Can I sue my employer for eliminating my position?
Asked by: Kyla Willms V | Last update: December 14, 2025Score: 4.8/5 (4 votes)
Handled improperly, an employer may be accused of using the position elimination as a pretext for what would otherwise be an unlawful termination. A former employee may attempt to sue an employer for wrongful discharge within state and federal statute of limitations time frames.
What happens when a company eliminates your position?
If you receive a notification or letter stating your position is being eliminated, you'll typically work a few more weeks at the company helping them wrap up or reassign any responsibilities you were previously working on.
How do you respond to a position being eliminated?
Highlight your accomplishments, skills, and experiences. Tailor your materials to match the roles you're interested in. Be honest about your situation—mention that your position was eliminated due to organizational changes.
What is the justification of position elimination?
Justifications should include: Why this action is being taken (e.g., reorganization, budget reduction, acquisition, consolidation, etc.) Process or logic used to identify areas of the Unit where positions could be eliminated Process or logic used to identify specific position(s) to be eliminated
Is a wrongful termination lawsuit worth it?
Many wrongful termination cases result in favorable outcomes for the employee, either through settlements or court verdicts. Successful cases can result in compensation for lost wages, damages for emotional distress, and even punitive damages in some instances.
Top 5 Reasons To Sue Your Employer
What are the odds of winning a wrongful termination suit?
When you have a lawyer for a wrongful termination case the likelihood of receiving compensation is 64% and the likelihood of receiving compensation without a lawyer is 30%. Most Californians can expect a wrongful termination settlement of approximately $5,000-$100,000.
What is an example of unfair termination?
Examples of wrongful termination
Your termination could be wrongful if your employer fired you: Due to discrimination. In violation of a federal or state labor law. Because you reported and refused to participate in harassment.
Can you sue if your position was eliminated?
California recognizes a number of illegal reasons for laying off employees. If an employer lays off an employee for an illegal reason, the employee may file a lawsuit and seek damages.
Can I collect unemployment if my position is eliminated?
You are almost always eligible for benefits if you were laid off due to lack of work, and you may even be eligible if you were fired or if you quit. You must also meet certain criteria, such as a requirement that you must be looking for another job.
Do you get severance if your job is eliminated?
You can typically receive severance pay and unemployment in California. If you are eligible to receive unemployment benefits, California severance pay laws allow you to receive severance benefits simultaneously.
What is a standard severance package?
It's usually based on the employee's salary. The typical severance pay employers provide is one to two weeks for every year the employee worked, but the employee's rank can play a role in how much you offer. Upper management employees might get a higher severance pay amount, for example.
How long after eliminating a position should we wait before filling a position?
To avoid potential legal issues, it's best to wait at least six months before filling any positions that you have frozen or eliminated — unless you decide to re-employ the person you originally laid off in the same or a similar role.
How do you deal with being demoted at work?
- Assess what happened.
- Be open to feedback.
- Reach out to your support system.
- Create an action plan.
- Figure out whether to stay or leave.
What to say when your position is eliminated?
Explain why your position or department got cut, or talk about why the company didn't work out. Make sure you back up your claims with hard facts, such as metrics, to prove your performance and successes with the company.
Can an employer terminate a position?
Within the State of California, employment may be terminated at the will of either party. Both the employer and the employee are free to end the employment relationship at any time, with no penalty being assessed to either.
How do you know if your company is trying to get rid of you?
- You don't get new, different or challenging assignments anymore.
- You don't receive support for your professional growth.
- Your boss avoids you.
- Your daily tasks are micromanaged.
- You're excluded from meetings and conversations.
- Your benefits or job title changed.
What are my rights when my job is eliminated?
If you've lost your job, you have certain rights, such as the right to continue your health care coverage and, in some cases, the right to unemployment compensation.
How much unemployment will I get if I make $1000 a week?
California Unemployment Calculator
If you make $1000 per week in California, your estimated weekly benefit is $450 for up to 26 weeks.
What is it called when your position is eliminated?
For regular professional staff, layoff is the elimination of a position due to a lack of work, a lack of funds and/or because of a reorganization.
How do you deal with job elimination?
- Take stock of how you feel. Job loss can make you feel a range of emotions. ...
- Turn to your loved ones for support. ...
- Figure out your finances. ...
- Expand your social reach. ...
- Take time for yourself. ...
- Decide which job you'd like next. ...
- Reach out to your network. ...
- Create a portfolio.
How do I sue a job for wrongful termination?
- Understand Your Employee Rights. ...
- Gather Evidence to Fortify Your Wrongful Termination Lawsuit. ...
- Consult a Wrongful Termination Lawyer. ...
- File a Complaint with HR. ...
- Explore Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) ...
- File a Complaint with a Government Agency.
How do you justify a position elimination?
Reason for elimination: Clearly explain the business reason behind the decision, such as organizational restructuring, budget constraints, or operational changes. Effective date: Specify the employee's final working day to provide the greatest possible clarity on the timeline.
What are the odds of winning a wrongful termination lawsuit?
What are the Odds of Winning a Wrongful Termination Case? The success rate of wrongful termination claims can vary, but according to a source, less than half of claimants (43%) received an out-of-court settlement or a court award in their wrongful termination case (1).
What are 5 automatically unfair dismissal?
Automatically unfair reasons for dismissal
family, including parental leave, paternity leave (birth and adoption), adoption leave or time off for dependants. acting as an employee representative. acting as a trade union representative. acting as an occupational pension scheme trustee.
What not to say in termination?
- “This is really hard for me.” ...
- “I'm not sure how to say this.” ...
- “We've decided to let you go.” ...
- “We've decided to go in a different direction.” ...
- “We'll work out the details later.” ...
- “Compared to Susan, your performance is subpar.”