Wrongful Termination: What You Need to Know to Protect Your Rights

Introduction to Wrongful Termination

Losing your job can be devastating, but losing it under unfair or unlawful circumstances is even more painful. Wrongful termination is not just a career setback—it is a violation of your legal rights. Across Southern California, including Los Angeles, the San Fernando Valley, Orange County, Ventura County, San Bernardino County, and surrounding areas, employees often face situations where they are terminated illegally. If you suspect you have been wrongfully terminated, knowing your rights can be the difference between silence and justice.

At Arshakyan Law Firm, our experienced Los Angeles employment attorneys fight to protect workers and hold employers accountable. Wrongful termination can significantly impact every aspect of your life, including your finances, career path, and emotional well-being. People often feel ashamed, wondering if they did something wrong, when in reality it was their employer who broke the law. That is why it is so essential to understand the protections you have under California and federal employment laws. What is Wrongful Termination? Wrongful termination occurs when an employer fires an employee in violation of state or federal laws, employment contracts, or established public policy. While California is an “at-will” employment state, meaning employers can generally fire employees for almost any reason, there are significant exceptions. An employer cannot terminate an employee for reasons that are discriminatory, retaliatory, or otherwise illegal. Examples include firing an employee because of race, gender, pregnancy, disability, or religion. It also includes terminating someone for reporting harassment, refusing to participate in illegal activity, or exercising legal rights such as taking family leave. Wrongful termination laws exist to level the playing field between employers and employees, ensuring that workers are not treated as disposable when they assert their rights.

Common Examples of Wrongful Termination

Wrongful termination cases come in many forms, but some of the most common include:

Discrimination: Termination based on race, age, disability, sexual orientation, or other protected categories. For example, if an employer consistently fires older employees to replace them with younger workers, this is age discrimination.
Retaliation: Firing an employee for filing a complaint about workplace harassment or unsafe working conditions. Retaliation can also occur when an employee reports wage violations or discrimination.
Violation of contracts: Termination that breaches the terms of an employment contract or company policy. For example, a contract may require written warnings before termination, and failing to follow these steps can be a violation.
Public policy violations: Letting go of an employee for refusing to commit illegal acts, such as falsifying records or ignoring safety laws.
Whistleblower retaliation: Punishing employees for reporting company misconduct to regulators or authorities. This is especially common in healthcare, construction, and financial industries.

These are not abstract scenarios; they happen every day across workplaces in Los Angeles and throughout Southern California. Each example underscores why legal representation is critical when your rights are violated.

Legal Protections Against Wrongful Termination

Several laws protect employees from wrongful termination, including:

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act: Prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Protects employees with disabilities and requires reasonable accommodations.
Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA): Protects workers over 40 from being unfairly terminated due to age.
California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA): Offers broader protections at the state level, covering more categories than federal law.
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) & California Family Rights Act (CFRA): Protect employees who need to take family or medical leave.
Whistleblower Protection laws: Safeguard employees who report unlawful activities or safety violations.

These laws make it clear: employers cannot abuse their power to terminate workers unfairly. Yet many companies attempt to conceal their real motives behind vague excuses like “downsizing” or “restructuring.” An experienced wrongful termination attorney can uncover the truth and fight back.

Wrongful Termination and Employment Contracts

While many Californians are “at-will” employees, contracts change the equation. If an employment contract promises job security or outlines specific conditions for termination, firing an employee outside those conditions can be wrongful. For example, a tech worker in Los Angeles with a one-year employment agreement cannot be let go mid-contract without valid cause unless the contract allows it.

Contracts can be written, oral, or implied. For instance, an employee handbook or statements from supervisors can create implied promises of job security. Employers often try to argue that no contract exists, but courts frequently find otherwise when clear promises were made.

Retaliation and Whistleblower Protections

Retaliation is one of the most common forms of wrongful termination. Imagine an employee reports unsafe working conditions at a warehouse in Orange County. Instead of addressing the hazards, management fires the employee. This is retaliation and a direct violation of whistleblower protections. California law makes it clear: employees should never be punished for standing up for their rights or the safety of others.

Whistleblower cases often involve industries where public safety is at stake, such as healthcare or construction. When workers are punished for speaking out, not only are their careers at risk, but the public is endangered as well.

Discrimination as a Form of Wrongful Termination

Discrimination-based firings are deeply harmful, both legally and personally. For example, a woman in Ventura County announces her pregnancy and is suddenly demoted, then terminated. Or an older employee in Los Angeles is replaced with a younger worker despite years of strong performance. These are not only unfair, they are illegal under both federal and California state law. Discrimination can also target employees based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or cultural background. California is one of the most diverse states in the country, and the law reflects strong protections for all communities. Still, cases of wrongful termination rooted in prejudice continue to occur across Southern California workplaces.

Real-World Examples and Case Studies

Wrongful termination isn’t just a legal concept; it’s a lived experience. Consider these scenarios:

Case Study 1: Retaliation for Complaints A restaurant server in Los Angeles complained about sexual harassment by a manager. Weeks later, the server was fired for “poor performance” despite no prior issues. The timing and lack of documentation pointed directly to retaliation.
Case Study 2: Disability Discrimination An office assistant in the San Fernando Valley requested reasonable accommodations for a medical condition. Instead of providing support, the employer terminated her, claiming “budget cuts.” Investigation revealed the real reason was her disability.
Case Study 3: Whistleblower Protection An accountant in Orange County reported fraudulent billing practices to state authorities. Shortly afterward, he was terminated. This clear retaliation violated whistleblower protection laws, and the employee was entitled to significant damages.

These real-world stories highlight why wrongful termination laws exist to protect individuals who are brave enough to speak up or who simply wish to be treated fairly in their workplaces.

Steps to Take if You Suspect Wrongful Termination

If you believe you have been wrongfully terminated, taking the right steps can protect your claim:

Document everything: Keep emails, texts, performance reviews, and termination notices.
Identify witnesses: Co-workers may be able to confirm retaliation or discriminatory practices.
Review your contract: If you have an employment agreement, check for violations.
File complaints: You may need to report to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the California Civil Rights Department.
Contact an attorney: A skilled Los Angeles employment attorney can help you understand your rights and fight for justice.

Too often, employees delay action because they hope their situation will resolve on its own. Unfortunately, waiting can reduce your chances of success, as employers may destroy records or alter policies to cover their tracks.

How an Employment Attorney Can Help

Wrongful termination cases are complex. Employers often deny wrongdoing, citing vague reasons like “restructuring” or “poor fit.” An attorney can:

Investigate and gather evidence, including emails, HR records, and witness testimony.
File claims with the proper agencies like the EEOC or California Civil Rights Department.
Negotiate settlements that cover lost wages, emotional distress, and legal costs.
Represent you in court if necessary.

At Arshakyan Law Firm, we know how employers try to cover their tracks, and we know how to fight back. Our attorneys use detailed strategies, from depositions to expert testimony, to build strong cases on behalf of wrongfully terminated employees.

Compensation and Damages in Wrongful Termination Cases

Employees who suffer wrongful termination may be entitled to:

Lost wages: Pay you would have earned if you had not been fired.
Future wages: Compensation for the difficulty of finding new employment.
Emotional distress damages: For the stress, anxiety, and humiliation caused.
Punitive damages: When the employer’s conduct is especially egregious.
Attorney’s fees and court costs: So victims are not burdened financially for seeking justice.

In some cases, courts also order reinstatement, returning the employee to their former position. While not always possible, reinstatement can restore both income and dignity. These damages not only restore what you lost, but they also send a message to employers that unlawful behavior will not be tolerated.

Why Choose Arshakyan Law Firm

Our team at Arshakyan Law Firm has years of experience protecting employees in Los Angeles and throughout Southern California. We combine legal skill with compassion, guiding clients through one of the most stressful times of their lives. We understand that wrongful termination cases are not just about jobs; they are about dignity, financial security, and justice.

Clients trust us because we take the time to listen, investigate thoroughly, and aggressively pursue justice. Whether through negotiation or litigation, we stand by our clients every step of the way.

Free Confidential Consultations

If you believe you have been wrongfully terminated, don’t face it alone. We offer free confidential consultations to review your case and explain your rights. Time limits (statutes of limitation) apply, so it is important to act quickly.

During your consultation, we will go over the facts of your case, outline your legal options, and create a personalized plan for moving forward. This allows you to make informed decisions about your future without financial risk.

Conclusion: We Are in Your Corner

Wrongful termination can derail your career, finances, and peace of mind—but the law is on your side. At Arshakyan Law Firm, we are committed to holding employers accountable and fighting for the justice you deserve. We are in your corner.

Wrongful Termination Statistics in California

Statistics reveal just how widespread wrongful termination can be. According to data from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), tens of thousands of employment discrimination charges are filed nationwide every year, and California consistently ranks among the top states for complaints.

For example, in Los Angeles County alone, thousands of employees contact the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing annually to report discrimination, harassment, or wrongful termination. Industries with high numbers of cases include healthcare, retail, hospitality, and tech, industries that employ large numbers of workers in Southern California. These numbers show that wrongful termination is not rare. It is a systemic issue that affects workers across income levels and job types, from executives to hourly wage earners.

Employer Defense Strategies in Wrongful Termination Cases

Employers rarely admit to firing someone unlawfully. Instead, they typically present alternative explanations to make the termination appear legitimate. Common defenses include:

Performance issues: Claiming the employee was not meeting expectations, even if performance reviews were positive.
Restructuring or downsizing: Arguing the termination was due to business needs, while selectively targeting certain individuals.
Misconduct allegations: Accusing the employee of violating company policy as a pretext to cover up discrimination or retaliation.
At-will employment defense: Relying on California’s at-will employment rule, despite exceptions that protect employees.

An experienced attorney can break down these defenses by presenting evidence that the employer’s reasons were pretextual, meaning they were not the true motivation for the firing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wrongful Termination

How do I know if I was wrongfully terminated?

If your termination was connected to discrimination, retaliation, or exercising a legal right, you may have a claim.

What evidence do I need?

Emails, text messages, witness statements, performance evaluations, and company policies can all be crucial evidence.

How long do I have to file a wrongful termination claim?

Deadlines vary, but in California, claims may need to be filed with agencies like the EEOC or the California Civil Rights Department within months. Acting quickly is essential.

Can I sue for emotional distress?

Yes. Courts recognize that wrongful termination can cause serious psychological harm, and employees can seek compensation for emotional distress. Do I need a lawyer? Yes. Employment law is complex, and having an experienced attorney dramatically improves your chances of success.

The Bigger Impact of Wrongful Termination

Wrongful termination is not only a personal injustice; it has ripple effects on families and communities. When a worker is illegally fired, they may lose health insurance, housing stability, and their ability to provide for loved ones.

Communities also suffer when wrongful terminations go unchallenged. Discrimination and retaliation create toxic workplaces that discourage other employees from reporting misconduct. By standing up against wrongful termination, workers help create safer and more equitable workplaces for everyone.

At Arshakyan Law Firm, we believe that fighting for justice in these cases is not just about one individual; it is about holding employers accountable and making workplaces across Southern California fairer for all.

Call us at (818) 650-9985. “We are in your corner.”