California Employment Law: Wrongful Termination & Your Rights

California has some of the strongest employee protections in the country — yet wrongful termination remains one of the most common and misunderstood employment law issues. As employment laws continue to evolve in 2025 and 2026, it’s critical for workers to understand their rights and know when a termination may be unlawful.

If you believe you were fired unfairly, you may have legal options.

What Is Wrongful Termination in California?

California is an at-will employment state, meaning employers can generally terminate employees at any time. However, at-will does not mean unlawful conduct is allowed.

A termination may be considered wrongful if it violates state or federal law, public policy, or contractual rights.

Common examples of wrongful termination include being fired for:

• Reporting workplace harassment or discrimination

• Taking protected medical or family leave

• Requesting reasonable accommodations

• Whistleblowing or reporting illegal activity

• Retaliation after filing a complaint

• Discrimination based on race, gender, age, disability, pregnancy, or other protected characteristics

If your termination falls into one of these categories, your employer may be legally responsible.

Key California Wrongful Termination Protections (2025–2026)

As California employment laws expand, enforcement around termination claims has increased. Key areas receiving heightened attention include:

Retaliation Protections

Employees are protected from termination for asserting their legal rights, including:

• Wage and hour complaints

• Reporting unsafe work conditions

• Participating in workplace investigations

Retaliation claims often overlap with wrongful termination cases and are aggressively enforced in California.

Discrimination & Harassment Enforcement

California continues to strengthen protections against workplace discrimination and harassment. Terminations tied to protected characteristics — or following complaints of harassment — are frequently challenged and scrutinized.

Medical Leave & Accommodation Rights

Employees cannot be lawfully terminated for:

• Taking CFRA or FMLA leave

• Pregnancy-related leave

• Requesting reasonable accommodations for disabilities or medical conditions

Employers must engage in a good-faith interactive process before taking adverse action.

Whistleblower Protections

Employees who report illegal conduct, fraud, or labor violations are protected under California law. Termination following whistleblowing activity may constitute wrongful termination, even if the employer claims other reasons.

Signs You May Have a Wrongful Termination Claim

You may want to speak with an employment attorney if:

• You were fired shortly after reporting a workplace issue

• Your employer gave shifting or unclear reasons for termination

• You were disciplined differently than similarly situated employees

• You were terminated while on leave or seeking accommodations

• You were pressured to resign instead of being formally terminated

Timing and documentation often play a critical role in these cases.

What Compensation May Be Available?

Depending on the circumstances, a wrongful termination claim may allow recovery for:

• Lost wages and future earnings

• Emotional distress damages

• Reinstatement (in some cases)

• Penalties and attorneys’ fees

Every case is unique, which is why early legal guidance is important.

How Jose Herrera & Matthew Haulk Can Help

At Haulk & Herrera LLP, Attorneys Jose Herrera and Matthew Haulk are dedicated to protecting employees’ rights across California. They understand how stressful and life-altering a termination can be — and they work closely with clients to evaluate claims, gather evidence, and pursue accountability.

Their approach includes:

• Careful review of termination circumstances

• Strategic evaluation of retaliation and discrimination issues

• Clear communication throughout the legal process

• Aggressive advocacy when employers violate the law

Whether you were wrongfully terminated, retaliated against, or unfairly treated at work, having experienced legal counsel can make all the difference.

Speak With a California Employment Attorney

If you believe your termination was unlawful, do not wait. Employment law claims are subject to strict deadlines, and early action can preserve important evidence.

Haulk & Herrera LLP represents employees throughout California and is committed to fighting for fairness in the workplace.

Contact us today to request a confidential case evaluation.