Sacramento Wrongful Termination Attorney

Wrongful Termination or Demotion Can Cost You Your Future

A wrongful termination or demotion at work can happen to anyone regardless of the number of years you have devoted to your employer or your seniority within your employer’s organization. These adverse employment actions typically occur without any warning and can leave you in dire financial straits. Feelings of anger, betrayal, and confusion are all common and understandable emotional responses to such devastating news. You may be wondering how you will meet your expenses going forward or how your future employment prospects may be affected.

It is important to remember that you have legal rights, even in an "at-will" employment situation. You may be entitled to bring a wrongful termination or wrongful demotion lawsuit against your employer. Contact my office to learn what rights you have and how they may be asserted.

How “At-Will” Employment Affects Your Legal Rights

California is an “at-will” employment state. This means that, unless you have a written agreement with your employer indicating otherwise, you are free to resign from your position at any time and for any reason. You do not even need to give your employer any notice prior to resigning or quitting your position.

Conversely, though, your employer is also able to terminate your employment at any time, with or without any prior notice. Your employer is also able to demote you to a lesser position within the organization with or without prior notice. This does not mean, however, that your employer can take these harmful employment actions for any reason.

A termination or demotion may be considered wrongful if:

• The decision is based on a discriminatory reason such as your race, religion, ethnicity, or other protected characteristic;
• The decision is made in retaliation for your role as a whistleblower or for engaging in lawfully permissible activities;
• The decision is based on your desire to speak with a union or being involved in a union;
• The decision is based on your unwillingness or refusal to commit an illegal act;
• The decision is contrary to the provisions of any employment contract you and your employer signed.

There may be other situations or circumstances that make your termination or demotion wrongful. Your Sacramento employment law attorney will be able to determine the strength of your case and how best to assert your rights.

What Remedies Are Available in a Lawsuit in California?

If you prevail in your wrongful termination or wrongful demotion lawsuit, California laws permit you to recover financial compensation and damages. The purpose of these damages is to compensate you for the earnings and benefits you lost as a result of the termination or demotion as well as for any mental suffering or emotional distress you experienced as a result of the situation.

Seek Legal Counsel from an Industry Leader

Do not squander your opportunity to assert your legal rights and potentially obtain compensation: if you believe you have been wrongfully terminated or demoted by your employer, contact my California law offices today. If you have a case, I will partner with you to develop a strategy designed to give you the best opportunity to obtain compensation for your losses.

Contact the Law Offices of Gay Carroll-Haring by calling 916-443-3553 to schedule an initial consultation.