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Wrongful Termination Retaliation

California and federal law protects workers like you from being penalized or dismissed from work for complaining about unlawful conduct or engaging in protected activities. This illegal dismissal is wrongful termination retaliation.

Wrongful Termination Retaliation Comes in Many Forms

Wrongful termination happens when an employment relationship is ended by an employer in violation of the employee’s legal rights.⁠ In California, wrongful termination claims can arise when an employer violates a state or federal statute,⁠ general principles of public policy, the worker’s employment contract, or some other aspect of the law.

  • Age
  • Race, Color, Ancestry or Nation of Origin
  • Disability or Medical Condition
  • Marital or Family Status
  • Gender Identity or Expression
  • Sexual Orientation
  • Religion or Religious Expression

California law makes it illegal to fire an employee for engaging in certain legally protected activities, including:

  • Making complaints about discrimination or harassment
  • Taking a medically necessary leave
  • Serving jury duty
  • Serving in the military
  • Taking time off to vote
  • Seeking to form a union
  • Participating in workplace investigations

Termination isn’t the only negative job action employees may experience due to their participation in a legally protected activity. Retaliation can take a number of more-subtle forms, including:

  • Demotion
  • Disciplinary actions
  • Salary reduction
  • Job or shift reassignment

Legally-binding employment contracts can often supersede the “at-will” employment relationship. Your termination may be in wrongful breach of contract if your employer has failed to meet its contracted promises of job security, including:

  • Written or verbal agreements that stipulate you can only be fired for good cause
  • A guarantee of continuous employment for a certain duration of time
  • A contractual obligation to be provided with notice in advance of a termination
  • Situations where an employer’s established performance management protocol was not properly followed prior to termination.

Our Approach

Our Practices are Guided by Integrity. We’ll protect what you deserve.

We work tirelessly and fight tenaciously to hold rights abusers accountable.

If you’ve experienced a distressing incident related to an issue like this, call us for a free case evaluation.

Did You Know?

Retaliation
Federal and state laws protect employees from retaliation for reporting unlawful or unsafe working conditions either within the organization or to government agencies.
Age Discrimination
California's Fair Employment and Housing Act protects California workers over forty years of age against discrimination. You cannot legally be fired for your age.

Is It Illegal, or Just Unfair?

Legal cases can be lengthy, complicated, and confusing, but you don’t have to take on the system all by yourself. If you believe someone has violated your individual rights, or the rights of a large group of people in your community, we can help you find the right course of action.

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