Long Beach Wrongful Termination Lawyer

Experienced Wrongful Termination Attorney in Long Beach, CA

For Long Beach, California, residents, viable career options include operating heavy machinery at the Port of Long Beach or working in the thriving tech and creative hubs near Pine Avenue. When working in any industry, the sudden loss of your occupation can feel like a crisis that’s too hard to overcome. If you suspect your dismissal was not only unfortunate but illegal, consult a Long Beach wrongful termination lawyer. You may have a valid wrongful termination case.

Why Choose Clark Employment Law, APC

Clark Employment Law, APC, is a California employment law firm representing employees in discrimination, harassment, and retaliation cases. Our clients’ cases may be heard in the Governor George Deukmejian Courthouse on Magnolia Avenue in Long Beach or in federal and state courts across California.

Clark Employment Law, APC’s founding attorney, Tyler F. Clark, has successfully navigated complex employment cases all the way through to the trial phase. Even though his negotiation skills can result in favorable outcomes, he is ready to litigate when necessary.

In our practice, we’ve succeeded in major negotiations and litigation cases. Take the case of Cerbone v. Diocese, for instance. A jury found that our client was defamed and retaliated against by his employer after he reported student hazing. In turn, he received a settlement of hundreds of thousands of dollars for emotional distress and reputational harm he experienced. Additionally, there was a judgment of millions of dollars against the defendant.

Past case results do not guarantee a similar outcome in your situation. Every case is different and must be evaluated by our legal team on its own merits.

The Reality of Employment Disputes in Los Angeles County

California is an at-will employment state. So, you or your employer can end your working relationship at any time. However, this doesn’t give your employer a free pass to treat you with malice or violate fundamental employment policies. Local workers are protected by some of the strongest labor laws in the nation, such as the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA).

Still, data reveal that the Golden State saw 4,077 cases of employment-related complaints. If you are thinking of filing your own complaint, you must have a Long Beach wrongful termination attorney.

Common Grounds for a Wrongful Termination Claim

There are several different types of illegal firings. When you identify them as soon as possible, you can determine which type fits your case, and you can start preserving evidence and meeting strict filing deadlines.

• Discrimination. Under wrongful termination laws, it’s illegal to fire a worker based on protected characteristics, including race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, or age (40 and older).
• Whistleblower protections. Employers can’t dismiss workers for “blowing the whistle” on illegal activities or refusing to follow orders that would cause them to violate the law.
• Retaliation. This occurs when an employee gets fired for exercising a legal right, like reporting unsafe working conditions to OSHA, filing a claim for unpaid wages, or cooperating with an investigation that looks into company fraud.

Consider the times when local industries go through changes, like increases to the minimum wage or new standards for non-compete agreements. When an employer doesn’t keep up with the changes, they could inadvertently or intentionally violate wrongful termination laws. Whether they mean to or not, it makes way for employees to file valid legal claims against them.

Hire a Wrongful Termination Lawyer in Long Beach

Dealing with the aftermath of a firing requires more than just a list of grievances. You’ll need a strategic legal approach to preserve your rights. When you decide to hire a wrongful termination lawyer, you make sure the critical evidence, like internal Slack messages, performance reviews, and witness statements, is gathered before it can be erased or forgotten.

Even though the burden of proof for “just cause” is on the employer in many contested cases, between 60 and 67% of dismissal cases still get appealed. This highlights why persistent and accurate representation is important.

FAQs

What Are the Odds of Succeeding in a Wrongful Termination Case in Long Beach, California?

The odds of succeeding in a wrongful termination case in Long Beach, California, depend heavily on the strength of the evidence presented on your behalf and your counsel’s skill. Many wrongful termination cases reach a settlement before ever seeing a trial. Employees who have professional legal representation tend to be more likely to receive compensation than those who attempt to go it alone.

How Much Does It Cost to File a Claim for Wrongful Termination in Long Beach, California?

It generally does not cost much upfront to file a claim for wrongful termination in Long Beach, California. Government agency filings, like with the California Civil Rights Department or the EEOC, are free. Hiring an employment lawyer usually requires no upfront payment because most work on contingency, taking a percentage only if they succeed in getting a settlement or court award. Other potential costs, like court fees, vary, but are often manageable or deferred.

Is It Worth Filing a Claim for Wrongful Termination in Long Beach, California?

It is worth filing a claim for wrongful termination in Long Beach, California, because it can lead to meaningful compensation for lost wages and emotional harm. Legal cases also hold employers accountable, helping prevent them from mistreating others in the future. When you have solid evidence of discrimination, retaliation, or illegal conduct, pursuing a claim can bring personal justice and broader workplace change.

What Is the Average Settlement for Wrongful Termination in California?

There isn’t one single average settlement for wrongful termination in California. Settlement amounts vary based on the details of the case. This includes how credible the evidence is, the amount of lost wages and benefits, and the type of wrongful termination.

Cases involving severe retaliation or large companies can reach much higher figures. For example, high-profile verdicts in Los Angeles County have occasionally exceeded $1 million, including a notable $27.5 million nursing retaliation case here in Long Beach.

Take the First Step Toward Recovery Today

If you believe your career was cut short by an illegal act, you don’t have to face the legal system alone. By choosing to hire a Long Beach wrongful termination attorney, you empower yourself with an advocate who knows how to hold corporations accountable in the Long Beach community.

Reach out to Clark Employment Law, APC, today for a confidential consultation to evaluate the merits of your possible claim and start the process of reclaiming your professional dignity.