Wrongfully Terminated? Chami Law Is Here to Stand Up for You
California, like almost every other state, follows the at-will employment rule, which generally allows employers to terminate employees at any time, with or without a specific reason, as long as the decision is lawful. This means employers in Los Angeles cannot fire employees for reasons that violate employment laws or fundamental public policy. If you lost your job under circumstances that may have crossed that line, you could have grounds for a wrongful termination claim.
We know that losing your job can leave you worried about your finances, your family’s well-being, and what comes next in your career. Those concerns can be especially difficult when you believe you were fired for speaking up, reporting misconduct, requesting protected leave, or exercising your workplace rights. At Chami Law, we believe employees deserve fair treatment and that their concerns are taken seriously. Our team is here to listen, evaluate what happened, explain your legal options, and advocate for the compensation you may be entitled to recover.
What Is Wrongful Termination?
Wrongful termination occurs when an employer fires an employee for a reason prohibited by law, such as discrimination, retaliation for reporting workplace violations, or punishing an employee for exercising a legally protected right. Although employers in California generally have discretion to make staffing decisions, they cannot use that authority to violate an employee’s legal protections.
These situations can arise in any industry across Los Angeles, from healthcare and hospitality to construction, entertainment, and corporate workplaces. For example, an employer might claim an employee was dismissed for poor performance when the decision was actually driven by retaliation after the employee raised concerns about unlawful conduct.
Understanding what happened often requires looking beyond the reason your employer gave for the termination. The events leading up to your dismissal, conversations with management, and any complaints or requests you made may help clarify whether the decision was unlawful. At Chami Law, we can help you make sense of these circumstances and understand whether you may have grounds for a claim.
Common Examples of Wrongful Termination
Wrongful termination is not limited to one type of workplace situation. The circumstances leading to a dismissal matter, particularly when an employee has recently raised concerns, exercised a legal right, or experienced a change in how they were treated at work. Here are some of the most common examples of wrongful termination claims we handle in Los Angeles:
Termination Based on Discrimination
Under California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), employers with five or more employees generally cannot terminate workers because of protected characteristics, including race, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age 40 or older, and other characteristics protected by law.
Discrimination is not always obvious. An employer may cite performance issues or another workplace concern as the reason for a termination, while the circumstances suggest that a protected characteristic influenced the decision. If you believe you were fired because of who you are, our team of dedicated employment lawyers at Chami Law can help you evaluate what happened and understand your legal options.
Retaliation for Reporting Workplace Misconduct
California law protects employees from certain forms of retaliation for engaging in legally protected activities, such as reporting discrimination or harassment, raising concerns about unlawful workplace practices, or reporting suspected legal violations. If an employer fires an employee for engaging in a protected activity, the termination may be unlawful.
For example, you may report inappropriate conduct to human resources, raise concerns about unpaid wages, or speak up about suspected illegal activity. If you are fired afterward, the circumstances surrounding your termination may warrant closer examination. At Chami Law, we can help you understand whether your employer’s actions may constitute unlawful retaliation and what options may be available. You should not have to choose between speaking up about workplace misconduct and protecting your livelihood.
Termination for Taking Protected Leave or Requesting an Accommodation
Employees have rights to certain forms of protected leave and reasonable accommodations under both California and federal law. Depending on the circumstances, firing an employee for taking qualifying medical or family leave, requesting a legally required accommodation for a disability, or exercising another protected workplace right may be unlawful. If your employer’s attitude changed after you requested leave, disclosed a medical limitation, or sought an accommodation, our team can help you examine what happened and whether your termination may have violated your rights.
Termination for Refusing to Participate in Illegal Conduct
An employer cannot always demand that an employee follow instructions simply because the employer has authority over the workplace. California law protects employees who refuse to participate in illegal conduct or who report certain violations of law. If you were fired after refusing to falsify records, engage in unlawful activity, conceal suspected wrongdoing, or violate a legal obligation, the circumstances may support a wrongful termination claim. Our team can help you assess the facts and identify potential legal protections.
How Can You Tell If Your Termination Was Wrongful?
If something about the circumstances surrounding your termination doesn’t feel right, it’s worth taking a closer look. You may suspect your employer’s decision was unfair but feel unsure whether it actually violated the law. You don’t need all the answers or to be certain you have a case before reaching out to Chami Law. Our team is here to listen to your concerns and help you understand what may have happened.
We will look at the circumstances surrounding your termination, including whether you recently reported harassment, discrimination, unpaid wages, or other workplace misconduct; requested protected leave or an accommodation; received conflicting explanations for your dismissal; or were treated differently from other employees. These details may help reveal whether your employer’s decision was based on an unlawful reason.
If you have termination paperwork, performance reviews, emails, text messages, or communications with your supervisor or HR, these records may also help us evaluate your situation. However, you do not need to gather every document or prove your case before speaking with us.
At Chami Law, we take your concerns seriously. We will take the time to understand your experience, review the details, and explain whether your circumstances may support a wrongful termination or related employment claim. Even if you’re not sure what went wrong, we’re here to help you find out and determine how to move forward.
What Damages Are Available in a Wrongful Termination Claim?
Losing your job can have lasting financial and personal consequences. Depending on the legal claims involved and the circumstances of your termination, you may be entitled to compensation for losses caused by your employer’s unlawful conduct. Potential damages and other remedies may include:
- Lost wages and benefits: Compensation for income and employment benefits you lost because of the termination.
- Future lost earnings: Compensation for certain future income losses when the effects of the termination continue to limit your earning capacity or employment opportunities.
- Emotional distress: Damages for emotional harm caused by unlawful conduct when permitted under the applicable claim.
- Out-of-pocket expenses: Certain financial costs associated with the termination or efforts to obtain replacement employment.
- Punitive damages: In qualifying cases, additional damages may be available when the employer’s conduct meets the applicable legal standard.
- Reinstatement or other employment-related relief: Depending on the claim, you may be able to return to a position or obtain another form of equitable relief.
- Attorney fees and costs: Certain employment laws allow eligible employees to recover attorney fees and litigation costs.
Not every wrongful termination claim permits every type of recovery. The damages available will depend on the legal basis for your claim, the evidence, the harm you experienced, and other circumstances specific to your case. Our team will take the time to understand how your termination has affected you financially and personally, and we will work to pursue the compensation and relief available under the law.
Your Case Is Personal to Us
We know that wrongful termination can affect far more than your employment. It can disrupt your financial stability, undermine your confidence, and leave you questioning what happened and where to go from here. You deserve to have those concerns taken seriously.
At Chami Law, your case is personal, and we treat it that way. We take the time to listen, understand your circumstances, and make sure you feel supported throughout the process. We advocate for you, help you understand your rights, and work toward a resolution that reflects the harm you have experienced.
If you believe you were wrongfully terminated in Los Angeles, contact Chami Law to discuss your situation with our team. We can help you understand why your termination may have been unlawful, explain the legal options available, and guide you through the next steps. You do not have to figure everything out before reaching out.
