Severance and Contracts Attorneys Serving Lancaster
Protecting Lancaster workers' rights. No fee unless we win.
What is a Lancaster severance package actually worth to me?
A severance package provides compensation and benefits after your job ends. The worth of your severance depends on your contract, how long you worked for the company, and the specific reasons for your departure. Many agreements involve a release of claims, meaning you give up certain legal rights in exchange for the benefits.
Understanding what your employer offers and what rights you might be waiving is crucial. You might be giving up your ability to pursue claims related to wrongful termination, discrimination, or other employment law violations. Before you sign, it is important to review the document carefully to ensure it aligns with California law and your best interests.
What does Casa Legal Los Angeles do for people with severance and contract issues?
Casa Legal Los Angeles helps workers in Lancaster understand and negotiate severance agreements and other employment contracts. We review the terms of your proposed agreement to confirm it is fair and legally sound. This includes checking for compliance with California employment laws, like those related to discrimination, harassment, and wage disputes. We also help workers draft or review employment contracts, non-compete agreements, and executive compensation packages. Our focus is on ensuring your rights are protected and you receive the compensation and terms you deserve. You can learn more about our approach to employment law issues on our main page.
Where would a Lancaster contract dispute be filed?
A contract dispute in Lancaster, Los Angeles County, is generally filed in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. Specifically, a personal injury case arising from an incident in this area is assigned to the North District's Personal Injury Hub department at the Michael D. Antonovich Antelope Valley Courthouse. That courthouse is located at 42011 4th St West, Lancaster, CA 93534. This filing rule applies to cases that meet the criteria for personal injury assignment under Los Angeles Superior Court Local Rule 2.3 and the General Order effective May 17, 2024. For a pure contract dispute, the filing location depends on various factors, including the contract's terms and the amount in controversy.
How long do I have to act on a contract or employment claim in California?
Most personal injury and wrongful death claims in California must be filed within two years (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1). However, some employment claims, especially those involving contracts or specific labor code violations, may have different deadlines. If your claim is against a city, county, or other public agency in Los Angeles, you must present a written claim within six months of the incident (Cal. Gov. Code § 911.2). This six-month deadline for public entities applies to claims involving death or injury to a person or personal property, before you can even file a lawsuit. 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.
The specific type of employment claim you have determines the deadline. For instance, a claim for unpaid wages might have a three-year deadline, while a claim for constructive termination could follow the two-year personal injury deadline if it involves tort claims. Because deadlines have exceptions, you should confirm the specific deadline that applies to your unique situation with an attorney.
What should I do after receiving a severance offer?
1. **Do not sign immediately:** Most severance offers include a deadline. Take your time to understand the document and your options. Signing quickly can waive your right to pursue further claims.
2. **Gather relevant documents:** Collect your employment contract, performance reviews, pay stubs, benefits information, and any communications related to your termination.
3. **Review the terms:** Look for details on the amount of severance pay, duration of benefits, non-compete clauses, and any release of claims you are being asked to sign.
4. **Consult an attorney:** An attorney specializing in executive and professional employment issues or general employment law can review the offer and advise you on its fairness and legality. They can also help you understand if you have potential claims that the severance package would require you to waive.
5. **Consider negotiating:** In many cases, severance packages are negotiable. An attorney can help you advocate for better terms, additional compensation, or improved benefits.
What does working with Casa Legal Los Angeles involve?
When you work with Casa Legal Los Angeles, we start by listening to your situation. We take the time to understand the specifics of your employment history, your recent termination, or the contract you need reviewed. We then analyze the documents you have, such as your severance agreement or employment contract, and explain your legal rights and options in clear language. This includes identifying potential claims you might have, like those related to retaliation or discrimination.
We handle communication with your former employer or their legal counsel, negotiating on your behalf to achieve the best possible outcome. This could involve increasing your severance pay, extending benefits, or modifying restrictive clauses in your agreement. Our team focuses on protecting your interests throughout the process. We also represent individuals with other employee rights concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I look for in a severance agreement?
When reviewing a severance agreement, look for the amount of severance pay, the duration of continued benefits like health insurance, and any non-compete or non-solicitation clauses. Pay close attention to the "release of claims" section, which details the legal rights you would be waiving by signing the agreement.
Can I negotiate my severance package in Lancaster?
Yes, severance packages are often negotiable, especially if you have potential claims against your employer or if the initial offer is not aligned with industry standards or your tenure. An attorney can assess your situation and help you negotiate for better terms.
Are all employees in Los Angeles County entitled to severance pay?
No, California law does not generally require employers to offer severance pay. Severance is typically offered at the employer's discretion, as part of an employment contract, or in exchange for a release of legal claims.
What if I suspect wrongful termination after receiving a severance offer?
If you suspect your termination was wrongful or discriminatory, consulting an attorney before signing any severance offer is crucial. Signing the agreement may mean waiving your right to pursue a wrongful termination claim. An attorney can evaluate the circumstances of your termination and advise you on your options.
Your employment situation can be stressful, but you do not have to face it alone. Call Casa Legal Los Angeles at 888-585-2529 for a confidential discussion about your severance or contract matter. No attorney's fees unless we win — and no case costs either.
Serving Lancaster
Our attorneys represent clients throughout Lancaster and the greater Los Angeles area.
Where a Lancaster claim is filed
A personal injury claim arising in Lancaster is filed in Michael D. Antonovich Antelope Valley Courthouse, North District of the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles.
In Los Angeles County 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).
Catchment boundaries change. Confirm the filing courthouse on the court's official locator before relying on it.
Source: Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles — Local Rules, Chapter 2 (verified August 23, 2026).
Deadlines that apply in Lancaster
The California filing deadlines that apply to an incident in Lancaster (Los Angeles County) come from state statute, not a local rule. These are the deadlines cited most often.
2 years — personal injury lawsuit
Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1 — two years from the date of injury for most personal injury and wrongful death claims.
6 months — claim against a public entity
Cal. Gov. Code § 911.2 — a written claim must be presented to the public entity within six months for claims involving death or injury to person or personal property, before a lawsuit may be filed.
Injured minors
Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 352 — the limitations period is generally tolled while the injured person is a minor, but the six-month government claim deadline is not tolled the same way.
This is general information about California law, not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Deadlines change with the facts and with who the defendant is — a claim against a city, county, transit agency, or the state triggers a much shorter deadline, and delayed discovery, tolling, and other exceptions apply. Casa Legal Los Angeles is licensed to practice in California. Confirm any deadline with an attorney.
Sources: California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1; California Government Code § 911.2 (verified August 23, 2026).