Severance and Contracts Attorneys Serving San Dimas
Protecting San Dimas workers' rights. No fee unless we win.
What is a San Dimas severance agreement worth to me?
A severance agreement's value depends on your specific employment situation and the details of your departure from a company. California law allows for recovery of various losses, including lost wages, benefits, and sometimes even non-economic harm depending on the circumstances surrounding your separation. What you are offered, and what you might be entitled to, can be very different.
Many factors affect how much compensation you may be able to secure when your employment ends. These include your years of service, your salary history, the reason for your termination, and the terms of any employment contract or company policies. Sometimes, the initial offer from an employer is less than what you deserve, especially if there are underlying issues like discrimination, harassment, or retaliation involved in your departure. If you believe your rights were violated, an attorney can help evaluate the full scope of your potential losses and work to secure a more equitable agreement.
What kinds of severance and contract issues do you handle?
We help workers in San Dimas with a range of employment law matters, focusing on severance negotiations and contract disputes. This includes reviewing proposed severance packages to ensure they are fair and legally sound, especially when they require you to waive significant rights. We also assist with negotiating the terms of employment contracts, non-compete agreements, and confidentiality clauses to protect your interests. Our firm's work primarily involves the rights of employees. We also represent employees in claims such as retaliation and whistleblowing cases or when they need help with leave and accommodations issues.
Where would a severance claim from San Dimas get filed?
If negotiations fail and a lawsuit becomes necessary, a claim originating in San Dimas would generally be filed in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. Under LASC Local Rule 2.3 and the General Order re Assignment and Transfer of Personal Injury Cases, effective May 17, 2024, such a case is assigned to the Personal Injury Hub department in the judicial district where the incident occurred. For San Dimas, this typically means the case is handled at the Pomona Courthouse South, located at 400 Civic Center Plaza, Pomona, CA 91766. However, catchment boundaries can change, so it's wise to confirm the exact filing courthouse on the court's official locator for your specific situation.
How long do you have to file a severance or contract claim?
The deadline to file a claim depends entirely on what kind of claim you have. Most California personal injury claims, including those that might arise from wrongful termination or a related injury, must be filed within two years (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1). This two-year period starts from the date of the injury or the event giving rise to the claim. However, if your claim involves a public entity, such as the City of San Dimas, Los Angeles County, or a state agency, you must present a written claim to that entity within six months (Cal. Gov. Code § 911.2). Missing this six-month deadline usually means you lose your right to sue the public entity.
The deadline is generally paused while an injured person is a minor (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 352). However, that pause does not apply to claims against public entities under the Government Claims Act (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 352(b)). Because deadlines vary and have exceptions, confirm what applies to your specific facts with an attorney.
What should you do after an employer offers a severance package?
After receiving a severance package offer, take these concrete steps to protect your interests:
1. **Do not sign immediately:** Most severance agreements include a deadline for your acceptance. Use this time to review the document carefully without feeling pressured.
2. **Understand the terms:** Read every clause, paying close attention to the amount offered, payment schedule, release of claims, confidentiality provisions, non-compete clauses, and any requirements for you to assist with a transition.
3. **Gather relevant documents:** Collect your employment contract, offer letter, performance reviews, any written disciplinary actions, and communications related to your termination.
4. **Seek legal counsel:** A California employment law attorney can review the agreement, explain your rights, and help you understand whether the offer is fair. Our firm focuses on employment law, and we represent employees with issues like employee rights in San Dimas and other cities like Agoura Hills.
5. **Negotiate if necessary:** Your attorney can advise you on whether negotiation for better terms, such as a higher payout, extended benefits, or changes to restrictive clauses, is possible.
What working with Casa Legal Los Angeles involves for San Dimas workers?
When you work with Casa Legal Los Angeles, you get a team focused on protecting your rights as an employee. We begin by listening to your story and carefully examining your employment situation. We explain your legal options clearly, so you understand what is happening and what steps are ahead. Our job is to handle the legal complexities, allowing you to focus on your personal and professional transition. We negotiate with employers, always striving for the best possible outcome for you. We also represent workers in nearby communities such as Carson and Bellflower.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly do I need to decide on a severance offer?
Most severance offers include a specific deadline for acceptance, often ranging from a few days to 21 or 45 days. Federal law mandates a minimum of 21 days for employees over 40 to review severance agreements that include a waiver of age discrimination claims. This timeframe is intended to give you sufficient time to review the document and consult with an attorney.
Can a severance agreement prevent me from getting unemployment benefits?
Generally, a severance agreement itself does not disqualify you from receiving unemployment benefits in California. Eligibility for unemployment depends on the reason for your separation from employment. If you were laid off or terminated through no fault of your own, you are typically eligible. Severance pay might affect the timing or amount of your benefits, potentially delaying when payments begin, but it usually does not eliminate eligibility entirely.
Does signing a severance agreement mean I give up all my rights?
A typical severance agreement includes a "release of claims" clause. This means that in exchange for the severance pay, you agree not to sue your former employer for any claims you might have up to the date you sign the agreement. These claims can include wrongful termination, discrimination, and other employment-related disputes. It is crucial to have an attorney review this clause to understand exactly what rights you are waiving.
What if my employer offers me a severance package in San Dimas but I suspect discrimination?
If you are offered a severance package and suspect discrimination, harassment, or retaliation played a role in your termination, you should not sign the agreement without consulting an employment attorney. Signing a severance agreement typically means you waive your right to sue for these claims. An attorney can help you evaluate the strength of your discrimination claim and advise whether it is better to negotiate the severance for a higher amount or pursue a separate claim for damages.
If you are a San Dimas employee with questions about a severance offer or an employment contract, call Casa Legal Los Angeles today at 888-585-2529 for a consultation. No attorney's fees unless we win — and no case costs either.
Serving San Dimas
Our attorneys represent clients throughout San Dimas and the greater Los Angeles area.
Where a San Dimas claim is filed
A personal injury claim arising in San Dimas is filed in Pomona Courthouse South, East 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 San Dimas
The California filing deadlines that apply to an incident in San Dimas (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).