California employees are protected by some of the strongest workplace laws in the country — but most people don’t realize they were illegally fired until long after the damage is done. Employers rarely admit wrongdoing. Instead, they hide behind vague excuses like “restructuring,” “performance issues,” or “not a good fit.”
This guide breaks down 12 clear signs of wrongful termination, backed by California law and federal protections. If even one of these applies to you, it’s time to speak with a wrongful termination lawyer in California.
🔥 What Counts as Wrongful Termination in California?
Wrongful termination occurs when an employer fires you for a reason that violates:
- California labor laws
- Anti‑discrimination laws
- Retaliation protections
- Public policy
- Your employment contract
Learn more on our Employment Law page.
The California Labor Commissioner outlines employee rights.
✅ 12 Signs You Were Illegally Fired
Below is the checklist format that helps readers self‑diagnose — your conversion angle.
1. You Were Fired After Reporting Misconduct
If you reported:
- harassment
- discrimination
- safety violations
- wage theft
- illegal activity
…and were fired shortly after, that’s retaliation.
2. You Were Fired After Requesting Medical Leave
California protects employees who request:
- FMLA leave
- CFRA leave
- Pregnancy disability leave
Firing you for taking protected leave is illegal.
3. You Were Fired After a Workers’ Compensation Claim
Employers cannot punish you for filing a workplace injury claim.
This is one of the most common retaliation patterns we see.
4. You Were Fired for Refusing to Break the Law
If your employer asked you to:
- falsify documents
- ignore safety rules
- commit fraud
- violate regulations
…and you refused, firing you is a violation of public policy.
5. You Were Fired After Complaining About Harassment
If you reported harassment — even informally — and were terminated, that’s illegal.
External authority:👉 EEOC Harassment Guidelines
6. You Were Fired After Reporting Discrimination
California’s FEHA protects employees from discrimination based on:
- race
- gender
- disability
- age
- religion
- sexual orientation
- national origin
Firing you after reporting discrimination is unlawful.
7. You Were Fired for Discussing Pay
Under California law, employees have the right to discuss wages with coworkers.
If your employer fired you for this, it’s a violation of the Labor Code.
8. You Were Fired After Requesting Reasonable Accommodations
If you have a disability and asked for:
- modified duties
- schedule adjustments
- ergonomic equipment
…and were fired, that’s illegal under FEHA and the ADA.
9. You Were Fired After Whistleblowing
Reporting illegal activity — internally or externally — is protected.
External authority:👉 California Labor Commissioner Whistleblower Protections
10. You Were Fired Without Progressive Discipline (When Promised)
If your employer promised:
- warnings
- write‑ups
- performance plans
…and skipped straight to termination, that may violate your employment agreement.
11. You Were Fired Right After Announcing Pregnancy
Pregnancy discrimination is illegal — and extremely common.
If timing feels suspicious, it usually is.
12. You Were Replaced by Someone Outside Your Protected Class
Example:
- A 55‑year‑old employee replaced by a 28‑year‑old
- A woman replaced after reporting harassment
- A disabled employee replaced after requesting accommodations
This is classic evidence of discrimination.
⚖️ How to Prove Wrongful Termination in California
Strong evidence includes:
- emails or texts
- performance reviews
- witness statements
- HR complaints
- timing of events
- company policies
- termination paperwork
Our team builds cases using both direct and circumstantial evidence — because employers rarely admit the truth.
🧭 What to Do If You Think You Were Wrongfully Terminated
- Don’t sign anything yet
- Gather documents
- Write down the timeline
- Save emails, texts, and screenshots
- Contact an employment attorney before speaking to HR
Learn more about your rights:👉 Employment Law
💼 How Infinity Law Group Helps Wrongfully Terminated Employees
We:
- investigate the real reason for your firing
- obtain internal documents and communications
- interview witnesses
- file claims with the EEOC or DFEH
- negotiate aggressively
- prepare every case for litigation
Most importantly, we protect you from employer retaliation and pressure.
📞 Think You Were Illegally Fired?
You don’t have to navigate this alone.
We’ll review your case, explain your rights, and tell you exactly what your employer doesn’t want you to know.
