San Jose Wrongful Discharge Attorneys
In California, employers generally have the right to terminate employees for nearly any reason they want. The reasons for termination are often perceived as unfair. That does not necessarily mean it is illegal. Termination is only illegal if it is based on an employee's membership in a protected class (age, sexual orientation, gender, marital status, religion, national origin, race, color, pregnancy, medical condition or disability). Then it is discrimination and is considered wrongful termination.
Wrongful termination scenarios often look like this: A long-term employee who has done his or her job the same way since day one is suddenly fired without cause. That employee is also a member of a protected class and questionable comments about that protected class (like "you're so old!") have been made.
The law firm of Patton Wolan Carlise LLP has been helping employees like you throughout the Bay Area since 1985. If you have been the victim of wrongful termination, our goal is to help you get fair compensation from your former employer.
Breach of Contract
There are wrongful termination cases that do not involve employee discrimination. These are breach of contract cases. When an employee has a contract with an employer that clearly states in writing that the period of employment will last a certain duration, and the employer violates that contract by terminating employment early, the former employee may be able to pursue compensation. Our lawyers know the action to take in these cases.
Severance Agreements
For many professional employees, the concern is not whether the layoff or termination was fair, but whether the severance agreement will be sufficient. We are skilled at standing beside professional employees to negotiate satisfactory severance agreements with employers.
Free Consultations Are Available
Call us at 888-347-1492 or send us an e-mail to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced Oakland wrongful termination attorneys. The majority of employment law cases are handled on a contingency basis, meaning you only pay if we get results.
