Author name: Tom Feher, Esq.

Tom Feher is the founding attorney of Feher Law APC, a California personal injury and employment law firm with offices in Torrance and Huntington Beach. He has recovered over $100 million for injured workers and accident victims across California. Tom is a trial attorney licensed to practice in all California state courts and focuses on complex personal injury, workplace discrimination, harassment, and wrongful termination cases. He offers free consultations to prospective clients.

Average EEOC Complaint Settlement Amounts in California (2026)

Key Takeaways EEOC lawsuit payouts in California average $125,000, with complex cases involving retaliation or harassment reaching $500,000 or more Filing deadlines are strict: You have 300 days from the discriminatory act to file an EEOC charge in California due to the state’s worksharing agreement EEOC mediation settlement amounts typically range from $5,000 to $75,000,

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Why Is My California Car Accident Settlement Taking So Long? (2026)

Car accident settlements in California typically take anywhere from a few months to over two years to resolve, and Feher Law helps clients navigate these delays every day. The timeline depends on factors like injury severity, disputed liability, insurance company tactics, and whether litigation becomes necessary. Understanding these delays can help you navigate the process

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Stay-or-Pay Contracts Are Illegal in California: What Workers Can Do (2026)

AB 692, effective January 1, 2026, makes most California stay-or-pay contracts unenforceable, voiding clauses that require workers to repay training costs, signing bonuses, or relocation expenses if they quit. Employers who try to collect under a voided agreement can face restitution orders, civil penalties under Business and Professions Code 17200, and PAGA exposure. Workers who

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Fired for Going to Court in California: Crime Victim Rights (2026)

California Labor Code 230 makes it illegal for an employer to fire, discipline, or retaliate against a crime victim for taking time off to attend court proceedings, comply with a subpoena, or seek protective relief. Workers terminated in violation of 230 can recover lost wages, reinstatement, and civil penalties up to $25,000 in egregious cases,

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How to Sue Your Employer for Wage Theft in California (2026)

To sue your California employer for wage theft, you can file a Labor Commissioner claim, a Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) action, or a civil lawsuit under Labor Code 1194 and 218.5 to recover unpaid wages plus liquidated damages, interest, and attorney fees. California law gives workers three years to sue for unpaid minimum wage

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EEOC Religious Discrimination Charges in California (2026)

Filing an EEOC religious discrimination charge is often the critical first step toward justice when your employer refuses to accommodate your faith or treats you unfairly because of your beliefs. At Feher Law, we help California workers navigate this process and fight back against employers who violate their religious rights. Understanding how these charges work

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Can I Get a Pre-Settlement Loan on My California Car Accident Case? (2026)

Yes, you can get a pre-settlement loan on your car accident case in California. At Feher Law, we help clients understand these legal funding advances, which provide cash while your case is pending and help you cover expenses without accepting a lowball settlement. However, understanding how these loans work and whether they’re right for your

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Who Is at Fault If Someone Brake Checks You in California? (2026)

If someone brake-checks you in California, the brake-checking driver is typically at fault when their actions are intentional and unnecessary. California Vehicle Code §22109 prohibits unnecessary sudden stops. However, California’s pure comparative negligence rule means following drivers may share fault if they were tailgating, distracted, or speeding. Dashcam footage and witness statements are critical evidence

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How Long Does a Retaliation Lawsuit Take in California? (2026)

A California retaliation lawsuit typically takes 12 to 36 months to resolve. The CRD/CRD complaint stage runs 6-12 months, lawsuit filing through discovery takes another 12-18 months, and trial-bound cases extend further. Most retaliation cases settle in mediation 12-24 months after filing. California Labor Code §1102.5 protects whistleblowers and the Fair Employment and Housing Act

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Average Whistleblower Retaliation Settlement in California (2026)

From Tom Feher, Esq. “California whistleblower cases settle highest when plaintiff counsel knows which statutory framework anchors the strongest claim. Labor Code 1102.5 alone caps at one range; layer in FEHA when the protected activity overlaps discrimination, and the range doubles. Add the False Claims Act qui tam component on government-fraud reports, and recovery can

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Signs of Brain Injury After a California Car Accident (2026)

Signs of brain injury after a California car accident include persistent headaches, dizziness, memory problems, confusion, mood changes, light or sound sensitivity, sleep disturbances, blurred vision, and difficulty concentrating. Symptoms can appear immediately or develop over hours and days. Even mild traumatic brain injury (concussion) requires medical evaluation. California TBI settlements typically range from $50,000

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California Rear-End Accident: What to Do After Being Hit at a Red Light (2026)

Frequently Asked Questions Who is at fault when I get rear-ended while stopped in California? The rear driver is almost always at fault when they hit a stopped vehicle. Vehicle Code 22350 requires drivers to maintain a speed safe for conditions, and following too closely violates Vehicle Code 21703. California courts treat rear-end collisions on

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Fired After Taking Approved Time Off in California? (2026)

Yes, being fired after taking approved time off in California is often illegal. Workers protected under FMLA, CFRA (California Family Rights Act), Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL), or paid sick leave can recover wrongful termination damages, including back pay, front pay, emotional distress, and reinstatement. California disability discrimination laws (FEHA) also apply if leave was related

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Disability Wrongful Termination in California (2026)

Frequently Asked Questions What is the average settlement for disability wrongful termination in California? Most California disability wrongful termination cases settle between $50,000 and $300,000, with cases involving documented refusal to engage in the interactive process settling between $200,000 and $500,000. Cases with evidence of discriminatory intent and emotional distress damages routinely exceed $500,000. Is

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Who Is at Fault in a Side-Impact Collision in California? (2026)

In California side-impact collisions, fault typically lies with the driver who violated traffic laws, ran a red light or stop sign, or failed to yield right-of-way. California’s pure comparative negligence rule (CCP §1714) allows fault to be split between drivers, so even partially-at-fault drivers can recover damages reduced by their percentage of fault. Police reports,

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Can I Be Fired After Announcing Retirement in California? (2026)

Yes, California’s at-will employment rule generally allows employers to terminate employees who announced retirement, but several exceptions create wrongful termination claims. ERISA prohibits firings designed to deny pension benefits, FEHA protects against age discrimination, and breach of implied contract claims apply when termination violates promised retirement transition policies. Affected employees may recover back pay, lost

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