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Last Modified on Jul 11, 2026
Wrongful termination occurs when an employee is fired for an unlawful reason, such as for a protected characteristic or for utilizing their legal rights in the workplace. If you suspect that this has happened to you, you can use the wrongful termination law in California to pursue accountability.
With the help of an attorney, you can seek recovery from your employer for violating your right to work and for discriminatory behavior.
Wrongful Termination Laws in California
California is an at-will employment state, meaning employers can fire workers for any lawful reason. However, this does not mean that they can fire someone for unlawful reasons, such as:
- Exercising their legal rights in the workplace. This can include reporting harassment and discrimination or assisting in an official workplace investigation.
- Doing something required for public safety
- A protected characteristic. These characteristics include pregnancy status, disability status, age, gender, sexuality, and race.
- Refusing to break the law
When someone is fired for exercising their legal rights, it can be classified as retaliation, which is another unlawful workplace act. In 2025, there were 2,926 cases of workplace retaliation throughout California.
If you believe this has happened to you or someone you love, it’s vital to hire a wrongful termination lawyer to help explain the next steps and guide you through your case.
Seeking Damages After Being Wrongfully Terminated in California
If your employer has fired you unlawfully, there are several key steps to take. It’s important to:
- Contact an attorney to discuss your situation and understand your legal rights. Doing this soon after the termination is essential, as the longer you wait, the more difficult it can become to pursue justice.
- File a complaint with California’s Civil Rights Department. In 2022, there were 4,813 civil rights cases pursued by the CRD, making this a common path for justice.
You can file two types of complaints with the CRD. The first type of complaint allows the CRD to launch an investigation into the matter. The second type is filed along with a right-to-sue notice. If you select this option, you and your lawyer can pursue the matter in a courtroom.
However, this also means that the CRD will not investigate the matter, and it will have to be resolved entirely through the legal system. The option you choose depends on your specific circumstances, and your attorney can offer their professional opinion about the steps to take. In 2022, across California, there were 25,961 intakes filed with the CRD, with 12,457 of those including a right-to-sue notice.
If you were wrongfully terminated in California, you may be entitled to recover compensation for the financial and emotional harm caused by your employer’s actions. Depending on the specific circumstances of your case, you may be able to seek damages for lost wages, future lost earnings, emotional distress, lost employment benefits, attorney’s fees, and punitive damages.
Every case is unique, and whether you can recover compensation depends on the facts of your situation and the amount of evidence available. Speak with our team today to find out if you can pursue a legal claim against your employer.
Hire a Wrongful Termination Lawyer
At Fulton Law Corporation, our attorneys are committed to representing wronged workers across California. Mr. Fulton’s goal is to provide supportive advocacy to those who may not understand the entirety of their rights. Our team understands that without workers, businesses would not thrive.
We believe that employees deserve to stand up for their rights when they are wronged. With over 27 years of experience, our team has dedicated their professional careers to bettering their community and fellow Californians.
FAQs
How Can I Prove My Wrongful Termination Was Retaliation?
To prove that your wrongful termination was retaliation, you need to gather as much evidence as possible. Your attorney can assist in this process. Proof can include evidence of your protected characteristic or the lawful activity you engaged in, such as a copy of a report you made about workplace harassment or discrimination against your age. Include copies of the termination notice, timestamped notes of incidents, written communication between you and your employer, and eyewitness testimony from your coworkers.
Can I Be Fired for Taking a Medical Leave in California?
You cannot be fired for taking medical leave in California. If you are, it could be considered unlawful. California employees are protected by the California Family Rights Act and the federal Family and Medical Leave Act. If you qualify for these medical leaves and take the proper steps, your employer cannot legally terminate you. They must instead give you the same job back or a similar role.
Can an Employer Give a False Reason for Firing Me?
Even if your employer tries to give a false reason for firing you, you can still pursue justice with the right evidence. During your termination meeting, try to listen to your gut and look at the full picture. If you are fired shortly after reporting workplace harassment but are being told you are being terminated for poor performance even though you were given no warnings, it could point towards unlawful termination.
Can I Be Terminated for Requesting a Disability Accommodation?
You cannot be terminated for requesting disability accommodation in California. Just requesting accommodation is not a lawful reason for firing someone. If you are, it could count as discrimination, and you can pursue a complaint with California’s Civil Rights Department. However, whether your employer approves the disability accommodation is another matter entirely and relies on the type of work you do.
California Wrongful Termination Attorney
When an employee is wrongfully terminated, it can cause extensive stress and confusion. You shouldn’t have to deal with this by yourself. To take back control of your life, it’s vital to seek help from an experienced attorney. Fulton Law Corporation is here to protect your rights and advocate for you. Contact our team today to schedule a meeting with our attorneys and learn how we can help you during this difficult time.
California Wrongful Termination Resources:
