Steps to Take After Wrongful Termination
Suddenly losing a job can come as a shock and be devastating. The next steps toward taking legal action need to take place as soon as possible:
- Gather all documentation related to your termination, such as emails and memos
- Contact one of our experienced wrongful termination attorneys in Bakersfield
- Consult with your attorney on how to proceed with the wrongful termination case.
- Stay in touch with your attorney regarding the next steps and any further information or documentation needed.
Following the steps above will help expedite your case and increase your chances of proper restitution.
Who is Liable in a Wrongful Termination Case?
The company or employer is liable in a wrongful termination case along with the supervisor or employee who did the firing. At times, another employee or peer may share the liability if they gave false information to management to get you fired. It is vital to document incidents and keep all relevant materials to help establish liability.
What a Wrongful Termination Attorney Does
When you engage an attorney at our firm, here is a breakdown of how we support you:
- Case evaluation and viability review: We begin by examining the facts of your termination, identifying whether your experience falls into one of the protected categories or involves illegal retaliation.
- Evidence gathering: We help you obtain and organize records such as employment contracts, termination notices, performance evaluations, company emails, and documented policy violations.
- Legal strategy development: Based on our experience in employment law, we craft an approach tailored to your specific situation—whether it means negotiating a settlement, filing a complaint, or preparing for trial.
- Filing the claim: If applicable, we handle the appropriate filings with the state or federal employment agencies, including preparing and submitting a complaint or lawsuit on your behalf within the statute of limitations.
- Negotiations and mediation: We engage with the employer or their counsel to seek a fair resolution, which may include back pay, front pay, compensatory damages, and punitive damages if warranted.
- Litigation and representation: If the matter proceeds to court, we represent you at depositions, hearings, mediation sessions, and trial. We shoulder the burden of legal procedure so you can focus on moving forward.
- After-action support: Once the core matter is resolved, we help ensure that any reinstatement, non-retaliation provisions, or compliance terms are enforced so you are protected going forward.
By choosing a lawyer familiar with Bakersfield’s employment landscape and the specific pressures in sectors like agriculture, oil, and retail, you gain not just legal representation but local insight, the resources of a seasoned team, and the personal attention your wrongful termination case deserves.
How to Find an Attorney
Finding the right lawyer can substantially influence the outcome of your wrongful termination case. Consider the following steps when selecting counsel:
- Check specialization and experience: Look for attorneys who focus on employee-side employment law and wrongful termination matters in California, preferably with a track record in Bakersfield.
- Read client reviews and results: While past performance does not guarantee future results, positive client testimonials and substantial recoveries are indicators of an attorney’s capability.
- Schedule a consultation: Most reputable firms offer a free initial meeting. Use this opportunity to evaluate how responsive they are, whether they listen carefully, and if they propose clear next steps.
- Understand the fee arrangement: Many wrongful termination lawyers work on a contingency basis (you pay only if they recover money for you). Ask directly whether you will face any upfront costs.
- Evaluate communication and availability: Your lawyer should keep you informed, promptly respond to queries, and be willing to explain complex legal concepts in understandable terms.
- Assess local office presence: A firm physically located in Bakersfield or the surrounding region can be advantageous for local knowledge, attendance at nearby courts, and established relationships in the community.
- Ask about strategy and resources: Request details about who will handle your case day-to-day, whether the firm has access to experts and investigators, and what timelines you should expect.
By following these steps, you better position yourself to choose an attorney who is both capable and aligned with your goals. And when you choose our firm, you benefit from local insight, national-level resources, and a focus exclusively on protecting employee rights in the workplace.
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