Not all employment terminations rise to the level of wrongful termination. However, while California may be an “at-will” work state, that does not mean an employer can fire a worker for an illegal reason. If you believe you have been wrongfully terminated from your job, contact Stilz Law today. Our qualified and experienced wrongful termination attorneys will investigate every aspect of your case in order to secure the compensation you are entitled to.

In California, employees are protected from wrongful termination, despite the state’s at-will employment laws, which generally allow employers to terminate employees for any reason. However, there are exceptions, and employees can sue for wrongful termination if fired for unlawful reasons. 

Common grounds for wrongful termination claims in California include discrimination based on protected traits (e.g., race, gender, age), retaliation for reporting harassment or discrimination, violations of implied oral contracts, and wrongful dismissal after taking Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) leave or reporting wage and hour violations. Additionally, employees can file claims if terminated without proper notice under the WARN Act or for filing a workers' compensation claim.

Other grounds for wrongful termination include refusing to violate public policy, such as being fired for not participating in illegal activities, or whistleblower retaliation under Labor Code 1102.5 for reporting illegal behavior by your employer. Employees who believe they were wrongfully terminated should consult a lawyer, gather evidence (emails, witness statements, etc.), and file their claim within the statute of limitations. Legal support is essential for navigating wrongful termination claims, which can lead to compensation and justice for affected employees.