Los Angeles Attorneys Represent Victims of Wrongful Termination

California firm mounts strong claims of violating law of the workplace

Because most employment in California is on an at-will basis, it is not always easy to prove that a firing is unlawful or against public policy. The experienced attorneys of The Ruttenberg Law Firm, P.C., in Los Angeles, skillfully handle complex wrongful termination claims throughout the state. We know how to protect the rights of victims, and we tailor our representation to each unique case. Because one of our practiced attorneys represents employers, we also have the insight to anticipate employers’ actions and develop counterstrategies to prove your claim.

Knowing the difference between at-will and contractual employment

At-will employment generally means that workers serve at the pleasure of the employer and can be let go at any time. Contractual employment involves an agreement that lays out respective obligations between employer and employee, which usually include provisions for how the contract is to be terminated, including severance and other benefits that are due. While contractual employees have a cause of action for breach if the agreement is violated, at-will employees have no such rights.

Proving wrongful termination of at-will employees

Despite the wide latitude given employers to let at-will employees go, there are state and federal protections that prevent discharging employees for suspect motives. These include:

• Retaliation — California workers are entitled to certain rights, such as fair pay, a safe workplace and paid sick leave. It is illegal to retaliate against employees for trying to enforce their rights. It is also unlawful to fire an employee for reporting discrimination, harassment or other wrongdoing.
• Discrimination — An employer cannot let an employee go because the person has reached a certain age, become pregnant or holds different political beliefs. Firing decisions cannot be motivated by race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, veteran status, disability, AIDS/HIV status or other bases for discrimination.

With a high level of experience in all aspects of dispute resolution, including negotiating and mediating settlements and aggressively litigating employment termination cases in court, our attorneys provide efficient, quality representation to employees who are wrongfully terminated.

Thorough counsel help clients navigate the legal system

With in-depth knowledge of California’s labor laws, we provide trustworthy assistance and advocacy throughout the process of pursuing a wrongful termination claim. Our employment attorneys can help to:

• Prepare your case — Before filing an official complaint, we gather information and evidence meant to demonstrate an employer’s unlawful motivation.
• File a complaint — If the case involves retaliation, a complaint may be filed with the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE). Discrimination claims should be filed with the Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH). We assist with preparing and submitting official complaints.
• Pursue mediation or litigation — If the DFEH concludes that wrongful termination may have occurred, the employer and employee are required to participate in mediation. If mediation fails to bring about a solution, the DFEH can sue the employer, or the employee can request a right-to-sue letter that allows the individual to sue the employer directly.
• Negotiate a settlement — To avoid the cost and time it takes to go to court, we can attempt to negotiate for compensation for your lost wages and benefits and emotional distress. We can also seek job reinstatement and other appropriate forms of compensation.

Generally, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful termination claim with the DFEH is one year, while there is often a six-month statute of limitations for filing with the DLSE. Certain exceptions can result in a reduced or extended time limit. It is wise to consult an employment lawyer promptly to determine the rules that apply to your case.

Contact determined Los Angeles wrongful termination attorneys for a free consultation

With each of our attorneys bringing 20 years of experience to the table, The Ruttenberg Law Firm, P.C. works hard to produce a strong claim for wrongful discharge. To learn more about your rights and options, contact us online or call (310) 979-7080 for a free initial consultation. We do not charge attorney’s fees until we achieve a resolution for you.