In the State of California, most employment is at-will. At-will employment means that an employer or employee can end the employment for any reason, either with or without a cause and with or without notice. While your employment is at-will, it is important to understand that there is such a thing as wrongful termination.
There are exceptions to at-will employment termination that are important to be cognizant of. For example, if there is an unlawful or retaliatory reason for your termination, such as the employer violating employee rights protected by the California Labor Code.
A few examples of wrongful termination include being terminated for the following reasons:
- Sex, race, or religion
- Demanding overtime pay, rest breaks, and meal breaks
- Taking a pregnancy leave
- Requesting appropriate accommodations
- Refusal to sign an unlawful non-compete clause
- Serving on jury duty
- Taking a family leave or a medical leave
While these are just a few examples of situations which may lead to wrongful termination, the team at Gaines & Gaines is here to discuss your unique situation. Reach out to the legal team at Gaines & Gaines to get more details regarding your potential wrongful termination case with an experienced professional. Whether you have been unlawfully terminated or had to resign due to unfair conditions, we can help you build a strong case for damages and lost wages.