Who pays your lost wages after wrongful termination in Rancho Palos Verdes?
If you were wrongly terminated from your job in Rancho Palos Verdes, your former employer is responsible for your lost wages and other damages. California law provides protections for workers against illegal firing. Your claim seeks to recover the compensation you should have received.
Where do you file a wrongful termination lawsuit in Los Angeles County?
Wrongful termination lawsuits in Los Angeles County are generally filed in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. For cases originating in Rancho Palos Verdes, this usually means the Torrance Courthouse. The Torrance Courthouse is located at 825 Maple Ave, Torrance, CA 90503.
The Los Angeles Superior Court has a specific system for personal injury cases, where they are filed in the judicial district where the incident occurred and 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). While wrongful termination is an employment matter, many employment cases follow similar jurisdictional rules for filing. Always confirm the specific courthouse for your claim with an attorney.
What should you do after a wrongful termination?
- Document everything. Keep copies of your employment contract, performance reviews, disciplinary notices, emails, text messages, and any other communication related to your employment and termination.
- Do not sign anything you do not understand. Your employer may offer a severance package that includes a release of your rights to sue. Consult an attorney before signing any such document.
- Seek legal advice. A lawyer can evaluate your situation and tell you if your termination was illegal. This firm focuses on employment law, including wrongful termination cases.
- Gather witness information. If coworkers witnessed events leading to your termination, note their names and contact information.
- Look for new employment. You have a duty to mitigate your damages by seeking comparable work. Document your job search efforts.
How long do you have to file a wrongful termination claim in California?
The time you have to file a claim depends on the specific legal basis for your wrongful termination. For many employment claims, the general statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death is two years (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1).
However, if your claim involves a public entity, such as a local government agency in Rancho Palos Verdes, you must first present a written claim to that entity within six months of the incident (Cal. Gov. Code § 911.2). This six-month deadline is strict and an attorney can help you meet it. While deadlines are generally paused while an injured person is a minor under Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 352, this pause does not apply to claims against public entities under Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 352(b).
California law allows for recovery of various damages, including lost wages and benefits, emotional distress, and sometimes punitive damages, depending on the specifics of your case.
What types of cases fall under wrongful termination in Rancho Palos Verdes?
Wrongful termination covers situations where an employer fires an employee for an illegal reason, even if California is an "at-will" employment state. This means an employer can generally fire an employee for any reason, or no reason at all, but not for an illegal one.
Common types of wrongful termination include firing someone due to their race, gender, age, disability, religion, or sexual orientation. It also includes termination for engaging in protected activities, such as reporting workplace harassment, refusing to commit an illegal act, or taking protected leave. Our firm also assists employees in retaliation and whistleblowing situations, as well as with general employee rights issues in Rancho Palos Verdes.
Some examples of protected activities include reporting wage and hour violations, filing a workers' compensation claim, or testifying in a discrimination lawsuit. If you believe your firing was connected to any of these reasons, you may have a wrongful termination claim. We also help with wrongful termination in Commerce, Azusa, and other Los Angeles communities.
What does working with Casa Legal Los Angeles involve?
When you work with Casa Legal Los Angeles, we start by listening to your story and reviewing the facts of your termination. We gather evidence, interview witnesses, and assess the strength of your claim under California employment laws. Our goal is to secure the compensation you deserve, whether through negotiation or litigation.
We handle cases on a contingency fee basis. This means no attorney's fees unless we win — and no case costs either. Our team prepares your case for success, guiding you through each step of the legal process. We advocate for your rights, whether your claim involves a smaller business or a large corporation in Los Angeles County. We are here to help you understand your legal options and pursue justice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to hire a wrongful termination attorney in Rancho Palos Verdes?
Hiring a wrongful termination attorney at Casa Legal Los Angeles costs nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning our fees are a percentage of the amount we recover for you. If we do not win your case, you owe us no attorney's fees, and you are not responsible for case costs either.
What if my employer offers me a severance package after I am fired?
If your employer offers a severance package, it almost always includes an agreement that you will release any legal claims against them. You should have an attorney review any severance agreement before you sign it. Signing it might mean giving up your right to pursue a wrongful termination claim.
How long does a wrongful termination lawsuit take in Los Angeles County?
The length of a wrongful termination lawsuit in Los Angeles County varies greatly depending on the complexity of the case, the court's schedule, and whether the case settles or goes to trial. Some cases resolve quickly through negotiation, while others can take several months or even years to conclude, especially if they involve extensive discovery or a trial at the Torrance Courthouse.
Can I be fired for taking sick leave or family leave in California?
No, generally you cannot be fired for taking protected sick leave or family leave in California. State and federal laws protect employees who take leave for certain medical or family reasons. If you were terminated after taking such leave, it could be considered wrongful termination, and you should seek legal advice.
If you believe you were wrongly terminated from your job in Rancho Palos Verdes, call Casa Legal Los Angeles today for a confidential consultation at 888-585-2529. No attorney's fees unless we win — and no case costs either.