Los Angeles Wrongful Termination Attorneys Fighting For You

Last updated on April 14, 2025

At Employee Justice Legal Group PC, our team of experienced attorneys is dedicated to protecting the rights and livelihoods of workers in the Los Angeles area. We have taken on some of the area’s biggest employers and won billions for our clients.

Our lawyers have earned a reputation for our outstanding results both in and out of the courtroom, as well as our commitment to client service. We can assess your wrongful termination claim and help you seek justice and compensation. To learn more about how we can assist you, call us at free consultation or send us an online message.

Was I Fired Illegally?

If you’ve recently been let go from your job under circumstances that just didn’t seem right, you’re not alone. Many employees in California are dismissed at times that feel suspiciously convenient, perhaps right before taking maternity leave or just after submitting disability paperwork. While the state generally operates under an at-will employment doctrine, allowing employers and employees to end their work relationship for almost any reason, there are important exceptions.

If your termination felt wrong, if it occurred under circumstances that make you suspect it was due to your race, gender or because you spoke up about issues at work, it’s possible that your dismissal was not just unfair but illegal. These exceptions to the at-will rule are crucial and form the basis for a wrongful termination claim.

Generally, wrongful termination claims fall into one of these three categories:

• The termination was in violation of a law or statute. For example, the termination was based on the employee being pregnant or the employee’s race.
• The termination was a violation of public policy. For example, the employee is terminated for refusing to participate in illegal activities (such as not filing a tax return) or for participating in a legally protected right (such as the right to vote).
• The termination was in breach of an employment agreement. Employment agreements can supersede California’s employee-at-will doctrine. For example, if an employee’s contract specified a specific time frame of employment and the worker was terminated before the time frame ended, the employee may have a claim for wrongful termination.

Whether you were fired for discriminatory reasons, in retaliation for lawful actions or in violation of the terms of a contract, our attorneys are ready to provide experienced and aggressive representation. They have an in-depth knowledge of the law and are equally comfortable in the courtroom or behind the negotiation table.

How Employers Disguise Illegal Firing

Often, employers will cleverly disguise unlawful terminations under seemingly legitimate pretexts. Employers often cite performance issues as the reason for termination. This can be confusing, especially if you’ve consistently received positive reviews and commendations. If your performance suddenly becomes a problem right after you’ve announced your pregnancy or disclosed a medical condition, this timing can be a red flag that the real reason for your termination may be discrimination.

Another frequent excuse is company restructuring. While it’s true that businesses undergo reorganizations, sometimes these claims are conveniently timed. If restructuring results in your dismissal soon after you’ve taken on a role that requires accommodation, such as returning from maternity leave or requesting disability adjustments, it might suggest that the restructuring is being used as a cover for illegal discrimination.

Employers might also claim that your position has been eliminated. However, if your job duties are suspiciously absorbed by other employees who do not require similar accommodations or who are not part of a protected class, this could point to a pretext for what is actually an illegal firing.

Citing violations of company policy is another common method used to justify dismissals. However, if the enforcement of these policies is uneven or if the alleged violation is cited shortly after you engage in a protected activity. like whistleblowing or filing a complaint about workplace safety, this could indicate retaliatory motives.

How Do I Prove My Termination Was Illegal?

Often, the most straightforward claim to prove is a violation of an employment agreement. The terms of the agreement are in the contract and you can show that you were fired in violation of those terms. That isn’t to say these cases are always easy and quick, but they do tend to be the most straightforward.

It can be more difficult to prove you were fired due to illegal discrimination, retaliation or for being a whistleblower. Employers will likely try to cite legal justifications for why you were fired, so it is important to present compelling evidence to demonstrate the true motivations. Such evidence could be in the form of emails or text messages, performance reviews, witness statements or anything else relevant to the case.

Assuming you’ve already been terminated, you may have lost access to work email and other sources of evidence. For this and other reasons, it is critical to contact our firm quickly so that we can immediately begin an investigation.

Frequently Asked Wrongful Termination Questions

Our experienced Los Angeles employment attorneys are committed to protecting your rights and helping you seek justice. Below are answers to some of the most common questions we receive about wrongful termination cases in California:

What do I get from a wrongful termination settlement in California?

A wrongful termination settlement in California typically includes:

• Lost wages (past and future)
• Compensation for emotional distress
• Attorney fees and legal costs
• Punitive damages in cases of egregious employer conduct

Settlement amounts vary widely based on factors such as your salary, length of employment, circumstances of termination and strength of evidence. Average California settlements range from $5,000 to $100,000, though complex cases can result in higher awards.

Will my employer have to give me back pay for the time I was fired?

Yes, back pay is a standard component of wrongful termination settlements. This compensation covers wages and salary you would have earned from the date of termination until the resolution of your case. California law entitles you to interest on these unpaid wages, and in some cases, you may be awarded “front pay” if reinstatement isn’t feasible. Your attorney will calculate these amounts precisely when building your case.

Can I get compensation for my lost benefits?

Absolutely. Compensation for lost benefits is recoverable in wrongful termination cases, including:

• Health, dental and vision insurance
• Retirement contributions and matching
• Stock options and profit sharing
• Paid time off accrual
• Other perks like company car or phone

Your attorney will work with financial experts to calculate the monetary value of these benefits to ensure you receive full compensation for everything you lost due to the wrongful termination.

Will I get my job back if I win a wrongful termination case?

Reinstatement is possible but uncommon in wrongful termination cases. Most employees prefer not to return to a hostile workplace, and courts recognize this reality. Instead, monetary compensation typically serves as the remedy. However, if you wish to be reinstated, this can be negotiated during settlement discussions. The decision ultimately depends on your preferences, the workplace environment and whether a productive employment relationship can be restored.

Can I file for wrongful termination and workplace discrimination at the same time?

Yes, you can – and often should – file for both wrongful termination and workplace discrimination simultaneously when applicable. Many wrongful termination cases stem from discriminatory practices based on protected characteristics such as race, gender, age, disability or religion. Filing both claims strengthens your case by establishing the connection between discriminatory treatment and your termination. This approach may increase potential compensation and address the full scope of wrongdoing by your employer.

What do I do if I was fired for calling out an employment law issue?

If you were fired for reporting workplace violations, such as sexual harassment, you’re protected under California’s whistleblower laws. Take these steps immediately:

• Document everything related to your complaint and termination
• Gather supporting evidence and witness information
• File a complaint with appropriate agencies (Department of Fair Employment and Housing, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or Labor Commissioner)
• Consult with an employment attorney promptly

This type of termination, called “retaliation,” is illegal and provides strong grounds for a wrongful termination claim with the potential for significant compensation.

Discuss Your Legal Options With A Skilled Attorney For Free

Employee Justice Legal Group PC offers free initial consultations to prospective clients in and around Los Angeles, California. To schedule yours, call us today at 213-669-4771 or reach out online.