Riverside Wrongful Termination Attorney

Being fired from a job is devastating, especially when you are wrongfully terminated. California is an at-will employment state, but employees are protected against being let go under certain circumstances.

If you feel your employer fired you illegally or without a valid reason, you need guidance from a skilled Riverside employment law attorney. At Aegis Law, we only handle employment law cases and are experienced in all aspects of job discrimination and labor statutes. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation to learn more about your options.

Why Choose Aegis Law Firm?

Losing your job unfairly can turn your life upside down. When an employer violates California law by firing an employee for unlawful reasons, you need an advocate who knows how to fight back. At Aegis Law Firm, our Riverside wrongful termination attorneys focus exclusively on employment law. 

• Proven Track Record: Our attorneys have recovered millions of dollars for employees in wrongful termination, discrimination, and retaliation cases.
• Focused Experience: Since 2003, we have dedicated our practice solely to employment law, giving us the depth of knowledge needed to handle complex cases.
• Client-Centered Representation: We understand the stress that comes with losing your job. Our team provides personal attention, clear guidance, and aggressive advocacy to achieve the best outcome possible.

How Our Riverside Wrongful Termination Lawyers Can Help You

Each Aegis Law wrongful termination lawyer in Riverside, CA, is deeply familiar with the laws and precedents governing employee protections. We believe the basis of a successful claim lies in developing a solid attorney-client relationship. We get to know our clients and their stories to present a highly compelling narrative of how they have been wronged.

We manage the stressful legal complexities on your behalf and ensure we present the strongest case possible for your unique circumstances. Do not give up, and do not try to fight them alone. We will aggressively litigate your case against their wrongdoing and seek justice.

What Is Wrongful Termination?

Wrongful termination occurs when an employee is fired for unlawful reasons such as retaliation or discrimination. Your employer may refuse to award promotions or pay increases, demote you, or encourage a hostile work environment.

Employees in Riverside, CA, are protected by both federal and state laws. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) prohibit termination for reasons including race, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, or age.

When you have been wrongfully terminated, you can file a lawsuit against your employer, seeking damages for how your life and professional career have been affected. A wrongful termination attorney in Riverside, CA, can explain your options for compensation.

Examples of Wrongful Termination

Not every firing is illegal and employers in California can let employees go for many reasons. However, employees should pay attention to situations like the following:

• Being fired after reporting harassment, unsafe conditions, or wage concerns.
• Losing your job shortly after requesting time off for medical, family, or pregnancy-related needs.
• Termination that comes soon after you file a complaint about discrimination or unfair treatment.
• Being dismissed for refusing to participate in dishonest or illegal activity at work.
• A sudden firing that seems tied to personal characteristics such as age, gender, or health conditions.
• Retaliation for standing up for your workplace rights or supporting a coworker’s complaint.

If any of these scenarios sound familiar, it may be a sign that your termination was wrongful.

California Wrongful Termination Laws

In addition to the FEHA, many California laws address wrongful termination as a retaliatory or discriminatory act. These include:

• Labor Code Section 232.5: Addresses wrongful termination for employees who discuss or report work conditions.
• Labor Code Section 234: Prohibits terminating employees who use their sick leave in accordance with company policy.
• Labor Code Section 1198.3: Addresses terminations when an employee refuses to work more than the hours permitted by California’s Industrial Welfare Commission.

Grounds for a Wrongful Termination Claim in San Bernardino

A successful wrongful termination claim depends on your Riverside wrongful termination lawyer proving the following criteria:

• You had an employee-employer relationship
• Your employer terminated your employment
• Your protected status was a substantial factor in the employer’s decision to terminate your job, violating public policy
• Your termination caused you damages in lost income, unpaid benefits, and subjective losses.

Your attorney can perform research, request or subpoena records from your employer, and interview witnesses to present a robust case. The burden is on you as the plaintiff to show that it is more likely than not that your employer fired you illegally.

You Can Recover Damages in a Wrongful Termination Case

When you are wrongfully fired, you are entitled to seek damages that result from your job loss. Your wrongful termination lawyer in Riverside can help you compile a list of your damages, such as:

• Lost income
• Lost benefits
• Lost earning potential
• Damage to your personal and professional reputations
• Emotional trauma
• Mental anguish
• Depression and anxiety

Keeping a list of all receipts related to your unemployment and a personal journal will support your claim. Your attorney can guide you on other actions that will strengthen your case.

At-Will Employment and Its Exceptions

California is an at-will employment state. This means employers can generally fire an employee at any time, with or without a reason, as long as the reason is not illegal. Likewise, employees can quit at any time. While this rule gives employers broad discretion, it does not give them the right to terminate workers for unlawful reasons.

Important exceptions to at-will employment include:

• Discrimination: Employers cannot fire employees based on personal characteristics such as age, gender, race, religion, disability, or pregnancy.
• Retaliation: Workers cannot be terminated for reporting harassment, wage violations, safety issues, or other unlawful conduct.
• Protected Leave: Employees have the right to take medical, family, or pregnancy-related leave without fear of losing their job.
• Public Policy: Workers cannot be fired for refusing to break the law or for exercising their legal rights, such as filing a workers’ compensation claim.

These exceptions mean that even in an at-will state, employees still have strong protections against wrongful termination.

Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Termination

In California, the statute of limitations—the deadline for filing a claim—depends on the circumstances of your case. Many Riverside wrongful termination claims must be filed within two to three years from the date of termination. However, some discrimination or retaliation claims allow up to three years to file with the Civil Rights Department before pursuing a lawsuit.

Because the exact deadline varies, waiting too long can cause you to lose your right to recover compensation. Speaking with a wrongful termination attorney in San Bernardino as soon as possible ensures your claim is filed on time and your rights are protected.

Contact a Riverside Wrongful Termination Attorney Today

The statute of limitations for wrongful termination cases is between two and four years, depending on the circumstances. You must file your lawsuit before those deadlines or lose your chance to seek relief through the courts.

At Aegis Law, we ensure that all materials are submitted correctly and on time to give you the best possible chance at success in your claim. Your free consultation with a Riverside wrongful termination attorney will help you feel confident in pursuing a case against your employer. Contact us to schedule a meeting today.