Can I still pursue an employment claim in Manhattan Beach if I signed a severance agreement?
Signing a severance agreement in Manhattan Beach might affect your ability to pursue a claim, but it does not always prevent it. Many factors decide if a severance agreement waives your rights, including how it was presented, what it says, and if you received proper legal review time.
California law protects employees from certain waivers of rights. For example, a severance agreement cannot legally waive future claims of discrimination or harassment, or certain claims under the Fair Labor Standards Act, even if you signed it.
Where do Manhattan Beach employment claims get filed?
Employment claims for incidents in Manhattan Beach are generally filed in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. Under LASC Local Rule 2.3, a case originating in Manhattan Beach is assigned to the Southwest District.
The appropriate courthouse for Manhattan Beach is the Torrance Courthouse, located at 825 Maple Ave, Torrance, CA 90503. However, claims against a city, county, or public agency trigger different filing rules and require a specific claim presentation process before a lawsuit.
What should you do after an executive employment dispute arises?
- Do not sign anything without review: If your employer offers you a severance package, a new employment agreement, or asks you to sign anything related to your departure, seek legal advice first. Many agreements contain clauses that could limit your future options.
- Document everything: Keep detailed records of all relevant communications, performance reviews, disciplinary actions, and any incidents related to your dispute. Dates, names, and specific details are important.
- Understand your rights: California employment law protects employees from various unlawful practices, including discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and wrongful termination. Know what protections apply to your situation.
- Consult an employment attorney: An attorney can review your specific situation, explain your legal options, and help you understand the strength of your potential claim. This is especially true for complex executive and professional employment issues.
How long do you have to file an employment claim?
The time you have to file an employment claim varies significantly based on the type of claim. Most general personal injury and wrongful death claims must be filed within two years from the date of injury, under Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1.
However, many employment claims have much shorter deadlines. For instance, a claim against a public entity, like the City of Manhattan Beach or a public school district, requires a written claim to be presented within six months of the incident under Cal. Gov. Code § 911.2.
Claims for wage and hour violations, discrimination, or retaliation often have separate and sometimes shorter deadlines, or require filing with administrative agencies like the Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) before a lawsuit can be filed. The deadline is generally paused while an injured person is a minor under Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 352, but Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 352(b) removes that pause for claims against public entities under the Government Claims Act.
You may recover for various losses, including lost wages, benefits, emotional distress, and sometimes punitive damages, depending on the specific facts of your case. For survival actions filed on or after January 1, 2026, California law does not allow recovery for the decedent's pain, suffering, or disfigurement, only economic losses before death and punitive damages the decedent could have recovered, per Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 377.34.
What kinds of executive employment cases do we handle in Manhattan Beach?
We represent executives and professionals in Manhattan Beach facing a range of employment disputes. Our focus is on protecting your rights and career when complex issues arise with your employer. We help employees in Manhattan Beach with:
- Wrongful Termination: If you were fired for an illegal reason, such as discrimination, retaliation, or in violation of an employment contract.
- Workplace Discrimination: Claims involving discrimination based on age, gender, race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics.
- Sexual Harassment: Cases involving unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical harassment of a sexual nature.
- Retaliation and Whistleblowing: Protecting employees who report illegal activities, safety violations, or other misconduct from adverse employment actions. Learn more about retaliation claims in Manhattan Beach.
- Severance Negotiations: Reviewing and negotiating severance packages to ensure they are fair and protect your future interests. Visit our page on severance agreements in Manhattan Beach.
- Breach of Contract: Disputes arising from employment contracts, non-compete clauses, non-solicitation agreements, or confidentiality agreements.
- Wage and Hour Disputes: Claims for unpaid wages, overtime, commissions, bonuses, or other compensation owed to you. For more information, see our employee rights page for Manhattan Beach.
What is working with Casa Legal Los Angeles like?
Working with Casa Legal Los Angeles means you have experienced advocates on your side, focused on California employment law. We start by listening to your story and understanding the specific details of your situation. This allows us to provide an honest assessment of your legal options and the potential paths forward.
We aim to secure the full compensation available under California law. This includes economic damages like lost wages and benefits, and non-economic damages for emotional distress, depending on your case. Our firm handles all aspects of your claim, from gathering evidence and negotiating with your employer to representing you in court, if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "at-will" employment mean in Manhattan Beach?
In Manhattan Beach, like the rest of California, employment is generally "at-will," meaning an employer can terminate an employee, and an employee can quit, at any time and for any reason, with or without notice. However, this does not mean an employer can terminate an employee for an illegal reason, such as discrimination, harassment, or retaliation for engaging in protected activities. If your termination violates public policy or an implied contract, it may still be considered wrongful termination.
Can I be fired in Manhattan Beach for reporting illegal activity?
No, you generally cannot be fired in Manhattan Beach for reporting illegal activity. California law protects whistleblowers who report violations of law to government agencies or internally within their company. If an employer retaliates against an employee for such reports, the employee may have a claim for wrongful termination or retaliation. These protections are strong and aim to encourage transparency and accountability.
Do I have to go to court for my employment claim?
Many employment claims in Manhattan Beach settle out of court through negotiations or mediation. We always seek to resolve cases efficiently and favorably without the need for a lengthy trial. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to court to protect your rights and pursue the full compensation available under California law.
How much does it cost to hire an employment attorney?
Casa Legal Los Angeles generally represents clients in employment cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no attorney's fees unless we win your case — and no case costs either. This arrangement allows employees to pursue justice without upfront financial burden. Our fees come as a percentage of the recovery we secure for you.
If you believe your rights as an executive or professional in Manhattan Beach have been violated, reach out to Casa Legal Los Angeles. Call us today at 888-585-2529 for a consultation. No attorney's fees unless we win — and no case costs either.