An employer may claim your termination was justified, but that does not make it lawful. If you believe you were fired for an illegal reason, contact our Torrance employment lawyers by calling (949) 379-6250 or message us online for a free consultation to review your case.

Why Choose Our Torrance Wrongful Termination Lawyer

Extensive experience litigating high-stakes employment disputes across southern California.
Focused case strategy built on documentation, timelines, and employer accountability.
More than $300 million recovered for employees through verdicts and settlements.

What Is Wrongful Termination in California?

California allows employers to terminate employees for lawful reasons or for no reason at all. However, you may have a wrongful termination claim if you were fired because of:

Race, gender, age, disability, religion, or another protected characteristic.
Pregnancy or medical leave.
Reporting harassment, wage violations, or unsafe working conditions.
Refusing to participate in illegal conduct.
Filing a complaint with a government agency.

An employer’s explanation alone does not determine legality. The surrounding evidence, timing, and workplace history often reveal whether the termination was lawful.

Common Wrongful Termination Scenarios

Wrongful termination frequently arises in situations such as:

Termination shortly after requesting disability accommodations.
Dismissal following complaints about discrimination or harassment.
Layoffs disproportionately affecting older workers.
Firing after taking protected medical or family leave.
Termination following refusal to falsify records or violate company policy.

In some cases, employees are pressured to resign under intolerable working conditions, which can qualify as constructive termination.

California Laws That Protect Employees

Wrongful termination claims in Torrance are often grounded in specific California statutes that prohibit discriminatory or retaliatory discharge.

Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA)

Government Code §12940(a) makes it unlawful:

“For an employer… because of the race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, or military and veteran status… to discharge the person from employment.”

FEHA also prohibits retaliation. Government Code §12940(h) states it is unlawful:

“For any employer… to discharge… any person because the person has opposed any practices forbidden under this part.”

This means an employer cannot fire you for reporting discrimination or participating in an investigation.

Whistleblower Protection

Under California Labor Code §1102.5(b):

“An employer… shall not retaliate against an employee for disclosing a…violation of state or federal statute.”

If you were terminated after reporting illegal conduct, safety violations, wage issues, or regulatory misconduct, this statute may apply.

Protection for Asserting Wage Rights

Labor Code §98.6(a) states:

“A person shall not discharge an employee… because the employee… engaged in any conduct delineated in this chapter, including filing a complaint with the Labor Commissioner.”

You cannot legally be fired for filing a wage claim or complaining about unpaid overtime.

Family and Medical Leave Protections

Both the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the California Family Rights Act (CFRA) prohibit termination for taking protected leave. Employers cannot interfere with or retaliate against employees who exercise these rights.

How a Torrance Wrongful Termination Lawyer Can Help

Holding an employer accountable requires careful preparation and strategic advocacy. An experienced employment law attorney in Torrance can:

Analyze the facts and identify every viable claim.
Preserve critical evidence before it is lost or altered.
File administrative complaints when required.
Negotiate settlements backed by litigation readiness.
Present your case in court if necessary.

Throughout the process, your lawyer protects your rights, guides your decisions, and builds a case designed to secure the strongest possible outcome.

Contact Us Today

Call (949) 379-6250 or contact Aegis Law Firm online to schedule your free consultation.

Torrance Wrongful Termination Lawyer