San Francisco Wrongful Termination Lawyer
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San Francisco Wrongful Termination Attorney
While employers have wide latitude when it comes to hiring and terminating employees in California, they must do so lawfully. In some circumstances, discharging a worker could violate state or federal protections afforded to all workers in the Golden State. If you were wrongfully fired, you can hire a San Francisco wrongful termination lawyer to defend you and demand that you be reinstated to your former job and paid for your financial losses.
At Theory Law, our founding attorney deeply understands employee and contract law. He can hold your former employer accountable and demand that you be compensated fairly for any hardships you endured. Our skilled San Francisco employment lawyer has vast experience successfully handling wrongful termination cases for our clients.
Why Choose Theory Law?
A wrongful termination can be emotionally hurtful and financially devastating. It can also feel like a deep betrayal after putting in time and work to help a business succeed. At Theory Law, we’re here to tell you that wrongful terminations are never acceptable, and you have every right to pursue justice through the civil courts.
Our lead lawyer is a skilled negotiator and a veteran litigator who has helped many workers receive fair compensation following a wrongful termination. With legal representation, your former employer will understand that you take your rights seriously and will not settle for anything less than you are owed.
What Is a Wrongful Termination?
In California, wrongful termination occurs when an employer fires or forces an employee to leave in violation of the law. California is an “at-will” employment state, meaning either the employer or employee can end the employment relationship at any time without a reason. However, wrongful termination laws protect employees from being fired for unlawful reasons.
A termination is considered wrongful if it violates a specific legal right. Common examples include termination based on discrimination of protected characteristics such as race, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, or disability. California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) protects employees from such discriminatory practices.
It is unlawful for an employer to terminate an employee for engaging in protected activities, like reporting harassment, unsafe working conditions, or participating in whistleblower activities. Termination that violates employment contracts, public policies, or labor laws also qualifies as wrongful.
Employees who believe they were wrongfully fired from their jobs can file a claim with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) or pursue a lawsuit with the help of a wrongful termination lawyer. A successful wrongful termination claim could lead to compensation for lost wages, emotional distress, and possibly punitive damages if the employer’s actions were particularly egregious.
Any termination that violates the terms and conditions of the worker’s contract could also be considered wrongful. Contract law can be complicated and require the legal services of an attorney who can interpret the language used in contracts and apply it to the case at hand.
What Can I Be Compensated for Following a Wrongful Termination?
An employee who hired an attorney to take legal action against the at-fault attorney may be eligible for several forms of compensation. The goal of direct talks with the employer or court filings is to restore the plaintiff financially and to ensure that steps are taken to prevent further infractions on the part of the employer.
Compensation often includes back pay, covering lost wages from the termination date up to a court judgment, and front pay, addressing the loss of future earnings if the employee’s reemployment prospects are diminished. Your lawyer’s top priority will be to see that you are fully compensated for past and potentially future costs and expenses related to your termination.
Depending on the circumstances of the case, an employee may be able to claim damages for emotional distress. Being wrongfully terminated can create a serious financial and emotional burden on a worker. Compensating that employee for their mental anguish can often serve justice.
If the business owner’s misconduct was particularly malicious, the plaintiff’s attorney could demand that punitive damages be awarded to set an example and demonstrate that unlawful terminations are not acceptable there or anywhere in California.
Successful claims may cover attorney fees and court costs, allowing employees to recover the financial expenses associated with bringing their case forward and making the process more accessible to those wronged in their employment.
Benefits of Hiring a Wrongful Termination Lawyer
Legal representation can drastically change the balance of power when seeking compensation and other legal remedies through the courts. An attorney can bring crucial knowledge of the law and years of experience that can help you win your case.
There are several state and federal laws that could apply to your case, depending on the factors involved in your termination. Understanding which laws apply and where to file administrative complaints could make the difference between success and failure in court.
A lawyer is much more than a litigator. They can be an important source of information and a trusted guide as you move forward with your case. Before taking legal action, your lawyer can negotiate directly with your boss to come to a resolution to mitigate the damage they caused.
If that does not rectify the situation, your lawyer can file a complaint with the right government agency or take direct action through the courts. The ultimate goal would be to secure a positive outcome, including compensation and restoring your former position and title.
Lawyers are more than skilled litigators. They can provide insight and legal advice over a range of matters that are relevant to you. If your former employer offers a settlement, your attorney can explain in full what accepting a settlement would entail and whether it would benefit you.
Having an attorney by your side can provide peace of mind during a challenging and emotionally taxing time. They can help you gather evidence, prepare documentation, and develop a strong case strategy tailored to your unique circumstances. With their support, you can navigate the complexities of the legal system more confidently, increasing your chances of achieving a favorable resolution.
San Francisco Wrongful Termination FAQs
Q: How Much Is a Wrongful Termination Lawsuit Worth in San Francisco?
A: The value of a wrongful termination lawsuit in San Francisco can vary significantly based on several factors. Key considerations include lost wages, emotional distress, and the potential for punitive damages, which may be awarded if the employer’s actions were particularly egregious. The specifics of each case, such as the employee’s position and the circumstances surrounding the termination, will ultimately influence the compensation received.
Q: Can You Sue for Wrongful Termination in San Francisco?
A: Yes, you can sue for wrongful termination in San Francisco with the help of a wrongful termination attorney. Often, the first steps include negotiating with the employer to avoid further legal action. Your lawyer can file an administrative complaint with the correct government agency if that does not result in a fair settlement or reinstatement. Filing a claim in court is often but not always the last resort.
Q: Has Anyone Ever Won a Wrongful Termination Lawsuit?
A: Yes. Plaintiffs win wrongful termination lawsuits all the time. A “win” does not require a jury verdict. Any favorable outcome that restores the plaintiff financially and professionally can be considered a win for the worker and for justice. Some cases are resolved through negotiations, while others conclude when both parties come to a settlement agreement.
Q: Is It Hard to Prove Wrongful Termination in San Francisco?
A: It can be hard to prove wrongful termination if you do not have legal representation. Cases that are built on verbal statements that were not recorded could be difficult to prove, but a wrongful termination lawyer can build a strong case by gathering evidence from several areas. When an employer has a history of misconduct, that can provide circumstantial evidence that bolsters your case.
Q: What Can I Be Compensated for After Hiring an Attorney?
A: Compensation can come from several areas. Many wrongfully terminated workers are primarily concerned with seeking compensation for lost wages. Damages could also include the cost of retraining if the worker is not comfortable returning to their former place of work. Reinstatement could also be a form of compensation for a successful claim. In some cases, punitive damages may be awarded through the civil courts.
Schedule Your San Francisco Wrongful Termination Consultation Today
Wrongful terminations can be emotionally and financially devastating. With legal representation, you can hold your former employer accountable for the harm they caused. Having strong legal representation can greatly improve the odds that you are ultimately successful.
Many workers in San Francisco have turned to Theory Law following a wrongful termination. Our lead lawyer understands the applicable laws and how to enforce them in court. Our attorney can take the time it requires to fully understand your story and the financial harm done to you. That way, you can rest assured that your compensation will be comprehensive and complete.
With legal representation from our team, you can be reinstated in your former job or compensated for your losses. Whatever your professional goals, we’ll be there to guide you toward accomplishing those aims. To schedule your consultation, contact our office today.
How Can Theory Law Help You?
If you need help regarding a legal matter and would like to discuss it with an attorney, please call (310) 500-0206 or complete and submit the e-mail form below, and the attorney will contact you.
Practice Areas
San Francisco
Holding Employers Accountable
From the start of your case, Theory Law holds employers accountable by providing aggressive representation. Should it be necessary to go to court for your case, we will professionally and aggressively advocate your rights.
No FEE Gurantee
Theory Law will not charge you any attorney fees if you do not get paid a recovery for your case. Unlike some other firms, you are not charged for any case opening fees or attorney retainer fees.
Theory Law Difference
Our growth and success are in large part from putting people first. We care about you, and we are not afraid to go to trial to get you the maximum settlement. Others may leave more money on the table.