If you live and work in California, you can count on the sunshine and easy access to the beach. But can you count on respectful treatment at work? If you can’t count on your job with Stonebridge Hospitality or any other employer to treat you right, you might have several protections under state and federal law.
Federal and state wrongful termination laws can help unfairly fired employees regain their jobs and recoup their financial losses. Our Stonebridge Hospitality wrongful termination lawyers at Lawyers for Justice, PC, can give you the best chance at winning your case. We have helped thousands of people in need in California, and our legal representation is award-winning.
What Protections Do I Have Against Being Fired?
While California might be an at-will employment state that allows employers to fire their workforce for almost any reason at any time, there are significant exceptions to this rule. Your employer cannot fire you in violation of an employment contract, and it cannot fire you in violation of state or federal law. Let’s quickly examine the federal and state laws that make certain types of firings illegal.
Federal Laws
Employers across the nation must make sure that they don’t fire their employees in violation of a contract or federal employment laws, including:
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII)—protects employees from discrimination based on race, gender, color, religion, sex, or national origin;
- Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSH Act)—requires employers to maintain certain safety standards in the workplace and prohibits them from firing employees who report safety violations;
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)—prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in employment;
- Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)—protects individuals 40 years of age or older from age-based discrimination;
- Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)—dictates what employers must pay their workforce and protects employees from termination if they report violations of this wage law; and
- Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)—allows eligible employees to take unpaid leave for family and medical reasons without risking their job security.
This list of federal laws is just a handful of protections against wrongful termination that you might have. An employment termination attorney from our firm can pinpoint all your legal rights in a wrongful termination case and ensure that you receive maximum compensation for your claim.
California Laws
State laws that protect against wrongful termination include:
- California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA)—protects employees from job discrimination based on race, veteran status, color, religion, sex, national origin, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, and military status;
- California Labor Code—protects employees from retaliation for whistleblowing activities, such as reporting illegal conduct or unsafe working conditions;
- California Family Rights Act (CFRA)—similar to the FMLA but covers more employers and provides additional protections for family and medical leave;
- California Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL)—ensures that pregnant employees are granted time off for pregnancy-related conditions without the risk of job loss; and
- California Wage and Hour Laws—state wage and hour laws cover various aspects of employment, including minimum wage, overtime pay, and meal and rest breaks.
California employment laws often provide employees with more rights and protections. For example, while federal anti-discrimination laws apply only to employers with at least 15 to 20 employees, employers can be liable under state anti-discrimination laws if they have as few as five or even one employee.
If you ever feel like your rights have been violated, don’t hesitate to consult us. Our experienced employment law team cares about your well-being; we can be your champions.
Can You Sue Stonebridge Hospitality for Wrongful Termination?
Yes. You can sue if Stonebridge Hospitality is your employer and breaches an employment contract or breaks the law when it fires you. In your lawsuit, you might be able to recover:
- Payment for your financial losses,
- Punitive damages,
- Attorney fees,
- Compensation for emotional distress, and
- Job reinstatement.
You also have the option of filing an administrative complaint against your employer.
Agencies that handle wrongful termination complaints include:
- The United States Department of Labor (DOL),
- The California Civil Rights Department (CRD),
- The California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR), and
- The United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC),
If you have a discrimination case, suing Stonebridge Hospitality for wrongful termination must begin with a complaint to the CRD or EEOC. Once you receive a notice from the EEOC or CRD that you have a right to sue, you can file your lawsuit in court.
Proving Wrongful Termination
How you prove wrongful termination can vary depending on the specific circumstances of your case. However, gathering the following evidence can help:
- Relevant communications with your employer, colleagues, and patrons,
- Wage records,
- Copies of company policies and guidebooks,
- Witnesses information,
- Employment records,
- A written timeline of what happened,
- Copies of employment agreements,
- Personnel records, and
- Healthcare documents.
Remember, proving wrongful termination can be challenging. But with documentation and legal guidance, you can present a compelling case to support your claim. We are here for you.
We Can Bring Your Employer to Justice
When your employer breaks the law, we can hold them accountable. Lawyers for Justice has a highly experienced legal team, and we have recovered more than $100 million for California workers. We are passionate and unafraid to fight on your behalf. We are also skilled practitioners who can resolve employment matters with efficiency and minimal confrontation.
If you need help in an employment dispute, talk to us. We offer free legal advice for wrongful termination and can help you determine how to move your case forward during an initial case evaluation. Contact us today by phone or on our website.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any matter.
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