Workplace Termination Attorney in Bakersfield

At our Bakersfield wrongful termination law firm, we have decades of experience representing employees who have been unjustly terminated. We understand the emotional and financial strain that wrongful termination can impose, especially if you rely on each paycheck to meet your daily needs.

Why Choose Our Wrongful Termination Lawyers?

Our skilled trial attorneys are dedicated to fighting for your rights, whether your case is settled out of court or proceeds to trial. We are committed to providing compassionate and effective legal representation. We ensure that our clients feel comfortable and supported throughout the entire legal process, from the initial consultation to the resolution of their case.

What Should You Do If You Believe You’ve Been Wrongfully Terminated?

If you suspect that your termination was unjust, it’s crucial to seek legal advice promptly. Our team can help you understand your rights and evaluate the strength of your case. We are here to guide you through every step of the process and work towards achieving the best possible outcome for you.

The Importance of Expert Testimony

In wrongful termination cases, compelling evidence and expert testimony can play a significant role. Our lawyers are skilled in gathering crucial evidence and securing authoritative expert testimony to support your case. This helps to build a strong argument in favor of your claim, increasing the chances of a favorable outcome.

Unfortunately, wrongful termination is very common in the workplace in Bakersfield. Wrongful termination could result from discrimination or as a result of retaliation for speaking up against a violation of labor laws or wage and dispute laws.

Proving wrongful termination can be a complex and challenging process. At our law firm, we understand the intricacies involved, which is why we highly recommend discussing your wrongful termination claim with our top-rated attorneys. Our complimentary case evaluations offer a valuable opportunity to explore the specifics of your situation with seasoned legal professionals.

Why Is Wrongful Termination Hard to Prove?

Wrongful termination cases often involve significant challenges because employers may offer alternative reasons for an employee’s dismissal to obscure the true cause. This can make it difficult to prove that the termination was unjust. For more insights on the complexities of wrongful termination, check out this KTLA article on navigating employment disputes.

The Importance of Experienced Legal Representation

To effectively hold employers accountable, it’s essential to have a strong and experienced employment attorney on your side. Our lawyers are well-equipped to handle these nuanced cases and ensure that your rights are protected. For further information on the role of employment lawyers in wrongful termination cases, visit KCAL-TV.

FAQs About Wrongful Termination

What constitutes wrongful termination? Wrongful termination occurs when an employee is dismissed in violation of legal protections or contractual agreements. This could include firing based on discrimination, retaliation, or breach of contract.

How can I prove my wrongful termination case? Proving wrongful termination typically involves gathering evidence that demonstrates the true reason behind your dismissal, which can include documents, witness statements, and other relevant information.

Why should I seek legal advice? Consulting with an experienced employment attorney is crucial because they can help you navigate the complexities of your case, gather necessary evidence, and represent your interests effectively.

If you have any questions concerning your wrongful termination lawsuit or claim, give our lawyers a call today to schedule a one-on-one consultation.

What is considered wrongful termination?

Wrongful termination happens when an employee is dismissed from their job for illegal reasons. In the United States, employees have the right to be terminated only under lawful circumstances, such as poor performance or committing workplace fraud. Being terminated for reasons that violate these laws constitutes wrongful termination.

What Constitutes Wrongful Termination?

Under U.S. law, wrongful termination is when an employee is fired for reasons that breach federal, state, or local laws. Key legal protections include:

1. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 – This federal law prohibits firing an employee based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. For more details on this act, you can refer to KTLA or KCAL-TV.
2. The False Claims Act – This act protects employees from retaliation when they report fraudulent activities related to government contracts.
3. State and Local Laws – Many states and cities have additional regulations protecting employees from wrongful termination. For instance, KCRW and KLAS-TV often cover updates on local labor laws.

Common Causes of Wrongful Termination

1. Discrimination – Termination based on race, gender, age, or disability is illegal.
2. Retaliation – Firing an employee for filing a complaint about workplace safety or for whistleblowing.
3. Violation of Employment Contracts – Terminating an employee in breach of a contract can also be deemed wrongful.

Protecting Your Rights

If you believe you’ve been wrongfully terminated, it’s crucial to consult with a legal professional who specializes in employment law. They can help you understand your rights and the legal avenues available to you.

What is an example of wrongful termination in Bakersfield?

Wrongful termination occurs when an employee is dismissed from their job for reasons that violate employment laws or contractual agreements. One prevalent example of wrongful termination is when an employee is terminated due to discrimination.

Discrimination as a Basis for Wrongful Termination

For instance, consider a situation where an employee in Bakersfield publicly identifies as lesbian. If this employee experiences a change in treatment from their colleagues or employer—such as being excluded from team activities or receiving unfair evaluations—after coming out, this could indicate workplace discrimination. Should this employee then be terminated while maintaining a consistent performance record, the termination could potentially be classified as wrongful.

Proving Wrongful Termination

It is important to note that wrongful termination is often proved through circumstantial evidence rather than direct proof. This means that, while there might not be explicit evidence showing that the termination was unlawful, the pattern of behavior and changes in treatment can collectively suggest that the termination was unfair and discriminatory.

Discrimination In Wrongful Termination

Discrimination cannot be one of the reasons for letting go or refusing to hire an employee. There are protected classes that protect Bakersfield employees from any type of discrimination at the workplace, including:

• Age discrimination
• Gender discrimination
• Racial discrimination
• National origin discrimination
• Sexual orientation discrimination
• Religious discrimination
• Disability discrimination

If you believe you have been discriminated against because you have belonged in any of the above-protected classes, contact our employment attorneys to discuss.

Is being terminated the same as being discharged from work?

When discussing employment status, terms like “being laid off” and “being discharged” can often be confusing. Understanding the differences between these terms is crucial for both employees and employers. Let’s break down what each term means and how they relate to employment law.

Laid Off vs. Discharged: Key Differences

Being “laid off” refers to a situation where an employee’s job is terminated due to external factors, such as company downsizing or budget cuts. This type of termination is typically not related to the employee’s performance and is often considered a temporary or permanent end to employment due to economic or organizational reasons.

On the other hand, “discharged” or “fired” involves an employer terminating an employee’s position due to issues related to the employee’s conduct or performance. Common reasons for being fired include consistent tardiness, poor job performance, or violations of company policies. KTLA and KCAL-TV often cover stories related to employee terminations and layoffs, providing insights into how these scenarios unfold.

Wrongful Termination: What You Need to Know

Wrongful termination occurs when an employee is fired in violation of their legal rights or employment contract. This can include firing someone for discriminatory reasons, retaliatory actions, or other unlawful grounds. KCRW and KSNV NBC Las Vegas frequently discuss cases involving wrongful termination, highlighting the importance of understanding your rights as an employee.

Seeking Legal Advice

If you believe that you have been wrongfully terminated or have questions about your specific situation, it is advisable to consult with a legal expert. Experienced attorneys can provide guidance tailored to your circumstances. For further assistance, consider reaching out to top-rated employment attorneys who specialize in wrongful termination cases.

For more detailed information on employment termination and your rights, you can also refer to articles from KLAS-TV and KTNV-TV that explore various aspects of employment law and employee rights.

By understanding these distinctions and knowing where to seek help, you can better navigate employment-related challenges and ensure that your rights are protected.

What should I do if I have been wrongfully terminated in Bakersfield?

• If you have been wrongfully terminated in Bakersfield, based on discrimination, retaliation, assault, or harassment, you should get in touch with a top-rated Bakersfield attorney as soon as possible.
• If you have suffered any medical physical injuries, you should get evaluated by a medical provider as soon as possible.  Unfortunately, physical injuries may result from harassment or assault. If you get treated for these injuries, you will have a paper trail and strong evidence that could point to workplace harassment. 
• If you have any records or paper trail, whether it is through email, text, or through social media, we recommend that you keep all the documents and records. As soon as it happens, you should print it out and have a copy yourself. Sometimes, when an employee is terminated from their employment, they may lose access to their email.
• If there were any eyewitnesses to your wrongful termination case, you should get down their information. It will come in handy when filing a claim or lawsuit in the near future.

How much do our wrongful termination attorneys cost?

Our experienced wrongful termination attorneys have a successful track record holding employers responsible for unfair or illegal actions. Employees should not have to suffer or be placed in the hostile work environment in Bakersfield simply because of no fault of their own. No employees should be discriminated against because they belong to a protected class, and no employee should be harassed at work. 

Can I recover compensation from a wrongful termination lawsuit?

The compensation that you could recover depends on the circumstances of the wrongful termination suit in Bakersfield. Each person experiences workplace harassment or retaliation in a different way. But, an employee who has been wrongfully terminated is entitled to recover compensation. Examples of compensation include:

• Lost wages: This includes any benefits that the employee was unable to receive, such as minimum wage or overtime payments. This also includes any back pay, which is the amount of compensation they should be awarded, along with any front pay, which includes the compensation that they should have received in the future.
• Emotional distress: Emotional distress is very common among those employees who have been harassed or discriminated against at work.
• Punitive damages: Punitive damages are not that commonly awarded in California courts unless the employer acted with malicious intent. For example, if the employer sexually assaulted the employee, and when the employee spoke up about it, was terminated from work, then punitive damages may be awarded. To discuss punitive damages in detail, and to see if your circumstance qualifies for punitive damages, give us a call.
• Attorneys fees: In some circumstances, you may be able to recover attorney fees. 

Bakersfield Wrongful Termination Lawyers Near Me

If you have experienced wrongful termination from your employer and Bakersfield, give us a call today to discuss how you could hold your employer or other coworkers responsible. Usually, employees are terminated because of lawful reasons. When an employee is terminated because of an unlawful reason, they have the right under california law and under federal laws to file a lawsuit or a claim against their employer.

But, it takes a highly qualified attorney to look into the circumstances of your wrongful termination case and gather strong evidence in your favor. Call us today to discuss.