California, like the other states, is an at-will employment state. Basically, this means that either party can terminate the employment contract for whatever reason, provided that reason is legal, of course.
If you believe your termination was illegal, you may be entitled to damages through a wrongful termination claim. But like other legal matters, you must prove your case against your employer.
Understanding wrongful termination
In general terms, wrongful termination happens when an employer breaks some law in the act of dismissing you. This may include the following:
- A termination that violates workplace discrimination laws
- A termination that doesn’t align with the employment contract that you have
- A termination that violates specific state or federal labor laws
- A termination that emanates from filing a legal claim or complaint that affects your employer
- A termination that is related to sexual harassment
If you have evidence that your termination reflects one or more of these scenarios, you may have a strong claim against your employer.
What damages can you seek in your wrongful termination claim?
Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be entitled to the following damages if you are wrongfully dismissed.
- Aggravated damages: These are for the emotional and mental distress you suffered.
- Economic damages: These may include lost income following your dismissal.
- Punitive damages: These serve to punish your employer and deter others from similar behavior.
To file a wrongful dismissal claim, it is crucial that you carefully examine the circumstances of your case through the eyes of the law. Learning more about state and federal employment laws can help you safeguard your rights and interests while pursuing a wrongful termination claim.
