Huntington Beach Wrongful Termination Lawyer
| Feher Law
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- Over $100 Million Recovered For Clients
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Wrongful termination in California occurs when an employer fires an employee for an unlawful reason, including discrimination based on a protected characteristic, retaliation for a protected activity, or breach of an employment contract. Although California is an at-will employment state under Labor Code § 2922, this does not protect employers who terminate workers illegally – such as firing someone for their race, gender, disability, pregnancy, or for reporting workplace violations. Employees who are wrongfully terminated may recover lost wages, front pay, emotional distress damages, and punitive damages if the employer acted with malice. Most California wrongful termination claims require filing a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) within three years before a lawsuit can be filed.
Wrongful termination settlements in California typically range from wrongful termination settlements of $30,000 to $300,000, with whistleblower cases often reaching $80,000 to $250,000.
Key Takeaways
- California is an at-will employment state, but firing an employee for an illegal reason, such as discrimination, retaliation, or a violation of public policy, constitutes wrongful termination.
- Common wrongful termination claims include being fired for reporting harassment, taking protected medical leave, filing a workers’ compensation claim, or whistleblowing.
- Before filing a wrongful termination lawsuit in California, most employees must first file a complaint with the Civil Rights Department (CRD).
- You may be entitled to back pay, front pay, lost benefits, emotional distress damages, and punitive damages if your employer acted with malice.
- Feher Law handles all wrongful termination cases on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we win.
Table of Contents
Why Feher Law?
When you entrust your employment law case to us, you gain access to tailored advantages crafted to navigate the complexities of such legal matters:
- Litigation and Trial Expertise: From initial claim filing to complex litigation and trial advocacy, our team possesses comprehensive experience in all legal proceedings. We leverage strategic insights to present your case powerfully and secure the justice you deserve.
- Compassionate Strategies: We understand the distress and vulnerability often associated with seeking legal assistance, especially in wrongful termination or discrimination cases. Our approach prioritizes empathy and support to guide you through the process.
- Great Results: Feher Law has a strong history of winning big money for people in work-related legal cases. For example, in April 2021, we helped a man who lost his job unfairly after he got hurt at work. According to California law, his employer fired him instead of trying to find a solution together. We fought for him and won him $1 million.
What to Expect
- Free Case Evaluation: We review your termination circumstances at no cost and give you an honest assessment of whether you have a viable wrongful termination claim.
- CRD Filing: For most California claims, we guide you through filing a complaint with the Civil Rights Department (CRD) to preserve your right to sue.
- Evidence Gathering: We collect performance reviews, termination letters, emails, HR records, and witness statements to establish the illegal motive behind your firing.
- Negotiation: We present your case to your former employer’s counsel and push for a settlement covering your lost income, benefits, and emotional distress.
- Litigation if Needed: If a fair settlement is not offered, we take your case to court and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Case Result
After our client reported sexual harassment at her Los Angeles workplace, her employer terminated her employment rather than address the complaint – a direct violation of California employment law. Feher Law filed a wrongful termination and retaliation claim, and recovered a $4,000,000 settlement. If you were fired after asserting your rights at work, contact Feher Law.
Recent Case Results
Meet Our Team
Thomas Feher, Esq.
Founding Attorney
Stephen Wiard, Esq.
Senior Trial Attorney
Sandy Luu, Esq.
Associate Attorney
Alex Ballard, Esq.
Associate Attorney
Karen Parra, Esq.
Associate Attorney
Chase Nielsen, Esq.
Associate Attorney
Betsy Gomez
Managing Paralegal
Erica Feher
Chief of Operations
What Is Wrongful Termination in the Workplace?
Wrongful termination refers to the unlawful dismissal of an employee from their job, typically violating employment laws or public policy. It occurs when an employer fires an employee for discriminatory, retaliatory, or illegal reasons. Wrongful termination can take various forms, including:
- Discriminatory Termination: When an employer fires an employee based on their race, gender, age, religion, disability, or other protected characteristics.
- Retaliatory Termination: Occurs when an employee is fired in retaliation for engaging in protected activities, such as reporting workplace harassment, discrimination, or illegal activities, or for exercising their legal rights, such as taking medical leave or filing a workers’ compensation claim.
- Breach of Contract: An employer terminates an employee, violating an employment contract or agreement, either written or implied.
- Violation of Public Policy: When an employee is fired for reasons that violate public policy, such as refusing to engage in illegal activities, whistleblowing, or exercising legal rights.
Wrongful termination laws may vary from state to state, and understanding the specific legal protections available in your jurisdiction is crucial. Victims of wrongful termination may be entitled to various forms of relief, including reinstatement, back pay, front pay, compensatory damages, punitive damages, and attorney fees.
Seeking legal advice from an experienced Huntington Beach employment lawyer can help determine the viability of your wrongful termination claim and explore available legal solutions.
Get to Know Wrongful Termination Laws
In California, wrongful termination laws offer serious protections to employees against unjust dismissal. Understanding these laws is essential for both employers and employees to navigate the complexities of employment relationships effectively.
Here’s a detailed overview of California’s wrongful termination employment laws:
- At-Will Employment: California follows the doctrine of at-will employment, meaning that employers can generally terminate employees for any reason or no reason as long as it’s not unlawful. However, there are significant exceptions to this rule, as outlined below.
- Protected Characteristics: Under California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), it is illegal for employers to terminate employees based on protected characteristics such as race, gender, age, religion, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, or national origin.
- Retaliation Protections: California law prohibits employers from retaliating against employees for engaging in protected activities, such as reporting workplace discrimination or harassment, filing complaints with government agencies, participating in investigations, or exercising their legal rights.
- Whistleblower Protections: California’s whistleblower laws protect employees who report illegal activities, violations of laws, or unsafe working conditions. Employers are prohibited from retaliating against whistleblowers, including termination, demotion, or harassment.
- Breach of Contract: If an employee has an employment contract, either written or implied, and the employer breaches that contract by terminating the employee without proper cause or following prescribed procedures, it may constitute wrongful termination.
- Public Policy Exceptions: California recognizes wrongful termination claims based on violations of public policy. For example, terminating an employee for refusing to engage in illegal activities, reporting workplace safety violations, or exercising legal rights may be considered wrongful termination.
- Remedies: Employees who prevail in wrongful termination claims may be entitled to various remedies, including reinstatement, back pay, front pay, compensatory damages, punitive damages, and attorney fees.
How to Know if You Have Been Wrongfully Terminated
Determining whether you have been wrongfully terminated involves assessing your dismissal’s circumstances and understanding your legal rights. Here are some indicators that you may have been wrongfully terminated:
- Discrimination: If you were fired based on protected characteristics such as race, gender, age, religion, disability, or pregnancy, it may constitute wrongful termination under anti-discrimination laws.
- Retaliation: If you were terminated in retaliation for engaging in protected activities, such as reporting workplace harassment or discrimination, filing a complaint with regulatory agencies, or exercising your legal rights, it could be considered wrongful termination.
- Breach of Contract: If you had an employment contract, either written or implied, and your employer terminated you in violation of the terms of that contract, it may constitute wrongful termination.
- Violation of Public Policy: If your termination violates public policy, such as firing you for refusing to engage in illegal activities, whistleblowing, or exercising your legal rights, it may be deemed wrongful termination.
- Unlawful Reasons: If your employer terminated you for reasons that are against the law or contrary to company policies, it could be considered wrongful termination.
If you suspect you were wrongfully terminated, speak with our employment attorneys. At Feher Law, we can evaluate the circumstances of your dismissal, advise you on your legal rights, and help you determine the best course of action to pursue.
Why Hire a Huntington Beach Wrongful Termination Attorney?
Navigating workplace legal issues, like filing a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or taking legal action against your employer for things like harassment or unfair treatment, can feel overwhelming when you’re on your own. The laws about wrongful termination, both federal and in California, are complicated, making it hard to know your rights and what to do next.
That’s where having a trusted lawyer from our law firm can make a big difference.
In these situations, it’s not just about getting justice but also about getting what’s fair and feeling less stressed. Our team will work actively on your wrongful termination case to get you the money you’re owed for being wrongfully fired.
With us handling all the confusing legal procedures, you can relax and focus on moving forward. And, with our experience and dedication, you have a better chance of winning your case and getting the fair treatment you deserve.
Deadlines To File A Wrongful Termination Claim
In California, employees who believe they have been wrongfully terminated in a manner that goes against public policy are given a two-year window from their firing to initiate legal action against their employer.
If you’re fired for reasons that breach fundamental principles or societal norms—such as retaliation for whistleblowing or discrimination based on protected characteristics—you have up to two years to seek justice and potentially file a lawsuit seeking compensation or other remedies.
Additional reading: wrongful termination statute of limitations in California
Initial Steps After Being Wrongfully Terminated
It’s essential to take these initial steps to safeguard your legal interests and lay the groundwork for addressing the unjust termination:
- Document Everything: Include all relevant details surrounding your termination, including dates, times, conversations, and any evidence supporting your wrongful termination claim. This may include emails, performance reviews, or witness statements.
- Review Your Employment Contract: Carefully review your employment contract, employee handbook, or any other relevant documents to understand your rights and any provisions related to termination.
- Seek Legal Advice: Consult with our experienced employment lawyers to discuss your situation and explore your legal options.
- File for Unemployment Benefits: If you’re eligible, file for unemployment benefits to provide temporary financial support while you pursue legal action against your former employer.
- Gather Evidence: Collect any additional evidence, such as performance evaluations, witness testimonies, or communications with your employer, that supports your claim of wrongful termination.
- File a Complaint: Depending on the circumstances of your termination, consider filing a complaint with relevant government agencies, such as the EEOC or the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH), to investigate potential violations of employment laws.
Evidence to Prove Wrongful Termination
Collecting evidence is crucial to building a strong case and supporting your allegations of unjust dismissal. Here are the types of evidence that should be gathered to strengthen your claim:
- Employment Records: Obtain copies of your employment contract, job description, performance evaluations, and any other relevant documents that outline your rights, responsibilities, and job performance.
- Termination Notice: This document may contain important details about the reasons for your termination, which can be used to challenge the employer’s decision.
- Emails and Correspondence: Save any emails, letters, or other correspondence related to your termination, including communications with HR personnel or supervisors. These communications may provide valuable insights into the employer’s motives or discriminatory behavior.
- Witness Statements: Gather statements from co-workers, supervisors, or other individuals who witnessed the events leading up to your termination or can attest to any discriminatory practices in the workplace.
- Performance Reviews: Obtain copies of your performance reviews or evaluations and any commendations or awards you received during your employment. Positive performance feedback can contradict claims of poor job performance used to justify termination.
- Documentation of Discrimination or Retaliation: If you believe your termination was motivated by discrimination or retaliation, collect any evidence supporting your claim, such as discriminatory remarks, unequal treatment, or previous complaints you filed with HR.
- Company Policies and Handbooks: Review your employer’s policies, procedures, and employee handbook to determine if they were followed during the termination process. Any deviations from established procedures may indicate procedural irregularities or violations.
- Employment History: Provide a detailed account of your employment history, including dates of hire, promotions, raises, and disciplinary actions, to demonstrate your commitment and contributions to the company.
- Financial Losses: Keep records of any financial losses resulting from your termination, such as lost wages, benefits, or bonuses, as well as expenses incurred during your job search or retraining efforts.
Collecting and preserving this evidence can strengthen your wrongful termination claim and increase the likelihood of achieving a favorable outcome in your case.
How Do I File a Wrongful Termination Claim?
Filing a wrongful termination claim in California requires careful attention to legal procedures and deadlines. Without proper guidance, even the strongest cases can be compromised by procedural errors or missed filing deadlines.
Here are the essential steps and considerations when filing your claim:
- Administrative Filing Requirements – File your initial complaint with the appropriate agency (CRD or EEOC), complete all required documentation within specified timeframes, and obtain a “Right to Sue” letter before proceeding with a lawsuits
- Evidence Documentation – Preserve workplace communications and emails, gather performance reviews and employment records, collect witness statements and supporting documents, and maintain a detailed timeline of events leading to termination.
- Legal Strategy Development – Identify the specific type of wrongful termination claim, assess potential damages and compensation, evaluate settlement options versus litigation, and develop a comprehensive case strategy.
What Compensation Can I Receive for Wrongful Termination?
If you’ve been wrongfully terminated in California, you may be entitled to significant compensation. Our experienced employment lawyers specialize in maximizing your recovery, ensuring you receive the full compensation you deserve for all damages suffered.
Available compensation includes:
- Back Pay (Lost Wages): Reimbursement for wages lost due to wrongful termination, demotion, or denied promotions.
- Front Pay (Future Wages): Compensation for the income you would have earned if your employment had not been wrongfully terminated.
- Number of Years of Lost Wages: Factor used to calculate the interest you can claim on your lost wages.
- Interest on Lost Wages: Automatically calculated at 10% per year based on the total amount of back pay.
- Emotional Distress Compensation: Reimbursement for emotional suffering, psychological trauma, and mental anguish caused by wrongful termination.
- Punitive Damages: Additional penalties imposed on employers for intentional or egregious violations.
- Legal Costs & Attorney Fees: Recovery of attorney’s fees and court expenses incurred in pursuing your case.
- Job Reinstatement or Hiring: Compensation for restoring you to your former role or securing a similar position.
- Reimbursement for Expenses: Covers costs related to wrongful termination, such as job search expenses or medical bills.
- Earned Promotion Compensation: Financial recovery for promotions or career advancements unfairly denied.
What Your Wrongful Termination Case Could Be Worth
Our wrongful termination settlement calculator provides a preliminary estimate of what your case might be worth based on your specific circumstances. Unlike generic online calculators, our tool incorporates California’s specific employment laws and precedents to give you a more accurate picture of potential compensation. The calculator analyzes the same factors our attorneys consider when evaluating cases, helping you understand the financial impact of your wrongful termination before taking legal action.
Getting an estimate is quick and confidential. You’ll receive personalized insights about your case’s potential value without any obligation. Don’t navigate the complex process of wrongful termination claims without knowing what fair compensation looks like. Call us today at (310) 340-1112 for a free consultation, and we’ll walk you through how the wrongful termination settlement calculator applies to your unique situation.
Disclaimer: The results generated by this wrongful termination settlement calculator are for general informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. This tool provides an estimated calculation based on general inputs and does not account for specific factors, such as the unique details of your case, applicable laws, or liability considerations. The figures provided are not guaranteed and should not be relied upon as a definitive prediction of your settlement outcome.
What Can I Expect to Pay?
With Feher Law, you don’t have to worry about paying anything upfront for your employment law claim. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you will be charged fees once we successfully resolve your case.
Our contingency fee structure is simple: we only get paid if we win your case and secure compensation for you. This ensures that our goals are aligned with yours, and you can trust that we’re fully committed to fighting for the justice and settlement you deserve.
Have You Been Wrongfully Terminated? Get Expert Help Today!
Contact our team of specialized attorneys in Huntington Beach to initiate the process of addressing your employment concerns. At Feher Law Firm, we’re deeply familiar with the intricacies of employment law and pledge to offer tailored, impactful legal strategies once we’ve reviewed your situation.
Contact us at (310) 340-1112 today to schedule a free consultation and case evaluation to get started.
Last reviewed by Thomas Feher, Esq. – April 2026
Other Locations We Serve
We proudly extend our legal services to various cities in the region, including but not limited to:
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Services We Offer
When it comes to your recovery and peace of mind, it’s vital to have an expert by your side that really understands the bigger picture of employment law.
Our Huntington beach employment attorneys specialize in various areas of employment law to support you through any workplace challenges you may face:
FAQs
What are the rules of termination?
The termination rules vary depending on factors such as employment contracts, company policies, and state laws. Employers are generally required to provide termination notice, comply with contractual obligations, and adhere to anti-discrimination laws. Additionally, some states have specific regulations regarding notice periods, severance pay, and reasons for termination.
How do you respond to termination of employment?
When responding to termination of employment, it's essential to remain calm and professional. Consider asking your employer to clarify the reasons for termination and reviewing your rights, including any severance pay or benefits entitlements. If appropriate, negotiate the terms of your departure, such as references or continuation of benefits. It's also advisable to seek legal advice to understand your options and ensure your rights are protected.
What is the burden of proof for wrongful termination in California?
In California, employees must demonstrate that their termination was unlawful under state employment laws.
While California is an "at-will" employment state, meaning employers can terminate workers for many reasons, you must show evidence that your firing violated specific laws or public policy. This includes proving you were an employee, the company terminated you, and the termination violated employment laws.
To win your case, you need to establish a clear connection between your protected activity (like reporting harassment or discrimination) and your termination. You don't need to prove your case with absolute certainty – just show it's more likely than not that your termination was wrongful.
Our experienced employment lawyers at Feher Law know what evidence is needed to build a strong case and can help you meet this burden of proof.
What is the average settlement for wrongful termination in California?
The average wrongful termination settlements in California typically range between $30,000 and $300,000, though amounts can vary significantly based on individual circumstances. Final settlement amounts depend on factors like lost wages, emotional distress, and case strength.
For more detailed information about wrongful termination settlements and the factors that influence them, we invite you to read our blog post on "average wrongful termination settlements in California"
What are the odds of winning a wrongful termination lawsuit?
The success of a wrongful termination lawsuit depends heavily on the evidence available and the specific circumstances of your case.
With strong documentation, witness statements, and experienced legal representation like Feher Law, your chances of success increase significantly. Our track record demonstrates this - we recently secured a $1,400,000 settlement for a wrongful termination case in Los Angeles.
Can I be fired for reporting workplace harassment or safety violations in California?
No. Terminating an employee for reporting harassment, discrimination, or safety violations is illegal retaliation under California law. If you were fired after making a complaint or participating in an investigation, you may have both a wrongful termination and a retaliation claim.
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