What happens between an executive employment issue in Pasadena and getting paid?
An executive employment claim in Pasadena starts with gathering facts, moves through negotiations with your employer, and sometimes ends with a lawsuit and resolution. This process often begins by documenting the specific issues, such as wrongful termination, discrimination, or unpaid wages.
After compiling evidence, your attorney typically attempts to negotiate a resolution directly with your employer or their legal team. If an agreement cannot be reached, the next step involves filing a formal complaint, either with an administrative agency or in court, to pursue the compensation you are owed.
How long do you have to file an executive employment claim in California?
The time you have to file a claim depends on the specific type of employment issue. For many claims involving personal injury, including some forms of employment-related harm, you generally have two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1).
However, claims against a city, county, or other public agency in California, such as those involving a Pasadena municipal employer, often have a much shorter deadline. A formal written claim must be presented to the public entity within six months of the incident (Cal. Gov. Code § 911.2). Missing this six-month deadline can permanently bar your ability to sue that public entity.
The deadline is generally paused while an injured person is a minor under Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 352. However, Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 352(b) removes that pause for claims against public entities under the Government Claims Act, so a minor's claim against a public agency still faces the six-month deadline.
Other employment claims, such as those under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), have different deadlines for filing administrative complaints, often one year from the date of the last discriminatory act. It is important to confirm the specific deadline for your unique situation with an attorney, as exceptions exist.
Where do you file an executive employment lawsuit for an issue in Pasadena?
Most executive employment lawsuits arising from incidents in Pasadena are filed in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. The courthouse that handles these cases is generally the Pasadena Courthouse, located at 300 E Walnut St, Pasadena, CA 91101.
In Los Angeles County, a personal injury case, which can include certain employment-related claims, is filed in the judicial district where the incident occurred. It is then 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). This ensures your case is handled by a court familiar with local facts.
What kinds of executive and professional employment issues does Casa Legal Los Angeles handle?
Casa Legal Los Angeles helps executives and professionals in Pasadena with a wide range of employment disputes. This includes cases of wrongful termination, where an employer fires an employee for an illegal reason, such as discrimination or retaliation. We also represent individuals facing discrimination based on age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, or disability.
Our firm handles cases involving unpaid wages, overtime violations, and disputes over severance packages or employment contracts. If you are an executive with an issue related to your employment agreement or compensation, or if you believe your employer has retaliated against you for reporting wrongdoing, we can help. For more specific information, see our pages on employment law, retaliation and whistleblowing, and employee rights in Pasadena.
What should you do after an employment issue arises?
- Document everything. Keep detailed records of dates, times, conversations, emails, and any witnesses related to your employment issue.
- Review your employment agreement. Understand the terms of your contract, particularly clauses about termination, severance, or dispute resolution.
- Do not sign anything without legal review. Before signing a severance agreement, release of claims, or any other document, have it reviewed by an attorney.
- Do not quit your job without legal advice. Resigning can impact your ability to pursue certain claims, such as wrongful termination.
- Contact an attorney. An experienced attorney can evaluate your situation, explain your rights, and guide you through the process.
What does working with Casa Legal Los Angeles involve?
When you choose to work with Casa Legal Los Angeles, your initial step involves a confidential consultation where we discuss the specifics of your employment situation. We listen to your story, review any relevant documents you have, and provide an honest assessment of your options. This initial meeting helps us determine the best path forward for your executive employment issue in Pasadena.
If we take on your case, we will handle all communications with your employer or their legal representatives. This includes gathering additional evidence, preparing legal documents, and negotiating on your behalf. Our goal is to achieve the best possible outcome for you, whether through negotiation, mediation, or litigation. For examples of our work in nearby cities, you can look at our pages for Azusa executive employment attorneys or Bellflower executive employment attorneys.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is "wrongful termination" in California?
Wrongful termination in California happens when an employer fires an employee for an illegal reason, violating a contract, statute, or public policy. This can include termination based on discrimination (age, race, gender, etc.), retaliation for whistleblowing, or in breach of an implied or express employment contract. If you were fired in Pasadena and suspect it was for an unlawful reason, you may have a claim.
Can I be fired for reporting illegal activity at work?
California law protects employees from retaliation when they report illegal activities or unsafe working conditions. If your employer in Pasadena fires you or takes adverse action against you after you've made a protected complaint, you may have a claim for wrongful termination or retaliation. These protections are in place to encourage a safe and lawful workplace.
How does California's two-year statute of limitations affect my employment case?
The two-year statute of limitations (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1) means you generally have two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit in court for many types of claims, including some employment-related personal injuries. However, this deadline varies significantly for other employment claims, such as those against a government entity in Pasadena, which might only allow six months (Cal. Gov. Code § 911.2). Always check the specific deadline for your claim.
Will my employment case go to court in Los Angeles?
Whether your employment case proceeds to court in Los Angeles depends on several factors, including the nature of the dispute, the willingness of both parties to negotiate, and the strength of your evidence. Many employment disputes are resolved through negotiation or mediation before a lawsuit is ever filed or progresses to a trial at the Pasadena Courthouse. However, if an agreement cannot be reached, filing a lawsuit in court becomes necessary to protect your rights.
If you are an executive or professional in Pasadena facing an employment dispute, you do not have to handle it alone. Call Casa Legal Los Angeles today at 888-585-2529 for a confidential discussion about your situation. No attorney's fees unless we win — and no case costs either.