Losing your job is stressful enough. But when your employer fires you for an unlawful reason, it becomes more than unfair, it’s a violation of your rights under California and federal law. At West Coast Employment Lawyers, our Los Angeles wrongful termination attorneys represent employees who have been wrongfully terminated and fight to hold employers accountable for their illegal actions.
Our experienced wrongful termination lawyers understand that every case has its own story. Whether you were fired for reporting workplace discrimination, refusing to engage in illegal conduct, or taking medical leave, our legal team will guide you through the legal process, protect your employee rights, and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Call (213) 927-3700 or fill out our confidential contact form to schedule your free consultation.
Why Choose West Coast Employment Lawyers
Hometown Legal Representation
We’re proud to serve the people in our own backyard, because it enables us to provide personalized guidance every step of the way.
Trusted Results, Time After Time
Nearly 1,000 5-star reviews across Facebook, Google, and Yelp, shows our commitment to client satisfaction, time and time again.
A Client-Centered Philosophy
We take the time to understand your situation and deliver the personalized attention you deserve.
Unwavering Advocacy for Your Case
We work tirelessly to hold wrongdoers accountable, so you get the compensation you’re owed.
Risk-Free Representation
Getting legal help shouldn’t add financial stress. We only get paid if we win your case. No exceptions.
What Constitutes Wrongful Termination Under California Law
According to the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), wrongful termination occurs when an employer terminates or retaliates against any employee who:
- Opposes harassment, discrimination or an employer’s failure to grant a valid family or pregnancy leave.
- Files a harassment or discrimination claim.
- Requests an accommodation for a religious belief or observance, or because of a disability.
- Assists in or testifies in any (FEHA) investigation or proceeding.
While California follows at-will employment, meaning an employer can generally terminate an employee for almost any reason, there are strict state and federal laws that protect employees from being fired for unlawful reasons. When an employer violates these laws, the action is considered wrongful termination.
Examples of Wrongful Termination
- Firing someone for reporting wage and hour violations
- Retaliation after filing a sexual harassment or discrimination complaint
- Terminating an employee for requesting medical leave or pregnancy accommodations
- Dismissing a worker because of age discrimination, disability discrimination, or national origin
- Letting someone go for refusing to participate in illegal conduct
If your former employer engaged in any of these acts, you may have a valid claim for wrongful termination.
Common Wrongful Termination Claims
Discrimination
The Fair Employment and Housing Act and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) prohibit firing an employee because of their race, religion, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, or other protected class.
If your employer terminated you for any of these reasons, you can bring a wrongful termination claim under both state and federal laws.
Retaliation
It is illegal for an employer to fire employees for standing up for their rights. This includes retaliation for:
- Reporting workplace discrimination or sexual harassment
- Filing a workers’ compensation claim
- Reporting wage theft or hour violations
- Participating in a government investigation
- Refusing to engage in illegal conduct
These are classic examples of retaliatory termination, which California law and the California Labor Code §1102.5 specifically prohibit employers from doing.
Whistleblowing
Employees who report unlawful employment practices or safety violations are protected under whistleblower laws. If an employer fires you for exposing their misconduct, you may have grounds for a wrongful termination lawsuit.
WCEL’s experienced employment attorneys have extensive experience handling these cases, ensuring employees receive legal representation backed by evidence and strategy.
Public Policy Violations
A wrongful discharge may occur when a company terminates an employee for reasons that violate public policy, such as:
- Refusing to commit illegal acts
- Performing a legal duty like serving on a jury
- Exercising your employee’s legal rights, like taking protected leave
- Reporting safety hazards or unlawful deductions in pay
These terminations are illegal under California law and entitle workers to financial compensation and punitive damages.
Constructive Discharge or Constructive Termination
Sometimes, an employer doesn’t outright fire an employee instead, they make working conditions unbearable, forcing the employee to quit. This is called constructive discharge or constructive termination.
Tactics can include:
- Creating a hostile work environment
- Demoting or isolating employees after a complaint
- Cutting pay or hours unfairly
- Ignoring workplace safety or harassment reports
If you were wrongfully terminated in this way, our employment law attorneys can prove your employer violated your rights by making your resignation unavoidable.
Wrongful Termination Due to Leave Violations
Under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the California Family Rights Act (CFRA), eligible employees have a right to take job-protected leave for qualifying medical or family reasons.
If an employer terminates you for taking leave or requesting accommodations, that may constitute wrongful termination under both federal and state laws.
Wrongful Termination Damages You Can Recover
When you win a wrongful termination case, compensation may include:
- Back pay and future wages
- Lost wages and benefits
- Emotional distress damages
- Punitive damages for intentional misconduct
- Attorney fees and legal fees
- Severance pay and other contractual benefits
Our law firm fights to recover every dollar you’ve lost and ensure your legal rights are upheld.
Proving a Wrongful Termination Claim
To build a strong wrongful termination lawsuit, evidence matters. Our employment law attorneys collect:
- Texts, emails, and HR communications
- Performance reviews before and after the alleged incident
- Witness statements from coworkers
- Payroll records, including pay stubs, overtime pay, and unpaid wages
- Medical or leave documentation under the medical leave act
We analyze every detail to establish that your employer violated the law and that your termination was based on retaliation, discrimination, or another unlawful reason.
Free Consultation With a Los Angeles Wrongful Termination Lawyer
From downtown to Santa Monica, to San Diego to San Francisco our Los Angeles wrongful termination lawyers represent clients throughout Los Angeles County and greater California. We have successfully handled wrongful termination claims involving corporations, small businesses, and public entities alike.
If you believe you were wrongfully terminated, don’t wait to assert your rights. Speak with a Los Angeles wrongful termination lawyer from West Coast Employment Lawyers today.
Call (213) 927-3700 or fill out our confidential contact form to schedule your free consultation.
We’ll review your situation, explain your rights under California law, and fight tirelessly to recover your lost wages and the justice you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wrongful Termination Claims
What Is The Legal Process for Filing a Wrongful Termination Lawsuit?
The claims process typically begins with filing a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or the California Civil Rights Department (formerly DFEH). Once administrative remedies are exhausted, your case can proceed to civil court.
Our experienced wrongful termination attorneys guide you through each step, from gathering documentation to negotiating settlements and preparing for trial when needed.
What Are the Odds of Winning a Wrongful Termination Lawsuit?
The odds of winning a wrongful termination lawsuit depend on the strength of the evidence and the reason for termination. Employees tend to have stronger cases when they can show they were fired for an illegal reason, such as discrimination, retaliation, or whistleblowing.
Helpful evidence can include emails, performance reviews, witness statements, and proof that the employer violated state or federal law. An experienced employment lawyer can evaluate your case and determine whether you have a strong chance of success.
What Qualifies as Wrongful Termination in California?
California is an “at-will” employment state, but employers cannot fire workers for illegal reasons. Wrongful termination may occur if you were fired because of:
- Discrimination based on race, gender, age, disability, religion, pregnancy, or sexual orientation
- Retaliation for reporting harassment, wage violations, or unsafe working conditions
- Whistleblowing on illegal activity
- Taking protected leave (such as FMLA or CFRA leave)
- Refusing to participate in unlawful conduct
- Violations of an employment contract or implied agreement
If your termination falls into one of these categories, it may be considered wrongful under California law.
How Much Does a Lawyer Cost to Sue for Wrongful Termination?
Many wrongful termination lawyers in California work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you do not pay upfront legal fees. Instead, your lawyer only gets paid if they win or settle your case, typically taking a percentage of the recovery. Some attorneys may charge hourly or flat fees depending on the situation, but most employees can pursue a claim without paying out-of-pocket costs at the start.
Is It Worth Suing for Wrongful Termination?
It may be worth suing if your termination caused significant financial or emotional harm and was based on illegal conduct. A successful claim may allow you to recover:
- Lost wages and benefits
- Future lost earnings
- Emotional distress damages
- Punitive damages (in some cases)
- Attorney’s fees and legal costs
Beyond compensation, filing a lawsuit can also hold employers accountable and help prevent similar misconduct against other workers.
Should I Tell My Employer I’m Going to Sue Them?
In most cases, it is not a good idea to tell your employer you plan to sue before speaking with a lawyer. Doing so may lead to retaliation, destroyed evidence, or attempts to pressure you into signing an unfair settlement agreement. An employment attorney can advise you on the best strategy and handle communications with your employer or their legal team on your behalf.
