Costa Mesa Wrongful Termination Attorney

Losing a job can be one of the most stressful experiences a California employee faces. However, when you’re fired for unlawful reasons in Costa Mesa, this can add significant emotional weight to your stress. Employers who terminate employees illegally in California are financially responsible for the hardship they cause. If you were wrongfully terminated, our Costa Mesa wrongful termination lawyers can help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve.

Wrongful termination occurs in California when an employer fires one of their employees for an unethical or unlawful reason. California is an at-will hiring and firing state, meaning that a person can quit or be terminated for no reason and without notice. However, this at-will policy does not allow for an employee to be terminated for illegal reasons, meaning the reasoning cannot be discriminatory, unethical, or retaliatory in nature.

State and federal employment laws recognize that it is both unfair and illegal to terminate a worker under such circumstances, and provide remedies to workers who have been wrongfully terminated. If you were wrongfully terminated in Costa Mesa, you should hire a wrongful termination attorney who can help you file a claim and pursue the compensation you’re rightfully owed.

Workplace conflicts, such as wrongful termination, are a persistent problem across the country. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) reports that in 2023, there were over 80,000 charges of employment discrimination filed, a 10% increase from the previous year, with a significant number of these cases involving retaliation or termination. More than $665 million was awarded to those who faced employment discrimination.

California is frequently among the states with the highest number of employment-related complaints. This is reflective of both the large workforce and active enforcement of employee protections. These statistics demonstrate why it is essential to know your rights and seek legal advice from a Costa Mesa wrongful termination lawyer if you think your termination was illegal.

Wrongful termination is an illegal act that employers across the country perform. Regardless of why an employer fired you, they can be held legally accountable if you were terminated for illegal reasons. Wrongful termination in Costa Mesa can look like:

• Retaliation. This occurs when a Costa Mesa employer terminates an employee in response to them exercising their legal rights, such as reporting unsafe working conditions, illegal practices, or harassment.
• Discrimination. This involves a Costa Mesa employer firing a worker for protected characteristics, such as race, religion, gender, pregnancy status, age, disability, or sexual orientation.
• Violation of a Contract. While California is an at-will state, an employer cannot fire you if their contract states otherwise. For example, if your contract says they must notify you within two weeks of termination, but they fire you immediately, this violates your contract and your rights.
• Violation of Public Policy. It is illegal to terminate a Costa Mesa employee if the termination violates public policy, such as firing them for refusing to participate in illegal activities.

Being able to recognize forms of wrongful termination can help you determine whether your Costa Mesa employer has violated your rights. When you hire a wrongful termination lawyer, they can help you file a powerful claim with the appropriate agency to ensure your rights are respected and that harmful employers are held accountable.

Wrongfully terminated employees in California are entitled to several important rights, including:

• The Right to File a Claim With Your Employer or Employment Agencies. All California employees are given the legal right to file a complaint against their employer with an employment agency when they believe their rights are violated. These agencies will look into the case and investigate discrimination, retaliation, or any other illegal termination practices.
• The Right to Pursue Compensation. Costa Mesa employees may also be entitled to compensation for any damages incurred as a result of their wrongful termination. This can include compensation for lost wages, unpaid benefits, emotional distress, and, in some cases, punitive damages that are meant to punish particularly egregious employer conduct.
• The Right to Hire a Wrongful Termination Lawyer. Costa Mesa employees should know that they have the right to an attorney at every stage of the claims process. Even if you began your claim without legal aid, you can hire a wrongful termination lawyer to advocate for you at any point. An attorney can make sure that complaints are filed correctly, that deadlines are not missed, and that all forms of relief are being pursued.

The process to file a wrongful termination claim in Costa Mesa requires following specific steps to ensure you protect your rights. These include:

• Documenting Your Case in Detail. Your first action should be to document every detail of your case. Gather all relevant emails, performance reviews, employment contracts, witness statements, and any supporting documentation that can prove wrongful termination in Costa Mesa. This documentation serves as essential evidence.
• Hire a Wrongful Termination Lawyer. Once you’ve collected evidence regarding your claim, you should discuss the situation with an experienced wrongful termination lawyer who can help you pursue the smartest pathway to compensation.
• File a Formal Complaint With an Employment Agency. Costa Mesa employees must then file a formal complaint with the relevant agency, such as the EEOC for federal claims or the CRD for state-level grievances. These agencies have strict deadlines for filing claims. Your lawyer can ensure you file everything on time and with the right details.
• Wait for an Investigation. After filing a complaint, the designated agency usually investigates the matter, reviewing the circumstances surrounding your termination. The investigation process includes conducting interviews and requesting documents, with the possibility of mediating disputes between the employee and employer.
• Negotiations and Trial. It’s worth noting that many cases are settled or resolved through negotiation before reaching court. However, if a fair settlement can’t be reached, the case will go to court. An experienced employment attorney can help you navigate all necessary steps to correctly handle your case while presenting strong evidence and positioning it for the greatest results possible.

At California Employment Counsel, APC, we are dedicated to protecting employees’ rights here in Costa Mesa and across the state. Whether you are a victim of wrongful termination or workplace discrimination, we are ready to help you pursue justice. We have extensive experience representing clients in Orange County Superior Court in Santa Ana and can help you fight for your rights.

If you faced wrongful termination in Costa Mesa, this does not have to be the end. At California Employment Counsel, APC, our lawyers are ready to advocate for your rights and secure justice. Contact us today to get started.