Wrongful Termination Lawyer in Los Angeles
Losing your job is tough enough by itself. When it happens because your employer crossed a legal line, that stress only gets heavier. Suddenly, you’re left wondering what your rights are, if you have a case at all, and how to even begin moving forward.
Matthew Blair has stood up for employees all over Los Angeles who were pushed out, fired, or felt they had no choice but to quit in situations the law doesn’t permit. He understands the playbook employers use and what it takes to call them out. More importantly, he knows how to make sure they answer for it.
What You Might Be Facing
Maybe you lost your paycheck with barely any warning, and now you’re scrambling to figure out how you’ll cover your bills while searching for a new job. Perhaps your employer tossed out a vague explanation for letting you go, or didn’t bother to give one at all. You might feel pretty sure about what actually happened, but you’re not certain if it’s enough for a legal case.
That cloud of uncertainty, mixed with the financial pressure, can be overwhelming. Employers and their HR teams are usually ready for moments like this. Having an attorney in your corner from the start helps level that playing field.
What is Wrongful Termination?
Wrongful termination is when your employer fires you or forces you out for reasons the law simply doesn’t allow. In California, most jobs are “at-will.” That usually means your employer doesn’t have to give you a specific reason to let you go. But that doesn’t mean they can do whatever they want. For example, they can’t fire you because of your race, gender, age, religion, disability, or any other protected trait. They also can’t let you go for reporting something illegal or for standing up for your rights at work.
If you have an employment contract or company policy that promises certain protections, your employer has to honor them as well. If your firing crosses any of these lines, you might have a strong legal case.
Common Ways Wrongful Termination Happens
Wrongful termination doesn’t always look the same. Sometimes it’s clear as day. Other times, things build up slowly, and by the time you’re let go, the whole thing is made to seem like routine.
Discrimination
If you were fired because of your race, gender, age, where you’re from, religion, disability, pregnancy, or sexual orientation, that’s discrimination. It’s against the law in California and under federal law, too.
Retaliation
California law stands behind employees who speak up. Maybe you reported harassment or discrimination, flagged a safety issue, filed a workers’ comp claim, or blew the whistle on something illegal. If you lost your job afterward, your employer may have stepped way over the line, and the law doesn’t take that lightly. In fact, retaliation cases are some of the strongest tools out there for employees who have been punished for doing what’s right.
Breach of contract
Even though California is an at-will state, there are limits. If you had a written contract or a union agreement, that matters. When an employer fires you in a way that breaks those terms, they can be held responsible.
What You Might Be Owed
California law says that if you were wrongfully fired, you have the right to go after what you lost. This usually means back pay for the checks you missed after losing your job, and sometimes front pay if landing a similar job hasn’t been easy.
If your job included things like health insurance or retirement contributions, the value of those lost benefits gets counted too. You can also claim damages for the stress and emotional toll you went through. And if your employer acted in a way that was especially mean-spirited or outrageous, you might even be able to seek punitive damages.
Matthew Blair works on a contingency fee basis for wrongful termination cases. That means you don’t pay any attorney’s fees unless he wins compensation for you.
How the Process Works
Knowing what to expect can make everything feel a little less overwhelming. Here’s how Matthew Blair handles wrongful termination cases:
- Initial consultation and case review
- Gathering evidence, including employment records, performance reviews, communications, and witness accounts
- Identifying all applicable legal claims and building your case
- Negotiating a settlement or taking your case to trial if that’s what it takes
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions? Here are some of the things people want to know most.
How much does it cost to hire you?
Matthew Blair handles wrongful termination cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you won’t pay any attorney’s fees unless he wins money for you. There might be some case-related costs as things move forward, but those are always explained up front, so you’re not caught off guard. Your first consultation is completely free.
How long will my case take?
It really depends on your situation and how much evidence there is. Some cases settle in a few months. Others take longer, especially if your employer pushes back or if the case heads toward trial. From your first conversation, Matthew will give you a clear and honest idea of what the timeline might look like.
I was an at-will employee. Does that mean I can’t file a claim?
Not at all. Being at-will just means your boss could let you go for almost any legal reason. But they still can’t fire you for an illegal reason, like discrimination or retaliation. If your firing was based on something the law doesn’t allow, you may still have a strong case, even if you were at-will.
What if I already signed a severance agreement?
Some severance agreements include a waiver of legal claims, but those waivers aren’t always set in stone and sometimes can be challenged. If you’ve already signed the agreement, it’s still smart to get a legal opinion before you assume you’re out of options.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you think you were wrongfully let go, don’t wait to get advice. Evidence is important in these cases, and acting quickly can mean more choices for you. California’s filing deadlines are strict, and missing them could put your compensation at risk.
Matthew Blair offers free consultations and is available whenever you need him. He’ll listen to your story, answer your questions, and help you understand your legal options.