California laws are some of the most pro-employee in the United States. Unfortunately, this does not stop employers from routinely violating employee rights in many ways. From wrongful termination to sexual harassment, employees face numerous violations that can cause financial and emotional harm.
A knowledgeable San Mateo employment law lawyer can effectively address these employment legal matters. At Galine, Frye, Fitting & Frangos, our team of experienced employment attorneys is dedicated to helping employees like you understand their rights and fight for justice.
Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us assess the details of your case. Call (650) 345-8484 to get started today.
Why Choose Galine, Frye, Fitting, & Frangos’s San Mateo Employment Law Lawyers?
Galine, Frye, Fitting & Frangos is a reputable law firm that proudly accepts whistleblower and wrongful termination cases in the San Mateo area and throughout the state of California.
With over 75 years of combined experience, our team of attorneys has spent years fighting for our clients' rights and has recovered millions of dollars for victims and their families. We aren’t afraid to take on cases involving complex issues of liability and damages.
Our firm's reputation and the results we have achieved through 30 years of excellence serving the greater San Mateo speak for themselves. We treat our clients like family, aggressively pursue compensation for their claims, and guide them through the litigation process.
We are proud of the millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts we have obtained for our clients. If you are seeking a San Mateo employment law lawyer who will work hard for you, Galine, Frye, Fitting & Frangos is the right choice.
Our San Mateo office is conveniently located south of Borel Middle School and east of St. John’s Cemetery at 411 Borel Avenue, Suite 405, San Mateo, CA 94402.
What Is Employment Law?
Employment law encompasses a wide range of legal issues that arise in the workplace. It governs the relationships between employers and employees, protecting both parties and ensuring a fair and harmonious working environment.
Some common areas covered by employment law include:
- Wrongful Termination
- Discrimination
- Sexual harassment
- Retaliation
- Whistleblower protections
- Wage and hour disputes
- Overtime violations
- Family and medical leave
- Workplace safety
Employment law gives employees certain rights and protections to ensure they can work in a safe and fair environment. Employees who believe their employer violated their rights need a lawyer who understands these laws.
Your Rights Under Federal and California Employment Laws
As an employee in California, you are entitled to certain rights and protections under federal and state employment laws. These laws prevent unfair treatment and ensure that your employer treats you fairly.
Some of the fundamental rights you have as an employee include:
- Equal Employment Opportunity: You have the right to freedom from discrimination based on your race, color, national origin, sex, religion, disability, or age.
- Fair Wages and Hours: You have the right to receive fair wages for your work and to be paid overtime if you work more than 40 hours per week if you are non-exempt.
- Family and Medical Leave: You may be entitled to take unpaid leave for specific family and medical reasons, including the birth or adoption of a child, caring for a seriously ill family member, or recovering from a serious health condition.
- Workplace Safety: You have the right to work in a safe and healthy environment. Your employer is responsible for providing a workplace free from recognized hazards that can cause serious harm or death.
- Whistleblower Protections: If you witness illegal activities in your workplace, you have the right to report them without fear of retaliation from your employer. Whistleblower laws protect employees from adverse employment actions for reporting wrongdoing.
Understanding your rights under federal and California employment laws is essential to protecting yourself in case your employer violates them. Consulting a San Mateo employment law lawyer from our firm can explain and even leverage the legal challenges in your case and safeguard your rights.
How Much Is Your Whistleblower or Wrongful Termination Case Worth?
The value of a whistleblower or wrongful termination case can vary significantly depending on various factors, including the nature of the violation, the extent of harm suffered, and the strength of the evidence.
Compensation in these cases typically aims to make the injured party whole and may include economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages are quantifiable losses that can be directly attributed to the violation and may include:
- Back pay: Lost wages from the time of termination until the resolution of the case.
- Front pay: Compensation for anticipated future lost wages if the terminated employee cannot find equivalent employment.
- Benefits: Reimbursement for lost job-related benefits, such as health insurance, retirement contributions, and stock options.
- Medical expenses: Costs associated with medical treatment received due to stress or health issues caused by the termination.
Non-economic damages are subjective losses that are more difficult to quantify but are equally important to consider. They may include:
- Emotional distress: Compensation for the anxiety, humiliation, and emotional suffering caused by the wrongful termination.
- Pain and suffering: If the termination resulted in severe emotional distress or other long-term repercussions, the employee may be entitled to compensation.
- Punitive damages: In cases involving intentional or egregious wrongdoing by the employer, punitive damages may punish the employer and deter similar behavior.
Every case is unique, and determining the exact value requires a detailed analysis by an experienced San Mateo Employment Law Lawyer. At Galine, Frye, Fitting & Frangos, we have extensive experience evaluating and litigating whistleblower and wrongful termination cases. Our team will work diligently to ensure you receive the maximum compensation you deserve.
Where Whistleblower or Wrongful Termination Cases Occur
Whistleblower and wrongful termination cases can occur across various industries and workplaces.
Some common examples include:
- Corporate Misconduct: Whistleblower cases can arise when employees witness unlawful activities within their organization, such as fraud, bribery, or accounting irregularities.
- Workplace Discrimination: Wrongful termination cases may involve discrimination based on race, gender, age, religion, disability, or sexual orientation. Employees who are terminated due to their membership in a protected class may have a valid claim.
- Retaliation: Whistleblower cases often involve retaliation against employees who report illegal behavior or workplace violations. Employers are prohibited from retaliating against employees who exercise their rights.
- Sexual Harassment: Wrongful termination cases may arise when an employee is terminated after reporting or complaining about sexual harassment in the workplace.
Regardless of the specific industry or type of case, seeking legal representation from one of our skilled San Mateo employment law lawyers is imperative to protecting your rights and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
Damages in Employment Law Cases
In employment law cases, damages refer to the monetary compensation awarded to the injured party for the harm they have suffered due to their employer's unlawful actions. Damages often fall into two categories: economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages compensate the injured party for their financial losses and may include:
- Lost wages and benefits: Compensation for the income and benefits the employee would have earned if they had not been wrongfully terminated or subjected to illegal actions.
- Medical expenses: Reimbursement for any medical costs incurred as a result of the employer's actions, such as therapy expenses or medical treatment for stress-related issues.
- Job search expenses: Compensation for any costs incurred while searching for a new job, such as travel expenses, resume preparation fees, and interview outfit costs.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages compensate the injured party for intangible losses, such as emotional distress, pain and suffering, and damage to reputation. They may include:
- Emotional distress: Compensation for the anxiety, depression, or other emotional suffering caused by the employer's actions.
- Pain and suffering: If the employee experienced physical or psychological pain due to the wrongful termination or other employment law violation, they may be entitled to compensation.
- Damage to reputation: If the employer's actions caused damage to the employee's professional reputation or standing in the community, they may be entitled to compensation for the harm caused.
When you contact us for help, our skilled San Mateo employment law lawyers can assess the specific damages applicable to your case and build a robust legal strategy to pursue the compensation you deserve.
Fighting for Your Rights Under Employment Laws
Employees who believe their employer violated their rights must take action to protect themselves and hold their employers accountable.
Here are some steps you can take if you believe your employer violated your rights:
- Document Everything: Keep a record of any incidents, conversations, emails, or other evidence related to the violation. This documentation will be crucial when presenting your case.
- Report the Violation: Follow your company's internal reporting procedures and report the violation to the appropriate individuals or departments. Document the date and content of the reports.
- Consult with an Employment Law Lawyer: Seek legal advice from a knowledgeable San Mateo employment law lawyer from our law firm who can assess the merits of your case and guide you through the legal process.
- File a Complaint: If internal reporting does not resolve the issue, you may need to file a complaint with the appropriate government agency, such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH).
- Cooperate with Investigations: If a government agency is investigating your case, cooperate fully with their inquiries and provide any requested information or documentation.
- Explore Legal Options: Your lawyer can determine the best course of action, whether it involves negotiation, mediation, or litigation.
- Preserve Your Rights: Be aware of any deadlines or statutes of limitations that may apply to your case and take action within the required timeframe.
By taking these steps and working with one of our experienced San Mateo employment law lawyers, you can assert your rights and fight for the justice you deserve.
How a San Mateo Employment Law Attorney Can Help You
When you face a wrongful termination or workplace injustice by your employer, it can feel overwhelming and unfair. You may be unsure of your rights or how to move forward in the complicated legal system. That's where a San Mateo employment law attorney from our firm can step in to help guide you through the process and fight for your rights.
Our attorneys understand the details of California labor laws and can provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to build a strong case. They will take the time to understand your unique situation, listen to your concerns, and gather valuable evidence to support your claim.
One key advantage of working with an attorney is their ability to negotiate on your behalf. They have the skills and experience necessary to engage in productive negotiations with your employer or their legal representatives. Their goal is to secure a fair settlement that compensates you for damages, lost wages, and emotional distress.
If negotiations do not result in a satisfactory resolution, your attorney will be ready to take your case to court. They will diligently prepare your case, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and present a solid argument before a judge or jury. Finally, they will present your case effectively.
Were Your Employee Rights Violated? Contact the San Mateo Employment Law Lawyers at Galine, Frye, Fitting & Frangos Today for Help
If you believe your employment rights have been violated in San Mateo or anywhere in California, contact Galine, Frye, Fitting & Frangos for a free case consultation.
Our team of seasoned San Mateo employment law lawyers will review your case, explain your options, and guide you through all aspects of the employment law legal process. We are dedicated to aggressively pursuing compensation for our client's claims and pride ourselves on providing personalized and compassionate legal representation.
Call us today at (650) 345-8484, and let us go to work for you. Consultations are free, so please reach out now.