Were you fired from your job under circumstances that did not seem right? Wrongful termination is when an employer dismisses someone for illegal reasons—like discrimination, retaliation, or a breach of contract—rather than for legitimate business causes.
The aftermath of wrongful termination can be overwhelming and confusing, but Los Angeles employment lawyers can help. At Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys, we have decades of experience recovering millions of dollars in compensation.
We’re all about putting our clients first. Always! We’re here for you—let our family take care of your family. As your Los Angeles wrongful termination lawyer, we will inform you of your rights and advise you of the protections available to you under California law.
At-Will Employment and Its Limitations
California is an at-will employment state. This means that, by default, employers can terminate employees for any reason—or for no reason at all—unless an exception applies. However, there are important legal limitations to this rule.
Termination cannot be:
- Based on discrimination or harassment
- In retaliation for protected actions
- A violation of public policy
- In breach of an employment contract
- Conducted in a way that violates labor laws
Even in at-will arrangements, terminations must comply with all applicable federal and state laws. When employers cross these boundaries, their actions may be legally actionable as wrongful termination.
Discriminatory Termination
Federal and state laws prohibit employers from firing employees based on protected characteristics. In California, the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) provides one of the strongest anti-discrimination frameworks in the country.
These are protected characteristics under FEHA:
- Race or color
- National origin or ancestry
- Religion or creed
- Physical or mental disability
- Medical condition or genetic information
- Sex, gender, gender identity, or gender expression
- Sexual orientation
- Marital status
- Aged 40 years old and older
- Military or veteran status
If an employer terminates an employee because of any of these protected characteristics, the termination is unlawful, regardless of the at-will nature of employment.
Discriminatory intent can sometimes be inferred from patterns, such as a company systematically terminating older employees or failing to take action after discriminatory harassment is reported.
Federal laws—such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)—also prohibit similar forms of discrimination. They also tend to overlap with state protections.
(310) 526-8383Retaliatory Termination
California laws prohibit employers from terminating employees in retaliation for engaging in legally protected activities. These include:
- Reporting workplace harassment or discrimination
- Filing a workers’ compensation claim
- Taking legally protected leave
- Participating in an investigation or legal proceeding involving the employer
- Refusing to engage in unlawful activity
- Reporting wage violations or unsafe working conditions
- Filing a whistleblower complaint
Retaliation is a very common ground for wrongful termination claims in Los Angeles. Even if the underlying complaint or report turns out to be unsubstantiated, the act of making the complaint is still protected.
Terminating someone for exercising their legal rights is considered unlawful under both California and federal statutes. If you find yourself in this position, reach out to Los Angeles wrongful termination attorneys as soon as possible.
Wrongful Termination and Workplace Harassment
Harassment that leads to or accompanies termination can also form the basis of a wrongful termination claim. This is especially true when the employer fails to address complaints or retaliates against the reporting employee.
Sexual harassment, in particular, is a recurring issue in wrongful termination cases. If an employee reports harassment and is subsequently fired, this may be a form of unlawful retaliation.
Similarly, these types of terminations can also be considered discriminatory:
- Race-based
- Disability-based
- Age-based
Employers are obligated to provide a workplace free from harassment. They must also take appropriate action when complaints arise. Failure to do so—especially when it leads to the dismissal of the person raising the issue—may expose the employer to legal liability.
(310) 526-8383Statute of Limitations
California law imposes strict deadlines for filing wrongful termination claims. The applicable statute of limitations depends on the type of claim:
- FEHA-based claims: Employees must file a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) within three years of the alleged wrongful act.
- Retaliation or whistleblower claims: These generally have to be filed within one to three years, depending on the statute invoked.
- Breach of contract: Written contract claims must be filed within four years, while oral contracts must be filed within two years.
- Public policy violations: These must be filed within two years from the date of termination.
Failing to act within the applicable time frame may forfeit the right to pursue compensation or reinstatement. Workers who suspect that their termination was unlawful should preserve documentation and monitor deadlines closely.
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(310) 526-8383 Contact Our Wrongful Termination Law Firm in Los Angeles Today
If you or someone you love was wrongfully terminated, you don’t have to face everything on your own. Losing your job due to unfair or illegal circumstances can be frustrating, but you can find support when you reach out to a wrongful termination lawyer in Los Angeles.
At Omega Law Group, we can represent you as your wrongful termination attorney in Los Angeles. We understand the impact cases like these can have on your life, and we’re ready to support you as you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Don’t wait to contact us for help—we’re here for you. The sooner you reach out to us, the sooner we can start working toward holding the responsible parties accountable on your behalf. Call now.
