Wrongful Termination Claims in California

In California, employees are entitled to work in an environment free from unlawful termination practices. Wrongful termination occurs when an employer fires or forces an employee to resign in violation of state or federal laws, or in breach of an employment contract. If you believe you have been wrongfully terminated from your job, it is important to understand your rights and seek legal counsel to ensure you are properly compensated for any damages or losses incurred.

At LCK Law, we are dedicated to protecting your rights in wrongful termination cases. Whether you were fired for an illegal reason, without proper cause, or in violation of a contract or public policy, we are here to help you understand your options and fight for the justice you deserve.

What is Wrongful Termination?

In California, wrongful termination can occur when an employee is fired for reasons that violate state or federal laws, or when the firing breaches an implied or written employment agreement. Common examples of wrongful termination include:

  • Firing in Violation of Employment Laws California employees are protected from termination based on certain protected characteristics. If you were fired because of your:
    • Race, ethnicity, or national origin
    • Gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity
    • Disability or medical condition
    • Pregnancy or childbirth
    • Age (40 or older)
    • Religious beliefs
    • Marital status
    • Military or veteran status

Firing an employee based on any of these characteristics is a violation of both California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

  • Retaliatory Termination If you were fired in retaliation for engaging in legally protected activities, such as:
    • Reporting discrimination, harassment, or illegal activity (whistleblowing)
    • Filing a workers’ compensation claim
    • Taking medical leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) or California’s Paid Family Leave
    • Requesting reasonable accommodations for a disability or religious practice
    • Exercising your right to take protected leave (for jury duty, voting, or military service)

Retaliation is illegal, and if you were fired for asserting any of these rights, you may have a strong wrongful termination claim.

  • Public Policy Violations California law also protects employees from termination that violates public policy. For example, you cannot be fired for:
    • Refusing to engage in illegal activities (such as committing fraud or violating safety laws)
    • Exercising your legal rights (such as filing a complaint about wage theft, health and safety violations, or harassment)
    • Taking time off to vote, serve on a jury, or participate in military service

If your firing violated public policy, you may have grounds for a wrongful termination lawsuit.

  • Violation of Employment Contract If you have a written or implied employment contract that states the terms of your employment or provides assurances of job security, your employer cannot terminate you in violation of the agreement. This may include:
    • Terminating you without just cause, when the contract requires termination only for specific reasons
    • Firing you without proper notice if the contract specifies notice periods or certain conditions for termination
    • Breach of a union agreement if your termination violates terms of a collective bargaining agreement

Signs of Wrongful Termination

There are several red flags that may indicate you have been wrongfully terminated, including:

  • Sudden changes in your employment status without explanation or proper cause
  • Being fired after filing a complaint about workplace discrimination, harassment, or unsafe working conditions
  • Discriminatory comments or actions by your employer prior to termination
  • Lack of prior performance issues or disciplinary warnings
  • Firing for taking legally protected leave or requesting accommodations

If any of these signs resonate with your experience, you may have been wrongfully terminated, and we encourage you to speak with an experienced attorney about your legal options.

How We Can Help

At LCK Law, we understand how devastating wrongful termination can be to both your career and your livelihood. Our legal team has extensive experience handling wrongful termination claims and is dedicated to ensuring that your rights are protected. We will investigate your case thoroughly, gather the evidence needed to support your claim, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

If you have been wrongfully terminated in violation of California law, our attorneys are here to help you understand your rights, evaluate your case, and pursue legal action. You may be entitled to compensation in the form of lost wages and emotional distress damages.

Our team will guide you through every step of the legal process and work hard to secure the best possible outcome for your case. Contact us today for a confidential consultation. Let us help you get the justice and compensation you deserve after a wrongful termination.