San Francisco Unlawful Termination Lawyer

Were you fired for standing up for yourself or a coworker? Did your employer “let you go” because of your religion or ethnicity? Does your employment contract require that your employer have cause for termination, but your employer chose to fire you for another reason? If so, we encourage you to talk to a San Francisco unlawful termination lawyer as soon as possible.  

Common Reasons Employees Are Unlawfully Terminated in San Francisco

California is an at-will employment state, meaning that employers can fire their employees for almost any reason and at any time. However, they are not permitted to fire their employees in circumstances in which it would constitute unlawful retaliation, discrimination, or harassment, for example. Common reasons employers unlawfully terminate an employee include the following: 

• Discrimination based on actual or perceived race, gender, ethnicity, pregnancy status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, country of origin, religion, age if over 40, genetic information, medical condition, marital status, military or veteran status, according to the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing;
• Retaliation for filing a workplace complaint or speaking out against unlawful working conditions;
• Retaliation for participating in a workplace claim or federal or state investigation;
• Using FMLA protected leave; and
• Retaliation for speaking out against an employer’s lack of ADA compliance. 

Additionally, if your employment contract defines when you can be terminated, citing specific causes, and your employer fires you despite having no cause, you have the right to take legal action against them.  

The Cost of Losing a Job

Some employees rationalize their unfair job loss by saying the job was “not worth it,” their employer was a jerk, they were planning on leaving anyway, or the pay was terrible in the first place. However, these employees may be best served by considering whether legal action is appropriate. According to Time Money, 61% of workers go through at least one year of not being able to find a job, while a quarter of workers went through at least four periods of 12-month unemployment in their lifetimes, equating to an average loss of $25,000 in retirement savings alone. Many lose their homes, cars, and marriages, as well. Whether you were pulling in a six-figure income or were working for minimum wage, you deserve to be treated fairly by your employer, who has no right to terminate you illegally.  

A San Francisco Unlawful Lawyer is Here to Help

The compassionate San Francisco unlawful termination lawyers of Minnis & Smallets LLP assist clients who have been fired without cause or fired illegally. To get help today, schedule a consultation with one of our experienced attorneys.