Your termination may be “wrongful” l if your employer fired you for illegal reasons. These include retaliation for participating in a workplace-protected activity and firing based on discriminatory grounds.
You can sue your employer if you believe you have been wrongfully dismissed from your job. If your wrongful termination lawsuit is successful, you may recover a different types of damages, as outlined below.
Back and front pay
You may be entitled to back pay, which includes the wages, work benefits and bonuses you would have earned if you were not illegally discharged. Back pay is calculated from when you were terminated unlawfully to the resolution of your case and is intended to make you whole by compensating for the missed income.
When reinstatement to your former position is not feasible, the court may award “front pay,” or the wages you would have earned for a designated time if you had not been wrongfully terminated.
Emotional distress
Losing a job can trigger feelings of anxiety and anger, affecting your overall mental health. You can recover compensation for the psychological harm caused by the illegal termination. You can prove this by presenting evidence like medical documentation from a mental health professional.
Cost of the suit and punitive damages
If you prevail in a wrongful termination lawsuit, the court may order a reimbursement of the legal fees you incurred. Punitive damages may also be awarded in some cases. These damages are intended to punish the employer and prevent similar occurrences.
If you believe that you were wrongfully terminated, it’s wise to get legal guidance as soon as possible. This can help you protect your rights under California law and seek the justice and compensation to which you’re entitled.
