Severance and Contracts Attorneys Serving Rolling Hills
Protecting Rolling Hills workers' rights. No fee unless we win.
Where do you file a severance or contract dispute in Rolling Hills?
When you have an employment dispute involving a severance agreement or employment contract in Rolling Hills, your case generally files in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. This means your dispute will proceed through the Los Angeles County court system, often at the Torrance Courthouse. The court determines where a case should be heard based on local rules and the nature of the claim.
What kinds of severance and contract issues do Rolling Hills workers face?
Workers in Rolling Hills encounter various legal matters related to their employment agreements. This includes review of severance packages, negotiation of employment contracts, and disputes arising from breaches of those contracts. Sometimes, employers offer severance agreements that reduce what you are owed, or they include restrictive clauses that limit your future employment options. Our firm also assists with issues like wrongful termination tied to a contract, or non-compete clauses that unfairly restrict your ability to find new work after leaving a company. These employment contract problems can profoundly affect your financial stability and career prospects. Casa Legal Los Angeles works to protect the rights of workers facing these issues in Los Angeles County. For a broader look at how we help employees, visit our employment law practice area.
How long do you have to bring a severance or contract claim in California?
California law sets strict deadlines for filing legal claims, including those related to severance and contracts. Most personal injury and wrongful death claims must be filed within two years (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1). However, if your contract claim involves a public entity, like a city, county, or state agency, you generally have only six months to present a written claim (Cal. Gov. Code § 911.2) before you can 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. Failing to meet these deadlines can mean you lose your right to pursue compensation. What you can recover depends on the specific terms of your contract and the nature of the breach. This can include unpaid wages, benefits, and other damages allowed by California law.
What should you do after an employment contract or severance dispute?
When an employment contract or severance dispute arises, taking certain steps protects your rights.
Gather Your Documents: Collect all relevant papers, including your employment contract, severance agreement offer, performance reviews, termination notice, and any related correspondence. These documents provide crucial details about your employment terms and the circumstances of the dispute.
Do Not Sign Anything Under Duress: Your employer might pressure you to sign a severance agreement quickly. Do not sign any document that waives your rights or releases claims without reviewing it carefully with an attorney. You often have a set period (like 21 or 45 days) to review and consider a severance offer, especially if you are over 40.
Document Communications: Keep a detailed record of all interactions with your employer regarding the dispute. Note dates, times, attendees, and summaries of conversations. This creates a clear timeline of events.
Seek Legal Advice Promptly: Deadlines for contract and employment claims can be short, particularly if a public entity is involved. Speak with a lawyer who understands California employment law soon after the dispute arises to understand your options.
Where does a contract dispute in Rolling Hills get filed?
A severance or contract dispute originating in Rolling Hills generally files in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. Specifically, 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). For Rolling Hills, this typically means cases go to the Torrance Courthouse, located at 825 Maple Ave, Torrance, CA 90503. However, catchment boundaries can change, so you should confirm the correct filing courthouse on the court's official locator for your specific facts. Our firm handles a variety of employment law matters across Los Angeles County, including those for workers in Carson and Alhambra.
What does working with Casa Legal Los Angeles involve?
Working with Casa Legal Los Angeles means you have an advocate for your rights as an employee. We begin by reviewing your employment contract or severance agreement in detail, explaining your legal options, and advising you on the best course of action. Our firm handles negotiations with employers to secure fair terms and appropriate compensation. If negotiation does not resolve the issue, we are prepared to pursue litigation to protect your interests. Our focus is on achieving the best possible outcome for you, whether that involves negotiating a better severance package or challenging an unfair contract term. We also represent employees in Rolling Hills facing other workplace issues, such as retaliation claims and broader employee rights concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a severance agreement?
A severance agreement is a contract between an employer and an employee that defines the terms of an employee's separation from the company. It typically includes severance pay, continuation of benefits, and often requires the employee to waive their right to sue the employer for certain claims. It is important to have an attorney review any severance agreement before signing it to ensure your rights are protected.
Can an employer change my employment contract without my consent?
Generally, an employer cannot unilaterally change the fundamental terms of an existing employment contract without your consent. Many changes, especially those that negatively affect your pay, benefits, or duties, require your agreement. If an employer tries to change your contract without your consent, you may have grounds for a legal dispute.
What happens if I break my employment contract?
Breaking an employment contract can lead to various consequences, depending on the terms of the contract and the nature of the breach. Your employer might sue you for damages, such as lost profits or the cost of finding a replacement. The specific remedies available to the employer will be outlined in the contract itself.
Is there a different court for employment cases in Los Angeles County?
No, employment cases in Los Angeles County are filed in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles, just like other civil cases. For Rolling Hills, these cases typically proceed through the Torrance Courthouse, as part of the Southwest District's civil departments. The court does not have a separate system dedicated solely to employment law; instead, these cases are heard within the general civil litigation framework.
If you are facing a severance package offer or an employment contract dispute in Rolling Hills, contact Casa Legal Los Angeles. We are here to help you understand your rights and pursue the full compensation available under California law. Call us at 888-585-2529 for a consultation. No attorney's fees unless we win — and no case costs either.
Serving Rolling Hills
Our attorneys represent clients throughout Rolling Hills and the greater Los Angeles area.
Where a Rolling Hills claim is filed
A personal injury claim arising in Rolling Hills is filed in Torrance Courthouse, Southwest 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 Rolling Hills
The California filing deadlines that apply to an incident in Rolling Hills (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).