How Much Can I Sue for After a Wrongful Termination in California?
If you have suffered the stress and burdens of wrongful termination, you’re probably looking for easy answers to your questions about your legal options.
A big question is, how much compensation can you get for wrongful termination in a complaint or lawsuit?
This question does not have an easy answer because award amounts for wrongful termination cases in California are specific to each case.
So the term “average settlement amounts” really has no meaning. Instead, you and your lawyer need to focus on the specific details of your case to maximize compensation.
To speak with a California employment attorney, contact the team at Starpoint Employment Law today to schedule a free consultation.
What Is Wrongful Termination in California?
If you’ve been fired because of one of your protected personal characteristics (e.g., race, sex, religion, disability), because you asserted your rights as a worker (e.g., filing a workplace safety complaint), or because you fulfilled civic or national obligations (e.g., jury duty or military service)—you likely have a wrongful termination case.
You can file a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH), or both. In many cases, you can also file a lawsuit in civil court.
We imagine this is a stressful time for you, but you should know that you are not alone. On page eight of the DFEH 2019 Annual Report, the department states that it had more than 20,000 employment complaints in 2019 alone.
It’s unfortunate if you have to join the many who file wrongful termination complaints against their employers, but a good wrongful termination attorney can obtain justice on your behalf.
How Much Should I Sue for in a Wrongful Termination Case?
Knowing the monetary value of your wrongful termination case can help you make the crucial decision about whether you want to go to trial or settle your case through negotiations beforehand.
You can estimate the value of your wrongful termination case by understanding the basic remedies you can receive. Victims of wrongful termination under California law can receive the following remedies:
- Back pay for lost wages;
- Penalties;
- Out-of-pocket expenses;
- Front pay;
- Exemplary damages;
- Interest; and
- Injunctive relief.
Exemplary damages are meant to punish particularly bad behavior and can be hard to prove. But many of the other remedies above are based on your wages, your receipts, and the timeline of your case.
You can also receive up to $25,000 in civil penalties in some wrongful termination cases. You don’t have to do this math on your own.
An experienced employment law attorney has the expertise and resources to accurately calculate the maximum amount you could win in a settlement or at trial.
Speak to an Attorney Today to Give Yourself Your Best Chance
It’s time to speak to an attorney if you’re asking, How much should I sue for in a wrongful termination case? Determining this amount is highly personal.
You should receive the maximum award you can to right the wrongs of your employer. At Starpoint Employment Law, we give you special, one-on-one attention to effectively solve your employment issues.
We know workplace disputes are stressful. We can serve your legal needs with the compassion and professional expertise that you deserve.
Contact our experienced attorneys today. You can reach us online or call us at (310) 882-7868 for a free consultation. We’re here for you day and night.
Aidin Ghavimi
Aidin is a partner at Starpoint LC, Attorneys at Law, and focuses on personal injury and employment law cases in and around Southern California. He earned his Juris Doctorate from the Loyola School of Law and his Bachelor’s from USC. Aidin’s primary goal is to bring justice to his clients and to ensure they are able to move on with their lives after a serious injury.
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