Wrongful Termination Lawyer Los Angeles

Losing your job is stressful and overwhelming, but being fired illegally adds insult to injury. While California is an “at-will” employment state, employers do not have the right to fire workers for illegal reasons. If you were terminated due to discrimination, retaliation, whistleblowing, or for taking protected leave, your termination was unlawful.

At the Law Offices of Jacob Emrani, our Los Angeles wrongful termination lawyers hold companies accountable when they break state or federal employment laws. We help wrongfully discharged workers fight back, clear their professional reputations, and secure maximum financial compensation.

What Is Wrongful Termination in California?

California Labor Code § 2922 states that employment without a specified term is “at-will,” meaning an employer can terminate an employee at any time, with or without cause or advance notice.

However, an employer CANNOT fire an employee for reasons that violate statutory law or public policy. A termination is illegal if it is based on:

1. Discrimination

Firing an employee because of race, color, national origin, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age (40+), disability, medical condition, or religion under FEHA.

2. Retaliation & Whistleblowing

Firing an employee for reporting illegal workplace conduct, fraud, safety hazards, wage theft, or harassment, or for refusing to participate in illegal acts (California Labor Code § 1102.5).

3. Taking Protected Medical or Family Leave

Terminating an employee for exercising their statutory right to take leave under the California Family Rights Act (CFRA), Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), or Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL).

4. Breach of Employment Contract

Firing an employee in violation of an express written contract, oral agreement, or implied contract that promises termination will only occur for cause.

5. Workers’ Compensation Retaliation

Terminating or demoting an worker because they filed a workers’ compensation claim after getting injured on the job (Labor Code § 132a).

Common Signs Your Termination Was Unlawful

• You were fired shortly after complaining about unpaid wages, discrimination, or safety hazards.
• You were terminated right after requesting medical leave, pregnancy leave, or disability accommodations.
• Your supervisor made derogatory comments about your age, gender, race, or disability prior to firing you.
• Your employer offered pretextual or changing reasons for your termination that contradict your stellar performance reviews.
• Other employees outside your protected category were treated more favorably under identical circumstances.

What Compensation Can You Claim for Wrongful Termination?

A successful wrongful termination claim can yield substantial compensation:

• Lost Income (Back Pay & Front Pay): Full wages, bonuses, commissions, and value of lost benefits from the firing date into the future.
• Emotional Distress Damages: Compensation for anxiety, depression, loss of enjoyment, and psychological harm caused by wrongful firing.
• Punitive Damages: Awarded when an employer acted with malice, fraud, or intentional oppression.
• Statutory Attorney Fees & Costs: Employers must pay your legal fees under FEHA and whistleblower statutes.

What to Do Immediately After Being Wrongfully Fired

1. Do Not Sign Severance Releases Right Away: Employers often offer severance packages in exchange for waiving your right to sue. Have an attorney review any agreement first.
2. Request Your Personnel File & Payroll Records: California Labor Code §§ 1198.5 and 226 give you the legal right to inspect and copy your personnel records and pay stubs.
3. Gather Evidence: Save text messages, performance evaluations, termination letters, emails, and contact details of co-workers.
4. File for Unemployment Benefits: Applying for EDD benefits helps cover immediate expenses while demonstrating you are seeking employment.
5. Contact an Employment Attorney: Consult our legal team promptly, as strict administrative deadlines apply.

Free Case Evaluation with a Los Angeles Wrongful Termination Attorney

If you were unlawfully fired from your job in Los Angeles or Southern California, get the legal protection you deserve. Call the Law Offices of Jacob Emrani today at (888) 952-2623 or request your free consultation online.