13 Signs You Might Have a Wrongful Termination Claim in California

Getting fired is stressful — but sometimes, it’s more than unfair; it’s illegal.
California is an “at-will” employment state, meaning your employer can end your job at almost any time. Still, there are exceptions. If your firing was linked to discrimination, retaliation, or a contract breach, you may have grounds for a wrongful termination claim.

Here are 13 key warning signs to help you spot when your rights might’ve been violated.

1. You Were Fired After Reporting Illegal Activity

If you reported fraud, unsafe work conditions, or other illegal actions and were terminated soon after, that’s classic retaliation — one of the strongest wrongful termination indicators.

2. You Filed a Complaint About Harassment or Discrimination

California law protects employees who speak up about workplace harassment or discrimination. If your firing followed such a report, it may violate Labor Code §1102.5 and related statutes.

3. You Requested a Reasonable Accommodation

Terminated after asking for accommodations due to a medical condition or disability? That can violate the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA).

4. You Took or Requested Family or Medical Leave (FMLA/CFRA)

Employers cannot legally fire you for taking protected leave. If your job was terminated right after you took FMLA or CFRA leave, it’s a red flag.

5. You Were Punished for Wage Complaints

Reporting unpaid wages, missing breaks, or overtime violations is a protected action. Firing you for this may be retaliation under California Labor Code §98.6.

6. Your Boss Mentioned “Loyalty” After You Spoke Up

Comments like “we need team players” or “you’re not a good fit anymore” right after you exercise your rights may indicate pretext — a fake reason used to cover up retaliation.

7. The Reason for Termination Keeps Changing

If your employer gives multiple or inconsistent explanations for your firing, that inconsistency could point to a wrongful motive.

8. You Were Treated Differently Than Similar Employees

Being singled out for discipline or termination while others get leniency can suggest discrimination based on age, race, gender, or another protected category.

9. You Have a Written Contract or Implied Promise of Job Security

If you had a contract (or a long-standing promise of continued employment) and were terminated without cause, it could be a breach of contract or implied covenant of good faith.

10. You Refused to Do Something Illegal

Fired for refusing to falsify documents, lie, or break safety laws? California protects employees from termination for refusing unlawful orders.

11. You Were Let Go Right After Filing a Workers’ Comp Claim

California law prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who file workers’ compensation claims or report workplace injuries.

12. You Were Targeted After Speaking About Pay or Working Conditions

Discussing wages or working conditions is a protected right under both state and federal law. If that led to your firing, it may be unlawful.

13. You’re Replaced by Someone Outside Your Protected Class

If you were replaced by someone younger, of a different race, or another protected class soon after being fired, that pattern may support a discrimination claim.

What to Do Next

If any of these sound familiar, don’t panic — document everything.
Save emails, texts, and performance reviews. Then, contact a qualified employment lawyer to review your case. JusticeGuys can help connect you with an attorney who specializes in California wrongful termination claims.

Downloadable PDF Wrongful Termination Checklist: 13 Signs You Should Talk to a Lawyer

Download this free checklist to identify if your firing shows potential signs of wrongful termination. Includes examples of retaliation, discrimination, and contract violations under California law.

Download Your Free Wrongful Termination Checklist → and find out if your firing was more than just unfair.

Think you might’ve been wrongfully terminated?

Connect with a California employment attorney through JusticeGuys today. Our team helps match employees with lawyers who understand local labor laws and fight to protect your rights.

Find a lawyer near you at JusticeGuys.com

Top 5 FAQs

1. What qualifies as wrongful termination in California?
   A firing that violates state or federal law — such as discrimination, retaliation, or breach of contract — may qualify as wrongful termination.

2. Can I be fired for reporting harassment or unsafe working conditions?
   No. It’s illegal for an employer to retaliate against you for reporting harassment, discrimination, or workplace safety concerns.

3. How do I prove my termination was wrongful?
   Evidence like inconsistent reasons for firing, timing after a protected action, or discriminatory comments can help prove wrongful intent.

4. How much time do I have to file a wrongful termination claim in California?
   Deadlines vary depending on the claim type — some as short as one year from termination. A lawyer can help determine your filing deadline.

5. Can I get my job back or just compensation?
   Depending on your case, remedies may include back pay, reinstatement, emotional distress damages, or attorney’s fees.

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