Wrongful Termination

California is an at-will employment state, but employers may not fire their for illegal reasons, including discrimination, retaliation, whistleblowing, protected medical or family leave, or breach of an employment agreement. 

It is unlawful for an employer to fire an employee because of their religious beliefs, mental or physical disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy. It is unlawful for an employer to fire an employee for exercising their legally protected workplace rights. Including filing a wage theft claim, reporting unsafe conditions, or cooperating with an internal harassment investigation. It is unlawful for an employer to fire an employee for reporting or refusing to participate in an employer’s illegal activities. And it is unlawful for an employer to terminate an employee, from their employment, for requesting or taking law-protected leaves. Including leaves under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the California Family Rights Act (CFRA), or the Pregnancy Disability Leave Law (PDLL).

A termination may be wrongful when the employer’s stated reason—such as poor performance, restructuring, or a sudden policy issue—is a pretext for an unlawful motive. Timing can be important evidence, especially when discipline or termination follows a complaint, request for accommodation, protected leave, or report of illegal conduct.

 If you believe you were wrongfully terminated, preserve documents, emails, texts, performance reviews, pay records, witness information, and a timeline of events, and avoid posting about the dispute on social media.

Discrimination and harassment claims generally require filing a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department within three years. Whistleblower claims are often subject to a three-year filing limit. Public-policy wrongful termination claims generally must be filed within two years. And written contract claims may have a four-year limit. Missing a deadline can bar recovery. 

An experienced California employment attorney can investigate the facts, gather evidence, handle agency filings, and pursue compensation for lost wages, emotional distress, and other available damages. 

If you believe you were unlawfully fired, contact the Law Offices of Ugo O. Asobie. Free Consultation. Wrongful termination cases are handled on contingency.