Santa Maria Wrongful Termination Lawyer

Santa Maria Wrongful Termination Attorney

You are not alone. Facing wrongful termination can be both a challenging and unsettling experience. A skilled Santa Maria wrongful termination lawyer can help.

At Canlas Law Group, APLC, we can help you explore your rights and seek justice. With California’s strict employment laws, our wrongful termination lawyers can evaluate the circumstances surrounding your dismissal and determine whether your termination was illegal under state or federal laws.

Our commitment to protecting employee rights means that we approach every case with both aggressive advocacy and a compassionate understanding of the impact on our clients’ lives.

What Is Wrongful Termination in California?

California is an at-will employment state. This means that employers can generally terminate employees without cause. However, there are significant exceptions to this rule. When a dismissal violates legal protections, like those outlined by California’s labor laws or federal statutes, it is considered wrongful termination. If your termination is related to a workplace injury or workers’ compensation claim, a workers compensation lawyer in Santa Maria can help protect your rights and ensure that you receive the benefits and compensation you’re entitled to.

Common grounds for such claims include discrimination, retaliation, breaches of employment contracts, or dismissal for reporting unlawful practices in the workplace.

Grounds for Wrongful Termination Claims in Santa Maria

Several types of wrongful dismissal are recognized under California law. Here are some primary reasons employees might pursue wrongful termination claims:

• Discrimination. Employers cannot lawfully terminate employees based on race, gender, age, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics. If you believe discrimination played a role in your termination, you may have grounds for a claim.
• Retaliation. California labor laws protect employees who report illegal activities, unsafe conditions, harassment, or discrimination in their workplaces. If an employer dismisses an employee in response to or shortly after whistleblowing or filing a workplace complaint, it could be considered retaliation.
• Violation of Public Policy. Employers are prohibited from firing employees for reasons that go against public policy. This includes dismissals related to exercising legal rights, like voting, serving on a jury, or refusing to engage in illegal activities. If you were terminated due to any of these actions, it may be grounds for a wrongful termination claim.
• Breach of Contract. If your employment contract specifies terms for termination and your dismissal violates those terms, you may have a valid claim. Breach of contract includes scenarios where an implied contract of continued employment was violated without just cause.

If you’re unsure whether your dismissal was lawful, Canlas Law Group, APLC can review your case and provide clarity on your legal options. Our priority is to ensure that every employee has a voice and that employers are held accountable for violating labor laws.

How We Can Help With Your Wrongful Termination Case

At Canlas Law Group, APLC, we are committed to standing up for employees who have been wrongfully terminated. We understand that unfairly losing your job can have significant financial and emotional consequences, which is why our approach balances assertive representation with compassionate support. Our team will take the following steps to ensure a comprehensive case review:

1. Initial Consultation. Our process begins with an in-depth consultation to understand the details of your employment and termination. This includes examining any documents, correspondence, or contracts relevant to your dismissal.
2. Evidence Collection and Investigation. We gather all necessary evidence, including employment records, witness statements, and other supporting documents, to build a strong case on your behalf.
3. Legal Strategy Development. Our employment lawyers can develop a tailored strategy based on the specifics of your case. We can advise you on the right course of action, whether that involves negotiation, filing a complaint with regulatory bodies, or litigation.
4. Representation in Negotiations and Court. If a settlement cannot be reached, our attorneys are prepared to represent you in court. We strive to secure compensation for lost wages, emotional distress, and punitive damages, if applicable.

If you feel you’ve been unfairly dismissed, our experienced employment attorneys can provide the guidance and advocacy you need to seek justice.

Steps to Take If You’ve Been Wrongfully Terminated

If you believe your termination was unlawful, consider taking the following steps:

1. Document Everything. Keep records of all communications and incidents leading up to your termination. This includes emails, written warnings, performance evaluations, and any termination-related documents.
2. Gather Witness Information. If coworkers witnessed instances of discrimination, harassment, or other unlawful practices, ask if they would be willing to support your case.
3. Seek Legal Guidance. An experienced employment attorney can assess the merits of your case and guide you through the complexities of wrongful termination law. Canlas Law Group, APLC, is here to help you make informed decisions and pursue appropriate action.
4. File a Complaint with the Appropriate Agencies. Depending on your case, you may need to file a complaint with the Civil Rights Department (CRD) or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission( EEOC). We can assist with this process to ensure accuracy and timeliness.

FAQs

What Types of Compensation Are Available in a Wrongful Termination Claim?

In a wrongful termination case, compensation may include lost wages, benefits, emotional distress damages, and, in certain cases, punitive damages against the employer. Punitive damages are a penalty that the employer pays to the claimant. These damages are awarded to discourage the employer from repeating the offense in the future.

How Long Do I Have to File a Wrongful Termination Claim?

The statute of limitations can vary depending on the nature of the claim, but it is generally two years. Discrimination-based claims have a filing period of one year with the CRD, while other claims may have shorter or different time frames. To ensure that you do not miss an important filing date, seek legal counsel as soon as possible.

What Evidence Is Needed to Prove Wrongful Termination?

To prove wrongful termination, evidence like employment records, relevant emails, witness statements, and documentation of discriminatory or retaliatory actions can be crucial. In addition, immediately following your wrongful termination, it is advisable that you document everything that occurred during your dismissal, such as the date, time, reason for dismissal, and anything discussed. If you are in Santa Maria, California, consulting with an experienced attorney can help you gather the necessary evidence and guide you through the legal process to protect your rights.

Does My Wrongful Termination Case Have to Go to Trial?

Not all cases go to trial. Many cases are resolved through negotiations and mediation. During these negotiations and mediation, a settlement can be reached. However, if an agreement cannot be reached, our team is prepared to take your case to court. Litigation is the last resort in every wrongful termination case, and we work tirelessly to settle before it comes to that.

Contact Canlas Law Group, APLC, for Assistance

If you are located in Santa Maria and believe that you have been wrongfully terminated, the dedicated team at Canlas Law Group, APLC, is here to offer support and fight for your rights. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.