If you were fired illegally from your job in California, you may be able to pursue a wrongful termination claim against your place of employment. Laws are in place to protect workers from inappropriate actions and behaviors, so if you were terminated illegally, such as an act of discrimination or as an act of retaliation, laws are in place to protect you.
Laws That Protect You from Wrongful Termination in California
Federal laws are in place to prohibit discrimination. In some cases, these laws can also be used to protect workers from being victims of wrongful termination. California is an at-will employment state. This means that unless you have a contract stating otherwise, you or your employer could terminate the working relationship at any time for any reason, or for no reason, just so long as the termination is not considered unlawful.
Federal laws prohibit discrimination based on race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity. If your termination is an act of discrimination, you have grounds for a claim. Also, if there is an employment contract, those provisions must be followed and adhered to. The California Fair Housing and Employment Act (CFEHA) also comes into play.
FEHA offers the following protections:
- Opposes workplace bullying, job discrimination, or an employer's refusal to provide a pregnant employee with the necessary leave for a family
- Makes a complaint concerning discrimination or harassment
- Provides support or testimony in any FEHA-related proceeding
- Requests modifications at work because of their disability or their desire to observe their religion
Is California an At-Will State?
Yes, California is an at-will state. Being at-will means that either you or your employer could terminate your employment relationship for any reason. You could be terminated for no reason. If your employer is violating laws when they terminate you, like if they fire you because of your sexual orientation or race, then it is wrongful termination.
How To File A Wrongful Termination Claim In California
If you suffered California wrongful termination, there is a statute of limitations for pursuing a claim against your employer. Any documentation or evidence to back up your claim must be gathered to support your claim. Consult with an employment law attorney who handles wrongful termination claims, so you can ensure everything is handled properly. Promptly report the incident to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the appropriate state agency.
The EEOC or state will investigate your allegations, and if a resolution is not reached, you will be given a right to sue. This is a letter indicating they believe you have reason to pursue a lawsuit against your employer for wrongful termination. If you are given this right, you must file your lawsuit in a timely manner.
Get A Free Case Evaluation Today
If you suffered wrongful termination in California, you should consult with an employment law attorney who handles wrongful termination claims. Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form to share the details of your wrongful termination with a lawyer who represents victims of California wrongful termination.
