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Wrongful Termination Attorney in Pasadena

At Romero Law, APC our experienced Pasadena wrongful termination attorneys understand the devastating impact of losing your job unlawfully. When employers violate state and federal employment laws by terminating workers for illegal reasons, it affects their immediate financial stability, career trajectory, and emotional well-being.

Our skilled employment law attorneys are dedicated to protecting California workers’ rights and holding employers accountable when they engage in unlawful termination practices. We have a proven track record of successfully representing employees who have been wrongfully terminated, securing the compensation and justice they deserve.

Wrongful Termination Law in Pasadena

Contact us today at (626) 396-9900 or through our online form to request your free case consultation.

What Constitutes Wrongful Termination in California?

California is an “at-will” employment state, which means employers can generally terminate employees for any legal reason or no reason at all. However, there are important exceptions that make certain terminations unlawful. A termination may be wrongful if it violates:

Public policy
Anti-discrimination laws
Employment contracts
Protected leave rights
Whistleblower protections
Retaliation prohibitions

Our Pasadena wrongful termination attorneys regularly handle cases involving terminations that violate these protections, including:

Discrimination-Based Termination

It is illegal to terminate an employee based on their membership in a protected class, including:

Age (40 or older)
Race or color
National origin
Gender or gender identity
Sexual orientation
Religion
Disability
Medical condition
Pregnancy
Military or veteran status

Retaliation

Employers cannot legally terminate employees for:

Filing a workplace complaint
Reporting illegal conduct
Participating in an investigation
Taking protected leave
Filing a workers’ compensation claim
Refusing to engage in illicit activities
Exercising workplace rights

Contract Violations

While most employment in California is at-will, terminations may be wrongful if they violate:

Written employment contracts
Implied contracts
Union collective bargaining agreements
Company policies and procedures

Signs Your Termination May Have Been Wrongful

Some common indicators that your termination may have been illegal include:

Timing that closely follows protected activity
Sudden changes in performance reviews or treatment
Inconsistent application of company policies
Different treatment than similar employees
Discriminatory comments or behavior
Lack of documentation supporting termination
Violation of progressive discipline policies
Pretextual reasons given for termination

Legal Remedies Available in Wrongful Termination Cases

If you have been wrongfully terminated, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:

Lost wages and benefits
Future lost earnings
Emotional distress damages
Punitive damages
Reinstatement
Attorney’s fees and costs
Out-of-pocket expenses

The specific damages available depend on the circumstances of your case, applicable laws, and evidence supporting your claims. Our experienced attorneys will work to maximize your recovery based on the unique facts of your situation.

Why Choose Romero Law for Your Wrongful Termination Case?

At Romero Law, APC we understand that losing your job unjustly can be one of the most challenging experiences of your life. Our dedicated team provides aggressive advocacy for employee rights, backed by deep knowledge of California employment law and a proven track record of successful outcomes. We take pride in offering personalized attention to each case, and developing strategic approaches to litigation tailored to your unique circumstances. Throughout your case, you can expect clear, consistent communication and updates on your matter’s progress.

Our firm is also proud to offer bilingual services in both English and Spanish, ensuring all our clients can communicate effectively about their cases. We take pride in handling complex cases that other firms might decline, and we have the experience and resources necessary to take on employers of any size.

What to Do If You’ve Been Wrongfully Terminated

Being terminated from your job can be overwhelming, but taking the right steps immediately after your termination is crucial to protecting your legal rights and strengthening any potential claims. The actions you take in the days and weeks following your termination can significantly impact your ability to pursue legal remedies.

Immediate Steps to Take

First, remain professional during the termination meeting and request a written explanation for your termination. If possible, obtain copies of your personnel file, performance reviews, and any other relevant employment documents before leaving. These materials often become more difficult to access once you’re no longer employed. Make detailed notes about the termination meeting while it’s fresh in your memory, including who was present, what was said, and any reasons given for the termination.

Document Everything Related to Your Case

Gather and preserve:

Emails and text messages
Performance reviews
Disciplinary actions
All communications with your employer
Records of discriminatory comments or unfair treatment
Complaints you filed and any responses received
Timeline of events leading to termination

Protect Your Rights

Avoid signing any severance agreements or releasing claims before consulting with an employment attorney. Exercise caution in your communications about your termination, especially on social media. During job interviews, maintain professionalism and avoid detailed discussions about any pending legal matters.

Time Limits for Filing Wrongful Termination Claims

It’s crucial to understand that strict deadlines apply to wrongful termination claims. Depending on the specific laws violated, you may have as little as 180 days to file an administrative complaint or two years to file a lawsuit. Failing to act within these timeframes could result in losing your right to pursue legal action.

Contact Our Pasadena Wrongful Termination Attorneys Today

If you believe you have been wrongfully terminated from your job, don’t wait to seek legal help. Our experienced Pasadena employment law attorneys at Romero Law, APC will evaluate your case, explain your rights, and help you understand your legal options during a free consultation.

We represent clients throughout Los Angeles County and the surrounding areas. Our bilingual staff can assist you in English and Spanish.

Contact us today at (626) 396-9900 or through our online form to schedule your free consultation.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Wrongful Termination in Pasadena

How do I know if my termination was wrongful?

Your termination may be illegal if it was based on discrimination (like age, race, gender, or disability), retaliation for reporting workplace issues, or occurred while you were on protected leave. Every case is unique, so it's important to have an attorney review your specific situation.

What evidence do I need for a wrongful termination case?

Important evidence includes emails, performance reviews, witness statements, company policies, and any documentation of discriminatory treatment or complaints you made. Save all work-related documents and communications before leaving your workplace.

Can I be fired while on medical leave?

While it's illegal to fire someone because they took medical leave, employers can terminate employees on leave for other legitimate business reasons, such as company-wide layoffs. If you're fired while on medical leave, contact us to review your situation.

What should I do immediately after being terminated?

Request written documentation of why you were fired, gather all work-related documents, don't sign anything without legal review, and contact an employment attorney. Document the details of your termination while they're fresh in your memory.

How long will my wrongful termination case take?

Most cases take between several months to a year to resolve, depending on complexity and whether they settle or go to trial. We work efficiently to resolve your case while pursuing the best possible outcome.

Can I get my job back if I win my case?

While reinstatement is possible, most employees prefer monetary compensation. We'll discuss your goals and pursue the remedies that best fit your situation.

What compensation can I receive for wrongful termination?

You may be entitled to lost wages, future lost earnings, emotional distress damages, and in some cases, punitive damages. The specific amount depends on factors like your salary, length of employment, and circumstances of termination.

Should I sign a severance agreement?

Don't sign any severance agreement without legal review. These agreements often require you to give up important legal rights. We can review the agreement and advise whether it's in your best interest.

Can I be fired for complaining about workplace conditions?

No, it's illegal for employers to fire you for complaining about workplace safety, harassment, discrimination, or illegal practices. This type of termination is considered unlawful retaliation.

What if my employer gives a false reason for termination?

If your employer provides a false reason for termination to cover up discrimination or retaliation, this is known as "pretext." We can help gather evidence to prove the real reason for your termination was unlawful.

In Need of a Wrongful Termination Lawyer in Pasadena, California?