protected activities, or in violation of an employment contract or public policy. The concept of at-will employment does not give employers free rein to act unlawfully.
Can I sue my employer for emotional distress?
Yes, you can sue your employer for emotional distress if their unlawful actions caused it. This often happens in cases of severe harassment, discrimination, or wrongful termination. California law recognizes the harm emotional suffering causes, and compensation can be sought as part of your damages. Documentation of mental health treatment and how the stress affected your life strengthens this type of claim.
What if my employer retaliates against me for reporting an issue?
California law protects employees from retaliation when they report illegal activities, discrimination, or harassment. If your employer takes negative action against you, such as firing you, demoting you, or reducing your pay, after you've made a protected complaint, you might have a retaliation claim. This protection applies even if the underlying complaint is not ultimately proven, as long as you made it in good faith.
How do I know if my claim needs to be filed in the Van Nuys Courthouse East?
For most employee rights claims arising from incidents in Calabasas, the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles, Northwest District, at the Van Nuys Courthouse East is the correct court. This courthouse handles cases from the judicial district where Calabasas is located. Specific filing rules dictate which courthouse hears particular types of cases within Los Angeles County, so confirming with an attorney is always recommended for your unique facts.
If you live or work in Calabasas and believe your employee rights have been violated, call us today at 888-585-2529. No attorney's fees unless we win — and no case costs either.