Domino’s Pizza Wrongful Termination and Discrimination Lawsuit Attorney - California Labor Law Employment Attorneys Group (2023)

Domino’s Pizza, Inc., known simply as Domino’s, is a chain of takeout and delivery pizza restaurants founded in 1960 by two brothers in Ypsilanti, Michigan. From its beginnings as a small college-town pizzeria, Dominos grew into one of the leading takeout eateries in the world, with over 15,000 locations in over 80 countries. This impressive growth would not be possible without a massive team of cooks, cashiers, delivery drivers, and other employees. These workers should be appreciated for all their hard work, but many of them are mistreated and fired for illegal reasons.

Were you wrongfully terminated from your position at a Domino’s Pizza location? Or, maybe you are the victim of unfair treatment, such as unpaid wages, demotions, or denial of work privileges or work opportunities. Based on the circumstances, you may have grounds to sue Domino’s Pizza and receive compensation for the losses you’ve suffered. To schedule a free case consultation with a California labor law attorney, please give us a call.

The Legal Definition of Wrongful Termination

A worker can be fired from their job for an unfair reason, but that alone isn’t enough to make you eligible for a wrongful termination lawsuit against Domino’s. Your right to sue depends on whether your employer violated the laws concerning unlawful termination, which exist at the state and federal level. Most cases of wrongful termination involve discrimination based on a specific characteristic, such as:

  • Age
  • Race
  • Nationality
  • Pregnancy / maternity status
  • Religious beliefs
  • Veteran status
  • Gender
  • Disability
  • Medical condition (HIV status, genetic information, etc.)
  • Political beliefs

If you are being discriminated against by your co-workers or supervisors, you have the right to file a complaint with Human Resources or the California Labor Commission. The law entitles you to a complaint without fear of retaliation by your employer. However, it’s an unfortunate reality that many workers who are brave enough to come forward end up being fired from their job. If you have been wrongfully terminated by Domino’s, it may seem like there’s nothing you can do. But we urge you to contact us and learn about your legal options from an employee discrimination lawsuit attorney. Our lawyers are more than ready for the challenge of representing you and recovering maximum payment from a Domino’s Pizza wrongful termination lawsuit.

Domino’s Pizza Wrongful Termination and Discrimination Lawsuit Attorney - California Labor Law Employment Attorneys Group (2)

Wages and Hours Violations by Domino’s Pizza

In the previous section, we discussed the role of discrimination in a case of unlawful treatment in the workplace. However, there is another important issue that may be at the center of why you were fired from your job at Dominos. Disputes over payment, i.e., wages and hours violations, occur frequently at fast food and takeout restaurants. A franchise owner, for example, may try to discourage bathroom breaks among their employees by making them clock out for this time. This is illegal under California law, and affected employees can file a complaint with the state labor department or their Human Resources manager.

If your employer retaliates by firing you from your job, you can take legal action through a wrongful termination lawsuit. Our unlawful treatment in the workplace lawyers can explain this process to you in detail during a free case review at our office.

Second Opinion from a Lawyer Experienced in Wrongful Termination Lawsuits

A second opinion from a legal professional is similar to seeing another doctor when you need advice on a medical treatment or diagnosis. Instead of medical advice, this is an opportunity to speak to a lawyer about any concerns you have regarding your case, like whether you should accept a settlement offer or why it’s taking so long to resolve your lawsuit. After a free case review, we will make recommendations that can help you achieve a favorable outcome, but there’s no obligation to take any action based on our advice. To take advantage of a free second opinion, please take a moment to contact our law firm.

Potential Case Value for a Domino’s Pizza Wrongful Termination Lawsuit

If you’ve been unjustly terminated from your position at Domino’s Pizza, it’s important to figure out what you can potentially receive from a wrongful termination lawsuit. Most of our clients ask us right away for an average case value on these lawsuits, but there’s no simple answer to this question. Depending on the losses you’ve sustained, a possible compensation award may be in the range of $10,000 to over $100,000 or more. We’ve even recovered payments of $1 million or more in cases of extreme discrimination and retaliation.

The takeaway here is that case values are determined by many factors, including the sum of all your available damages, which may include:

  • Reimbursement for lost income, such as back and front pay, value of lost benefits like PTO.
  • Medical expenses
  • Loss of professional reputation (due to defamation / slander)
  • Pain and suffering
  • Cost of hiring an attorney
  • Punitive damages

Timeline to Settle a Case of Wrongful Termination

So, now we come to another question that’s probably on your mind: how long will it take to settle my case? Achieving a settlement that’s adequate for the harm you’ve suffered can take considerable time and effort, depending on many factors that we can’t anticipate ahead of time. For some claimants, a fair amount of compensation can be negotiated with their employer in just a few months. Other former Domino’s employees take their chances in court, which means it may be two or more years before their case is resolved. There’s no doubt that the legal process can be frustrating when you are fighting for the funds you are entitled to. However, our lawyers are with you every step of the way, whether you have questions about your case or need reassurance that we’re on the right track to a successful outcome.

Statute of Limitations – Deadline to File a Lawsuit against Domino’s Pizza

Even with the most compelling evidence, your right to sue Domino’s Pizza can be taken away if you don’t file your lawsuit within the statute of limitations for a wrongful termination complaint. This time period, which normally begins on the date of termination, can be anywhere from 2 to 4 years. The specific law or public policy that your employer violated by firing you will determine how long you have to file a lawsuit. To figure out the filing deadline that applies to your situation, contact us to speak with a Domino’s Pizza wrongful termination and discrimination lawyer.

California Lawyer with Experience in Employee Discrimination Cases

Illegal firings may seem like a thing of the past with all the laws that are in place to protect workers. Unfortunately, these instances are extremely common in the restaurant industry, which tends to undervalue and mistreat their employees. But you don’t have to put up with unfair treatment in the workplace when you have our legal experts on your side.

California Labor Law Employment Attorneys Group has been fighting for the rights of restaurant and fast food industry workers for many years. We understand what it takes to win these cases and bring our clients the settlement they deserve from a lawsuit for wrongful termination. No matter how much work is involved, you will never pay a single penny in legal fees, thanks to the Zero Fee Guarantee. The cost of representation is covered by Domino’s and paid to us at the same time you receive your settlement. That means we only get paid by winning your case – guaranteed.

For a free case evaluation on your rights and legal options, contact our office as soon as possible.

FAQs

What is the average settlement for wrongful termination in California? ›

While the average settlement for wrongful termination cases in California is around $40,000, the average value of a court verdict in wrongful termination cases is slightly larger, around $45,000 (but do keep in mind that attorney fees for legal representation in a wrongful termination trial will skyrocket, too).

What should I ask for in a discrimination settlement? ›

Receiving compensation for past or future lost earnings. Reinstatement as an employee. Promotion. Policy changes in the workplace and/or additional trainings to be provided by the workplace.

Are there any defenses to a discrimination claim? ›

Defenses to discrimination claims vary depending on the law at issue. Generally, there is a defense if the employer had a legitimate non-discriminatory motive for the conduct. For instance, an employee may have been passed over for promotion because others were more qualified.

What qualifies for wrongful termination in California? ›

Under California law, employers can be sued for wrongful termination for firing employees who are exercising their legal rights, duties, or acting out of obligation to the greater public. This happens when a worker is fired for: refusing to violate a statute. performing a statutory obligation.

What is the most pay for wrongful termination? ›

Every case is unique. Generally, however, workers who succeed in a wrongful termination case tend to receive an amount of compensation between $5,000 and $100,000. There are numerous factors that can impact the amount of damages suffered by the worker.

Can you get attorneys fees for wrongful termination in California? ›

In many types of employment cases you can also win your attorney's fees (your attorney's hourly rate x the number of hours he/she worked on the case). Unfortunately, wrongful termination law does not provide for recovery of attorney's fees.

What are the chances of winning a discrimination case? ›

EEOC cases can be challenging, but you are best equipped to win with experienced legal representation. 95% of EEOC district court cases are successful.

How hard is it to prove discrimination? ›

However, discrimination is a state of mind and, therefore, notoriously hard to prove. Sophisticated employers are well aware that discrimination is illegal. Thus, most cases are established through circumstantial evidence.

How do you negotiate a good settlement? ›

The following guidelines can help you settle out of court and reach creative, mutually beneficial resolutions to your disputes, with or without lawyers at the table.
  1. Make sure the process is perceived to be fair. ...
  2. Identify interests and tradeoffs. ...
  3. Insist on decision analysis. ...
  4. Reduce discovery costs.
Apr 10, 2023

Who has the burden of proof in a discrimination lawsuit? ›

An employment discrimination lawsuit is adjudicated in civil courts. This means that the plaintiff, in such cases, the employee, has the burden of proof. In other words, he or she must show evidence that there was discrimination in the workplace.

What is the best employer defense in a discrimination case? ›

The Best Defense Is a Good Offense
  • Be Clear and Write it Out. The very first thing that employers should do is take the time to develop comprehensive policies regarding workplace discrimination. ...
  • Training. ...
  • Follow Your Own Rules. ...
  • Document Everything. ...
  • Valid Business Purpose. ...
  • Non-Discriminatory Motive. ...
  • Employer Did Not Know.
Jun 12, 2021

What is the most common defense against discrimination charges? ›

Common Defenses in Employment Discrimination and Harassment Cases. One of the most commonly asserted defenses against an employment discrimination claim is that the employer lacked a discriminatory motive.

How do I fight wrongful termination in California? ›

How to File a Wrongful Termination Lawsuit in California
  1. Determine if you have a case. ...
  2. Speak with an employment attorney who is licensed to practice in California. ...
  3. File a Formal Complaint Against your Employer. ...
  4. Prove That Your Termination Was Unlawful. ...
  5. Seek Damages for Your Wrongful Termination.
Mar 16, 2023

How do I defend myself against wrongful termination? ›

How can I protect myself from wrongful termination?
  1. Be a great employee. I know, this one seems obvious. ...
  2. Save documents and communications. Save letters, memos, performance evaluations, emails, text messages, and other types of documents and communications. ...
  3. Put it in writing. ...
  4. Were you wrongfully terminated?
Sep 23, 2019

How long can you sue for wrongful termination in CA? ›

The statute of limitations is the official deadline for taking legal action. In the state of California, the statute of limitations for wrongful termination is two years from the date of the termination.

Is wrongful termination settlement taxable? ›

Yes. The tax system starts with the basic premise that “All income is taxable, unless specifically excluded.” This includes settlements and damages from employment cases.

What is the landmark case for wrongful discharge? ›

McDonnell Douglas Corp. v. Green
McDonnell Douglas v. Green
Supreme Court of the United States
Argued March 28, 1973 Decided May 14, 1973
Full case nameMcDonnell Douglas Corp. v. Green
Citations411 U.S. 792 (more) 93 S. Ct. 1817; 36 L. Ed. 2d 668
9 more rows

What is front pay? ›

Front pay is money awarded for lost compensation that usually occurs in employment discrimination or anti-retaliation cases. It is measured from the date of the trial onward until the court comes to a decision.

How much do lawyers take from settlement in California? ›

Most California Personal Injury Lawyers set their contingency fees at approximately 33 percent (or a third of the total settlement awarded). However, this percentage can change depending on who you talk to and what your agreements are. Sometimes, the fee could be half the California personal injury settlement award.

Can you get punitive damages for wrongful termination California? ›

Unlike the other forms of damages we discuss above, punitive damages are not designed to compensate the wrongfully discharged employee for any harms or expenses. Instead, they are designed solely to punish the employer for egregious wrongdoing.

What is the attorney fees for workers compensation in California? ›

15% of Any Money Benefits Awarded by the Judge

Any benefits awarded by the workers' compensation judge could include an award of a 15% attorney fee. Without going into too much detail here, lawyers are generally not entitled to 15% attorney fee for temporary disability money voluntarily paid to the injured worker.

Is it hard to win a discrimination lawsuit? ›

The chances of winning your discrimination case can vary dramatically depending on the particular circumstances you face. When a lot of evidence has accumulated against your employer, such as emails and history of discriminatory remarks in front of multiple witnesses, your chances of winning a lawsuit are higher.

How do you win an employment discrimination case? ›

In order to win your employment discrimination case, you need to prove that you've been treated differently from other employees. Inequal treatment could be in the form of adverse employment action, for example, termination, demotion, reduction of a salary or transfer to an unfavorable location.

What is direct evidence of discrimination? ›

Direct evidence is evidence that, if true, directly proves a fact. For example, an email from the contractor's director instructing supervisors not to hire women into certain jobs or a statement by a manager that “we don't hire women here” would constitute direct evidence of discrimination against women.

What are the examples of employment discrimination? ›

Harassment by managers, co-workers, or others in your workplace, because of your race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, disability, age (age 40 or older), or genetic information.

What is the statute of limitations on employment discrimination in California? ›

You have just one (1) year from the date that you've been harassed, discriminated, or retaliated against to file an administrative complaint of discrimination with the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing.

What are the employment discrimination laws in California? ›

California fair employment laws prohibit discrimination on the basis of race (including hair texture/style), sex, pregnancy, childbirth, and medical conditions related to pregnancy and childbirth, age (40 and over), ancestry, color, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), denial of FMLA ...

What would be a good settlement? ›

A good settlement offer should not only be able to cover your hospital bills and legal fees, but it should also be equivalent to close to a years' worth of your current wages, especially in cases where your injuries may be permanent or cause some kind of disability.

How much should I ask for a settlement? ›

To get a general idea of settlement, add up the costs in medical bills, damages, and lost wages, and multiply the sum by three. This may be around the amount in the settlement you can receive after a car accident. Compensation for pain and suffering is only given to those who are injured in a car accident.

What party has the burden of proof in a lawsuit? ›

In most cases, the plaintiff (the party bringing the claim) has the burden of proof. As an initial matter, they must meet the burden of production. This requires the plaintiff to put forth evidence in the form of witness testimony, documents, or objects.

What are the two ways to prove discrimination? ›

There are two types of evidence that can be used to prove discrimination: direct and circumstantial.

What is the burden of proof required in a civil lawsuit __________________________? ›

In civil cases, the plaintiff has the burden of proving their case by a preponderance of the evidence, which means the plaintiff merely needs to show that the fact in dispute is more likely than not.

What two defenses are available to employers defending? ›

The correct answer is A) BFOQ and business necessity

Employers can use bona fide occupational qualifications and business necessity as defenses to save themselves against any discrimination charge against employees.

What are three examples of discrimination protection? ›

Applicants, employees and former employees are protected from employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age (40 or older), disability and genetic information (including family medical history).

What are three defenses available to the employer in employment discrimination cases? ›

Common Employer Defenses to Harassment & Discrimination Claims
  • Discrimination Defense: The Employer Had a Non-Discriminatory Motive. ...
  • Discrimination Defense: The Rule or Policy Advanced a Business Purpose. ...
  • Harassment Defense: The Employee Welcomed the Conduct. ...
  • Harassment Defense: The Employer Didn't Know.
Apr 14, 2020

What are unfair acts of discrimination? ›

Unfair discrimination occurs when an employer shows favour, prejudice or bias for or against a person on a prohibited ground, including a person's race, gender, sex, pregnancy, marital status, family responsibility, ethnic or social origin, colour, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, HIV status, conscience, ...

What are the two types of unlawful discrimination? ›

Types of Discrimination
  • Age Discrimination.
  • Disability Discrimination.
  • Sexual Orientation.
  • Status as a Parent.
  • Religious Discrimination.
  • National Origin.
  • Pregnancy.
  • Sexual Harassment.

Does the EEOC get you money? ›

If the EEOC finds that I was discriminated against, what can I get? If the EEOC finds discrimination, we will work with your employer to fix the situation. You could receive money damages as part of that process. We also can seek promotions, reinstatement, and other workplace changes for you.

What is the average payout for wrongful termination in California? ›

While the average settlement for wrongful termination cases in California is around $40,000, the average value of a court verdict in wrongful termination cases is slightly larger, around $45,000 (but do keep in mind that attorney fees for legal representation in a wrongful termination trial will skyrocket, too).

How much do wrongful termination cases settled for California? ›

Wrongful Termination Settlement in California. Wrongful termination settlement range from $10,000 to $1,000,000. There is no “average” settlement for wrongful termination. The settlement amount depends on many factors, such as wage lost wage, lost benefits, and the reason for the termination.

How much is a wrongful termination case worth in California? ›

A wrongful termination claim in California can be settled for as little as $10,000 while more comprehensive cases can result in multi-million dollar verdicts.

How long do I have to sue a company after a wrongful termination California? ›

You have two (2) years to file most claims for wrongful termination or retaliation, Two (2) years to sue for breach of an oral contract, Two (2) years to file a claim accusing your employer of outrageous workplace conduct aimed at causing you emotional distress.

Is a wrongful termination settlement taxable in California? ›

Otherwise, the entire settlement amount will be considered wage income and subject to employment taxes and withholding. In general, you should file Form 1099-MISC as soon as you receive your settlement. In general, a wrongful termination settlement is taxable, except if the money covers medical expenses or lost wages.

What is the statute of limitations for misclassification in California? ›

Misclassification Lawsuits' Statute of Limitations

Individuals have only three years from the date of the most recent infringement to file a California wage and hour complaint against a corporation. If the employee has a lawsuit against the employer for a breach of contract, the statute of limitations is four years.

How to file a complaint against an employer for wrongful termination California? ›

Call the LETF Public hotline anytime: 855 297 5322. Complete the Online Form / Spanish Form. Email us at letf@dir.ca.gov.

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