Q: Fired while on probation for "no reason" in California while having a workers comp claim? Do I have a case?

A: It is possible that the employer's conduct may have been unlawful here; however, more information needs to be known in order to fully understand your case. I suggest you consult with an employment law attorney who will further examine your situation and explain your options. Most employment law attorneys in California offer free of charge initial consultations, and thereafter may take your case on a contingency basis, meaning you do not have to pay attorney’s fees unless and until there is a positive outcome for you. They may also advance either all or partial costs of litigation.

You can look either on this site in the Find a Lawyer section or go to California Employment Layers Association (www.cela.org), an organization whose members are committed to representing employees’ rights.

Sincerely,

Maya L. Serkova

A: It is not always unlawful to terminate an employer while there is a pending workers compensation claim. However if it can be proved you were fired because you file a workers compensation claim, or because you had a disability that could have been accommodated, then you would have a meritorious legal claim. Therefore far more would need to be known about your situation before someone could give you solid advice about this.

It would be a good idea for you to locate and consult with an experienced employment law attorney as soon as possible to explore your facts and determine your options. I would suggest you look either on this site, or go to www.cela.org, the home page for the California Employment Lawyers Association, an organization whose members are dedicated to the representation of employees against their employers.

Most employment attorneys who practice this area of law offer a free or low cost consultation in the beginning and then, if the matter has merit and value, will usually agree to work on a contingency basis, meaning you can hire an attorney without paying any money until the matter results in a positive outcome for you. Many advance all the costs of the litigation as well. Do not let fear of fees and costs keep you from finding a good attorney.

Good luck to you.

A: Yes...and no. Probation is the time when the employer just needs to see if you are a good fit. It may well be that you failed to pass probation because the supervisors will not permit any worker with any industrial injury to transition to permanent employment. Labor Code 132a says that no employer can discriminate against a worker just because he/she requested workers comp benefits. BUT YOU HAVE TO PROVE THE EMPLOYER'S MINDSET at the time. Proving what went on the in boss' brain is next to impossible. You really need witnesses in management who will testify against management that you were released because of the work injury. A memo with that is better still. In 33 years i've only prevailed on two; many have never tried even one. But it can be done. One worker was on the City Counsel Agenda to speak in Spanish and English on a Tuesday and she reported a work injury and was fired in a few hours 'for failing to pass probation"...and nobody could explain to the judge if she was failing why was she listed on the Agenda. If you have written evidence like this, where you are included in long-term projects and a team but then terminated the day after you report a work injury, that's worth pursuing 132a benefits.