In California, while employment largely adheres to the "at-will" principle—permitting employers to terminate employees for any reason or no reason at all—exceptions exist where such dismissals are considered illegal.
Losing your job can be a stressful event, especially when you believe it wasn’t your fault. In California, employment is typically 'at-will', meaning employers can let go of employees for any reason, unless that reason is illegal.
California workers have certain rights as outlined in the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), California Labor Code, and the California Family Rights Act (CFRA). If you're wrongfully terminated, it means these rights have been violated. You may be eligible for compensation.
Here are some ways wrongful termination might occur:
- You're fired because of your age, race, gender, disability, pregnancy, nationality, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, or military status.
- You're fired due to a disability, medical condition, or pregnancy.
- You're fired because you reported illegal company activities, harassment, or unsafe working conditions.
- You're fired for reporting a workplace injury or for filing a workers’ compensation claim.
- Your employer ends your employment in violation of a written or oral job contract.
- You're forced to resign because your employer allows unbearable work conditions — a situation known as 'constructive wrongful termination'.
If you're wrongfully terminated, you might be entitled to:
- Lost wages (past and future);
- Bonuses and benefits;
- Compensation for emotional distress and suffering;
- Legal fees;
- Punitive damages.
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