Burbank Wrongful Termination Lawyer

Experienced Wrongful Termination Attorney In Burbank, CA

Losing your job can be a traumatic and stressful event, leading to questions about your future and financial security. In California, termination is illegal under certain circumstances. If you are the victim of a wrongful termination in the Burbank area, you have legal options to push back and possibly recover losses. The first step is to reach out to an experienced Burbank wrongful termination lawyer for legal help.

About Esperanza Anderson – Your Workplace Rights Attorney

Employers often behave as if they have the upper hand in the employee/employer relationship. However, employment is a transaction, and employees have rights, too. Esperanza Anderson is a seasoned workplace rights attorney with over 15 years of experience. She advocates for employees in Pasadena and the rest of Los Angeles County. Although her kind demeanor often results in opposing counsel underestimating her, she is a relentless force for her clients.

Unlike at many other law practices, Esperanza Anderson’s clients communicate directly with her, rather than leaving messages with paralegals or other assistants. She is also fluent in both Spanish and English, so no matter which language you are more comfortable speaking, she is fully equipped to represent you.

What Constitutes Wrongful Termination in California?

Wrongful termination, put simply, occurs when an employer fires an employee for an illegal reason. California is an at-will employment state, meaning that employers and employees are both allowed to terminate employment at any time, for any reason, or no reason at all.

However, some terminations are illegal based on reasoning. California has some of the most comprehensive workplace anti-discrimination and wrongful termination laws in the United States. One major piece of legislation that protects employees is the Fair Employment and Housing Act, or FEHA, which went into effect in 1959.

Pursuant to FEHA, employers in California cannot legally discriminate against an employee or a potential employee based on any characteristic that is considered a protected class. The list of protected classes is extensive and covers many aspects of an employee’s identity. The following are some examples of protected classes:

• Sex, gender, gender expression, and sexual orientation
• Marital status and reproductive choices
• Race, color, or country of origin
• Religion
• Mental or physical disability

If an employer fires an employee, and the termination is based on the employee’s belonging to one or more of these protected classes, that could constitute a wrongful termination. For example, if an employee is fired after disclosing a pregnancy, that may be a wrongful termination.

There are some other cases in which a termination could be wrongful. FEHA also protects employees from retaliation for filing discrimination complaints against their employers. Still, it happens often that employees experience retaliatory action, up to and including termination. In the 2024 fiscal year, the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission received a total of 2,592 retaliation reports from California.

Firing a worker who had a contract for a specified period or for a specific scope of work can also be considered wrongful termination, depending on the circumstances. Additionally, whistleblowers are protected from being fired under California law. A whistleblower is a person who reports illegal activity to the authorities from within an organization. Firing an employee for whistleblower activity constitutes wrongful termination.

Why You Should Hire a Wrongful Termination Lawyer

If you may have been fired from your job for an illegal reason, you should hire a wrongful termination lawyer as soon as you can. Your Burbank wrongful termination attorney can sit down with you and review the details of your case, including any supporting documents you might have, such as emails, human resources reports, or any other communications. After looking at the facts, your lawyer can advise you regarding where you stand legally and what to do next.

People who have been wrongfully fired can file complaints with the California Civil Rights Department, and your attorney can help you through that process. In many cases, if your rights have indeed been violated, the next step is to file a civil claim for your financial losses.

FAQs

Is It Wrongful Termination If I Was Fired for Reporting Illegal Activity?

Yes, if you were fired because you reported illegal activity on the part of your employer, whether that was tax fraud, embezzlement, or anything else, that would constitute wrongful termination. You can discuss the details of your case with your lawyer, but you likely have the right to pursue financial compensation.

What Compensation Can a Person Recover in a Wrongful Termination Case in California?

When a person files a claim for financial compensation because of a wrongful termination, they can recover their lost wages, legal fees, and emotional distress. If a judge thinks that the employer’s actions were especially egregious, the employee may also receive punitive damages. In some cases, the employer may also be ordered to give the employee their job back.

If My Wrongful Termination Case Goes to Trial, Where Will the Trial Be Held?

In California, wrongful termination cases are handled by the California Superior Court, which has a branch in every county in the state. If a wrongful termination case was filed in Burbank, it would be processed by the Los Angeles County Superior Court. The trial, if it came to that, would probably be held at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse, located at 111 North Hill Street in Los Angeles.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Wrongful Termination Lawyer in Burbank?

Most lawyers set their own rates and fee structures, so the cost to hire an attorney can vary widely. Most attorneys who take on wrongful termination cases, however, do so using a contingency fee structure. This means that clients do not pay for services upfront. Instead, the attorney receives a percentage of any settlement they secure for the client as their payment.

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Contact Esperanza Anderson Today

If you have experienced a wrongful termination, seeking justice may seem daunting, but do not give up. Instead, get experienced legal counsel who can advocate for you and safeguard your rights. Contact Esperanza Anderson today for a free consultation to discuss your case and find out what she can do for you.