Should I sign a severance agreement after being fired from a Vernon job?
Do not sign any severance agreement or release of claims without talking to an attorney first. Severance agreements often include language that gives up your right to sue for wrongful termination or other workplace violations. Once you sign away those rights, it can be very difficult, if not impossible, to get them back.
An attorney can review the agreement to see if you are giving up more than you should, or if the offer is too low for the claims you might have. Your employer wants you to sign quickly, but you usually have at least 21 days to think about it and seven days to revoke your signature after signing.
How long do I have to file a wrongful termination claim in Vernon?
California law sets strict deadlines for filing a wrongful termination claim. Most claims under the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) must be filed with the Civil Rights Department (CRD) within three years of the last discriminatory act. If you want to sue your former employer directly for other types of wrongful termination, California law generally requires you to file a lawsuit within two years (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1).
However, if your claim is against a city, county, or other public agency in Vernon, you must first present a written claim to that public entity within six months of the incident (Cal. Gov. Code § 911.2). Missing this short six-month deadline can permanently bar your claim, even if you had a valid case. The deadline is generally paused while an injured person is a minor under CCP § 352, but § 352(b) removes that pause for claims against public entities under the Government Claims Act.
What should I do if I believe my termination was wrongful?
- Gather documentation. Collect any emails, performance reviews, termination letters, employee handbooks, or other documents related to your employment and termination.
- Write down what happened. Create a detailed timeline of events leading up to your termination, including dates, names of witnesses, and specific statements or actions. This helps preserve your memory of key facts.
- Do not sign anything. Avoid signing any documents offered by your employer, especially those that waive your rights, until an attorney has reviewed them. This includes severance agreements or releases.
- Contact an attorney. Speak with an attorney experienced in California employment law as soon as possible. They can assess your situation, explain your legal options, and help you understand the deadlines that apply to your case.
- Avoid discussing your case. Refrain from discussing the details of your termination with former coworkers, on social media, or with anyone who might not keep your confidence. Your employer might be monitoring these conversations.
Where do I file a wrongful termination claim for a Vernon employer?
If you pursue a lawsuit after receiving a Right-to-Sue notice from the Civil Rights Department, your case will generally be filed in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. For Los Angeles County, a wrongful termination case would be filed in the judicial district where the employer is located. Vernon claims are handled in the Central District at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse. This courthouse is located at 111 N Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90012.
Filing rules can be complex; 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). An attorney can confirm the correct courthouse and ensure your case is filed properly.
What types of wrongful termination cases do you handle in Vernon?
We represent employees in Vernon and throughout Los Angeles County who have been unfairly fired from their jobs. Wrongful termination means you were fired for an illegal reason, not just an unfair one. This can include termination based on discrimination due to age, race, gender, religion, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation. We also handle cases where employees are fired for reporting illegal activities by their employer, also known as whistleblower retaliation.
Other types of wrongful termination cases involve retaliation for taking protected leave, like family or medical leave, or for complaining about unsafe working conditions. If you believe your termination violated your rights as an employee, discuss your situation with us. We serve communities across Los Angeles County, including Vernon, Commerce, Azusa, and Baldwin Park.
What does working with Casa Legal Los Angeles involve?
When you work with us, we start by listening to your story. We want to understand what happened, review any documents you have, and discuss your employment history. This initial consultation helps us determine if your termination was likely illegal under California law. We will explain your rights and the potential avenues for seeking justice.
If we take on your case, we will investigate thoroughly, gather evidence, communicate with your former employer, and negotiate on your behalf. We prepare your case as if it will go to trial, which often leads to better settlement outcomes. Our goal is to recover the full compensation available under California law for lost wages, benefits, emotional distress, and other damages you incurred due to the wrongful termination.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between wrongful termination and being fired without cause in Vernon?
In Vernon, as in the rest of California, most employment is "at-will," meaning an employer can fire an employee for almost any reason, or no reason at all, as long as it's not an illegal reason. Wrongful termination occurs when the reason for your firing violates state or federal law, or a public policy. For example, being fired for your race is wrongful termination; being fired because your boss dislikes you is not, unless that dislike is tied to an illegal reason.
Can I be fired in Vernon for refusing to do something illegal?
No, you cannot be legally fired for refusing to perform an illegal act that your employer requests. This is a form of wrongful termination based on public policy. California law protects employees who are terminated for refusing to violate a statute, reporting a violation, or participating in an investigation into illegal activities. This protection is a core part of California's employment law framework.
What kinds of damages can I recover in a wrongful termination case from a Vernon employer?
If you win a wrongful termination case in Vernon, you may recover several types of damages. These often include "back pay" for lost wages and benefits from the time of termination up to a judgment, and "front pay" for future lost wages if you have not found comparable employment. You may also recover compensation for emotional distress, such as anxiety, humiliation, or reputational harm. In some cases, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the employer for particularly egregious conduct.
How does the statute of limitations work for a wrongful termination case against a city agency in Vernon?
If your wrongful termination claim in Vernon is against a city agency or any other public entity, a specific set of deadlines applies. You must first file an administrative claim directly with the public entity within six months of the termination (Cal. Gov. Code § 911.2). If the public entity rejects your claim, you then have a limited time to file a lawsuit, typically six months from the date of the rejection notice. Missing the initial six-month claim deadline is a common pitfall that can prevent you from ever bringing your case to court.
If you have been wrongfully terminated from your job in Vernon, get the facts that apply to your situation. Call Casa Legal Los Angeles at 888-585-2529 for a consultation. No attorney's fees unless we win — and no case costs either.