Understanding Wrongful Termination Laws in California
Category: Wrongful Termination | Published: January 15, 2024
Wrongful Termination in California
California is an at-will employment state, but important exceptions protect workers from wrongful termination.
What is Wrongful Termination?
It's illegal to terminate an employee for:
- Discrimination: Based on protected characteristics
- Retaliation: For reporting illegal activity or exercising legal rights
- Breach of Contract: Violating employment contract terms
- Public Policy Violations: Firing for refusing illegal acts or performing legal duties
Protected Activities
California law protects employees who:
- File complaints about workplace safety or discrimination
- Take family or medical leave
- Serve on jury duty
- Whistleblow on illegal practices
- Discuss wages with coworkers
Signs of Wrongful Termination
Consider consulting an attorney if:
- You were fired after reporting harassment
- You were terminated after requesting disability accommodations
- Your employer gave inconsistent termination reasons
- You were fired after filing workers' comp
What to Do
- Document everything
- File complaints with DFEH or EEOC
- Consult an employment attorney
- Act quickly - strict deadlines apply
Available Damages
Successful claims may recover:
- Back pay and lost wages
- Future lost earnings
- Emotional distress damages
- Punitive damages
- Attorney's fees
Gold Coast Counsel represents San Diego employees on contingency - you pay nothing unless we win. Contact us for a free evaluation.