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Losing your job due to wrongful termination can be upsetting, but you are protected in California against being fired in certain circumstances. If you think you have a valid case, contact a Long Beach employment law attorney for a free consultation to discuss your options.
At Aegis Law, we focus exclusively on labor law cases. Our team is highly experienced in all areas of job discrimination, wrongful termination, and employment disputes. We are ready to listen to your story and get to work for you.
The team at Aegis Law believes the foundation of every successful case is a robust attorney-client relationship. You can depend on our skills and tenacious approach to your case. Here is why you should choose us:
Wrongful termination happens when your employer fires you for unlawful reasons. These may include discrimination against you because of your identity, such as race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or medical condition.
This behavior is a violation of both state and federal laws, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). You can file a lawsuit against your employer that seeks damages, including lost wages, loss of professional reputation, and more.
To claim wrongful termination, you and your attorney must gather evidence that shows the following conditions:
Wrongful termination can take many forms depending on the circumstances surrounding the termination. Common examples include:
Employees who report discrimination, harassment, wage violations, or safety concerns are protected under California law. Being fired shortly after making a complaint may indicate retaliation.
Employees who take protected leave for medical or family reasons cannot be terminated for exercising those rights.
An employee may be terminated due to a protected characteristic such as race, gender, age, disability, or religion, even if the employer claims another reason.
Employees who refuse to engage in illegal activities—such as falsifying records or violating regulations—cannot be lawfully terminated for that refusal.
Employees who request reasonable accommodations for disabilities or religious practices are protected from adverse employment actions.
In some cases, an employer does not directly fire an employee but creates working conditions so difficult that the employee feels forced to resign.
If an employer fails to follow its own policies or contractual obligations when terminating an employee.
Any job loss can be devastating and upsetting, but there is an added element of frustration when your employer fires you illegally.
You can seek damages based on how your life has been affected, including the following:
There may be further damages you can request, depending on your particular situation. Your wrongful termination lawyer can assess your case and ensure you have a complete estimate of your losses.
To claim wrongful termination, you and your attorney must gather evidence that shows the following conditions:
You had an employee-employer relationship with the company.
This establishes that the employer owed you legal duties under California law. Documentation such as offer letters, pay records, or company policies may be used to confirm this relationship.
Your job was terminated by the employer.
This includes direct termination, but may also apply in situations where you were forced to resign due to intolerable working conditions, often referred to as constructive termination.
Your employer used your protected status as a substantial factor in their decision to terminate your employment.
This is often the most contested element. Direct evidence is rare, so claims are typically supported through indirect evidence such as timing, inconsistent explanations, or differences in how other employees were treated.
Your job loss resulted in measurable damages.
These may include lost wages, benefits, and other financial or personal losses tied to the termination.
Additional Evidence That Can Strengthen Your Claim
In addition to these core elements, supporting evidence plays a critical role. This may include:
Courts and investigators review the full set of facts to determine whether the employer’s explanation is supported or whether unlawful factors may have influenced the decision.
Wrongful termination claims in Long Beach often begin with an administrative process before a lawsuit can be filed in court:
Most wrongful termination claims must first be filed with a government agency:
This step is required before you can pursue a lawsuit.
After filing with the CRD or EEOC, you will typically receive a Right-to-Sue notice. This document gives you permission to move forward with a civil lawsuit. In many cases, employees request this notice early so they can proceed directly to court rather than waiting for a full agency investigation.
Once you have a Right-to-Sue notice, you may file a lawsuit against your employer. This stage involves:
Most cases resolve through settlement, but there is a possibility of proceeding to trial.
A wrongful termination claim may be resolved through negotiation, mediation, or court proceedings. Because this process involves strict deadlines and procedural requirements, handling each step correctly is critical to preserving your claim.
The steps you take after being terminated can impact your ability to pursue a claim.
Write down the details of your termination as soon as possible. Include:
Preserving your recollection early can be valuable later.
Collect and keep copies of relevant documents, including:
Store these records in a secure location outside of your workplace.
Employers may present severance agreements or other documents at termination. These agreements may include waivers of legal rights. Have an employment attorney review any documents carefully before signing.
After termination, avoid discussing the situation with coworkers or management. Keep interactions professional and documented when possible.
Consulting an employment attorney early allows you to understand whether your termination may be unlawful and what steps to take next.
While it is possible to pursue a claim without legal representation, wrongful termination cases can quickly become complex. Employers often have access to legal counsel, human resources departments, and internal documentation that employees do not. A Long Beach wrongful termination lawyer helps level that imbalance by providing:
Having an attorney also allows you to focus on your next steps while all legal aspects are handled.
You must act quickly to file a wrongful termination suit against your employer. The statute of limitations for these cases is only two to four years. If you do not submit your legal action before the time is up, you could lose your chance to seek financial relief through the courts.
At Aegis Law, our Long Beach wrongful termination attorneys will advise you on how long you have to file and present your case to give you the greatest chance of success. Contact us to schedule a meeting with our team today.