Wrongfully Terminated Scientist Reaches Settlement
Nearly a decade ago, Sherry Chen, a Chinese-American scientist, was an employee of the National Weather Service when false accusations of espionage resulted in the loss of her job.
In 2014, the FBI arrested Chen, charging her with espionage. Specifically, the FBI claimed that Chen had illegally accessed a government database with the intention of stealing information about American dams to share them with Chinese scientists.
Chen was guilty of no such crime. When the matter was investigated further, it was determined that Chen had merely used a shared password that numerous coworkers also used to access the database for work purposes.
The Justice Department dropped its case against Chen accordingly. However, her employer still fired her.
Chen initially responded by filing a wrongful termination grievance with the Merit Systems Protection Board. This body is involved in handling various employment cases for federal employees.
Chen won her case. However, the Commerce Department appealed. Due to staffing shortages at the MSPB, the appeal did not move forward for several years.
This prompted Chen to file a civil suit in 2019. Because her wrongful termination case was moving slowly, she technically filed a suit against the US government for false arrest and malicious prosecution. It’s noteworthy, though, that said arrest and prosecution directly resulted in the loss of Chen’s job.
Finally, after years of fighting for justice, Chen has arrived at a historic settlement. She is to receive $550,000 immediately. Over the next 10 years, she will receive additional payments adding up to $1.25 million, for a total settlement of $1.75 million. According to Chen’s lawyers, the Commerce Department will also provide an official letter recognizing her qualifications as a professional. This letter may serve as both a symbolic apology and a practical means of helping Chen secure employment in the future, should she ever struggle to do so.
Wrongful Termination Can Have Major Consequences
Although the story technically has a “happy ending,” stories such as this serve as a reminder that qualified and dedicated employees can face significant hardship if they lose their jobs. This is particularly true if they’re fired for discriminatory reasons.
These types of stories also indicate that virtually any type of employer can be guilty of wrongful termination. While we often assume that private employers will be most inclined to allow bias to negatively impact their judgment when deciding to terminate employees, it’s clear that even the government can fire employees without having proper justification for doing so.
Hopefully, you will never lose your job because an employer fired you for illegal reasons. That said, it’s important to be aware of your legal rights in case this ever does occur. If you’re a Wrongfully Terminated Scientist, you may be eligible for compensation, reinstatement to your job, or both.
Do you believe you have a valid case against an employer who fired you for improper reasons? Review your case with a lawyer if so. At Azadian Law Group, PC, a Los Angeles wrongful termination attorney will help you navigate the legal process. Learn more by contacting us online or calling us at 213-229-9031.
Categories
- Fair Pay
- Workers' Rights
- Employment
- Equal Pay Laws & Issues
- Wage & Hour Violations
- Hostile Work Environment
- Sexual Harassment
- Awards
- Disability Discrimination
- Retaliation
- Race Discrimination
- FMLA
- Wrongful Termination
- Disability Leave
- Labor & Employment
- Pregnancy Discrimination
- Consumer & Class Actions
- unpaid overtime
- Age Discrimination
- Whistleblowing & Retaliation
- Discrimination
Why Choose Azadian Law Group?
Azadian Law Group is highly regarded as one of the best wrongful termination lawyers in Los Angeles. Due to our proven success and results that very few employment lawyers have obtained, we are able to bring significant leverage to the negotiating table.
Schedule Your Free Consultation NowRelated Blog Posts
Navigating the workplace can be challenging, especially for employees who have disabilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was established...
Read MoreExperiencing wrongful termination can be a stressful and challenging ordeal. If you believe you were unlawfully terminated from your job...
Read MoreFacing wrongful termination during a probationary period can be a disheartening experience for any employee. The uncertainty and frustration that...
Read MoreTypes of Employment Cases We Handle in Los Angeles, CA
The following presents an overview of the broad range of employment law cases that our employment attorneys are experienced at overseeing and favorably resolving.
Wrongful Termination
Wrongful Termination Lawyers in Los Angeles, CA Attorneys at Azadian Law Group who have filed wrongful termination lawsuits acknowledge that unfair termination can significantly impact an employee’s life. It can…
Age Discrimination
Age Discrimination Lawyers in Los Angeles, CA Azadian Law Group, PC regularly represents clients throughout Los Angeles, CA, who are the victims of age discrimination in the workplace. At Azadian…
Pregnancy Discrimination
Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyer in Los Angeles, CA At Azadian Law Group, PC, our pregnancy discrimination lawyer in Los Angeles, regularly represents clients who are the victims of pregnancy discrimination in…
Sexual Harassment
Sexual Harassment Attorney in Los Angeles, CA The Los Angeles Sexual Harassment Lawyers at Azadian Law Group, PC know that in today’s modern era some people often make the mistake…
Racial Discrimination
Racial Discrimination Lawyers in Los Angeles, CA Azadian Law Group, PC regularly represents clients throughout Los Angeles who are the victims of racial discrimination at work. The Los Angeles Race…
Disability Discrimination
Disability Discrimination Attorneys in Los Angeles, CA There is a misconception that disabled people do not want to work or that disabled individuals simply cannot or will not be as…
Praise from Our Clients
AS
JA
OM
AC
TA
AG
MZ
1ศม
DG
RT
N
M
MM
JJ
KM
VB
SR
CG
JL
NS
CW
KG
ES
SL
TR
GA
CA
MH
PG
JA
S
GN
LD(
AA
CA
MM
AW
A
JJ
DB
DA
SM
KK
PW
MJ
CP
SS
WR
DM
PD
PP
AF
PZ
AJ
GC
KD
AO
AC
A“TH
LS
TP
JG
RS
L
RK
D
SD
KN
HM
RM
KM
LAL
QT
BS
KJ
RM
VM
W
JS
DP
TP
KW
SD
HLC
KR
TM
DNG
CF
SM
GA
SM
PD
GC
LS
SS
YU
TCG
VV
AA
SC
PC
VS
DV
MS
LA
EC
MP
SS
RC
MS
Who We Represent
At Azadian Law Group, we are dedicated to upholding the rights and interests of employees in the workplace. Our expertise in employment law positions us as staunch advocates for those facing unjust treatment in their professional environments.
Whether combating workplace discrimination, addressing unfair termination, or negotiating equitable compensation, our team is committed to ensuring that every employee we represent is treated fairly and respectfully under the law.
Step 1
Explore our comprehensive range of legal services to find the specialized support you need.
Step 2
Arrange a free initial meeting with our experts to discuss your legal situation.
Step 3
Receive a custom strategy specially created for your case by our legal experts.
Call Us Now 213-229-9031
Tell Us Your Story
Speak out for justice. Your story can be the start of a new chapter of workplace fairness.