Were you fired for an illegal reason? Wilshire Law Firm — an award-winning, nationally recognized team — helps California employees hold employers accountable for unlawful termination and recover lost wages and damages. Contact us 24/7 for a free case review with a legal professional — there are no fees unless you get paid.
What Is Wrongful Termination in California?
Wrongful termination happens when an employer fires an employee for a reason that violates state or federal law. Although California is an at-will employment state — meaning either party can generally end the relationship at any time — that right has firm limits. It is unlawful to fire someone in retaliation for reporting harassment or discrimination, because of a protected characteristic (such as race, sex, age, disability, religion, or national origin), for requesting protected medical or family leave, or for refusing to take part in illegal activity. If any of these apply to your firing, a legal professional can review your situation during a free case review.
What Are Your Legal Rights After Being Wrongfully Fired?
Employees who are illegally terminated in California generally have several avenues for relief. You may file a complaint with the appropriate agency — such as the California Civil Rights Department (CRD, formerly the DFEH) or the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) — and pursue a civil claim for damages. Recoverable damages commonly include lost wages and benefits, emotional distress, and in some cases punitive damages. Because the right path depends on your facts, it helps to speak with a legal professional early. Learn more about your protections in California employment law.
What Compensation Can You Recover in a Wrongful Termination Case?
Wrongfully terminated employees in California can often recover both economic and non-economic damages. These commonly include back pay and front pay (lost past and future earnings), lost benefits, emotional distress, and attorney’s fees and costs where the law allows. When an employer’s conduct is especially malicious or oppressive, punitive damages may also be available. Every case is unique, so a legal professional can review your losses during a free case review.
What Laws Protect California Employees From Wrongful Termination?
Several overlapping laws protect California workers. The Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA, Government Code §12940) prohibits termination based on protected characteristics and retaliation for opposing discrimination or harassment. Labor Code §1102.5 protects whistleblowers who report suspected legal violations. The California Family Rights Act (CFRA) and the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) protect qualifying medical and family leave. Terminations that violate a fundamental public policy — recognized in Tameny v. Atlantic Richfield Co. — can also support a claim. A legal professional can identify which protections fit your case. Related help: workplace retaliation and disability discrimination.
How Long Do You Have to File a Wrongful Termination Claim in California?
Deadlines vary by the type of claim, so acting early matters. For FEHA claims, employees generally have three years to file a complaint with the CRD (per AB 9, effective 2020), and generally one year from a right-to-sue notice to file a lawsuit. A wrongful termination claim based on public policy generally has a two-year deadline under California Code of Civil Procedure §335.1. Federal EEOC deadlines can be much shorter — often 300 days in California. Because missing a deadline can end your case, it’s best to speak with a legal professional as soon as possible.
Do You Handle Wrongful Termination in Oregon and Washington?
Yes. Beyond California, Wilshire Law Firm’s employment team also represents workers in Oregon and Washington. The core principle holds across all three states — you cannot be fired for an illegal reason such as discrimination, retaliation, or refusing to break the law — but each state has its own statutes, agencies, and filing deadlines. If you were wrongfully terminated in the Pacific Northwest, a legal professional can review your options during a free case review. Learn more on our Oregon wrongful termination and Washington wrongful termination pages.
How Do I Know If I Was Wrongfully Terminated in California?
You may have a wrongful termination claim if your firing was motivated by an illegal reason rather than a lawful business one. Illegal reasons generally include discrimination based on a protected characteristic, retaliation for reporting harassment, discrimination, or unsafe conditions, taking legally protected medical or family leave, or refusing to break the law. Because California is an at-will state, the key question is proving the real motive behind your termination — through timing, documents, and witness accounts. California deadlines apply, so contact Wilshire Law Firm’s employment attorneys for a free case evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a wrongful termination lawyer cost at Wilshire Law Firm?
Nothing upfront. We handle wrongful termination cases on contingency, which means there are no fees unless you get paid. Your initial case review with a legal professional is always free. Learn more about contingency fees.
Isn’t California an at-will state, so can’t my employer fire me for any reason?
Generally, at-will employment lets either side end the relationship at any time — but not for an illegal reason. Firing someone because of a protected characteristic, in retaliation for a protected activity, or for refusing to break the law is unlawful even in an at-will state. A legal professional can review whether your firing crossed that line.
How long do I have to file a wrongful termination claim in California?
It depends on the type of claim. FEHA complaints to the California Civil Rights Department generally must be filed within three years, with generally one year to sue after a right-to-sue notice. Public-policy claims generally have a two-year deadline under CCP §335.1, and federal EEOC deadlines are often shorter. Because deadlines vary, it’s wise to talk to a legal professional promptly.
What evidence helps prove a wrongful termination case?
Helpful evidence generally includes emails and text messages, performance reviews, your personnel file, the timing of your firing relative to a complaint or leave request, and statements from coworkers. You do not need to have everything gathered before reaching out — a legal professional can help you identify and preserve what matters during a free case review.
Can I be fired for reporting harassment or discrimination at work?
No. Retaliating against an employee for reporting or opposing harassment or discrimination is illegal under California law, including FEHA. If you were fired after making such a report, that timing can support a retaliation claim. A legal professional can review the details with you. Related: workplace harassment.
How do I get a free case review with a wrongful termination lawyer?
Call us any time — we’re available 24/7 — or request your free case review online. A legal professional will review your termination and explain your options. Remember: no fees unless you get paid.
