Disclaimer: These tools generate templates for informational purposes only. We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or appropriateness of generated documents for your specific situation. Always consult with a qualified attorney before taking legal action. Filing deadlines and procedural requirements vary - verify current requirements with the relevant agency.

California Wrongful Termination Hub

Fight back against illegal terminations. Generate demand letters, DLSE complaints, and CRD filings for retaliation, public policy violations, and breach of implied contract claims.

All Claims
Retaliation
Public Policy
Breach of Contract
File Complaint
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Employer Denied Wrongful Termination?
Get templates to counter common employer defenses like "at-will employment" and "legitimate business reasons."
View Response Templates

Understanding California Wrongful Termination Law

California is an "at-will" employment state, meaning employers can generally fire employees for any reason. However, there are important exceptions: retaliation for exercising legal rights, firing that violates public policy, breach of an implied contract, and violations of FEHA (discrimination). Under Labor Code § 1102.5, whistleblower protections are among the strongest in the nation. Successful claims can recover lost wages, emotional distress damages, and potentially punitive damages.

Types of Wrongful Termination Claims

Retaliation Claims

Fired for exercising a legal right or reporting illegal activity

  • Whistleblower retaliation (Lab. Code § 1102.5)
  • Workers' comp retaliation (Lab. Code § 132a)
  • Wage complaint retaliation (Lab. Code § 98.6)
  • Safety complaint retaliation (Lab. Code § 6310)
  • Jury duty/witness retaliation
  • Military leave retaliation

Public Policy Violations

Termination that violates fundamental public policy of California

  • Refusing to commit illegal acts
  • Performing a statutory duty (jury duty)
  • Exercising a statutory right
  • Reporting legal violations to authorities
  • Refusing to violate professional ethics

Contract-Based Claims

Breach of express or implied employment agreements

  • Written employment contract breach
  • Implied contract from handbook/policies
  • Promissory estoppel (relied on promises)
  • Implied covenant of good faith
  • Severance agreement violations

FEHA Violations

Termination based on protected characteristics

  • Race, color, national origin
  • Sex, gender, pregnancy
  • Age (40+), disability
  • Religion, sexual orientation
  • See our Discrimination Hub

Damages Calculators

💰 Lost Wages Calculator

Lost Salary (Back Pay) $0
Lost Benefits $0
Mitigation Credit -$0
Net Lost Wages (Past) $0

📈 Future & Total Damages

Front Pay (Future Lost Wages) $0
Salary Differential Losses $0
Emotional Distress (Est. Range) $0
Estimated Total Damages $0

Wrongful Termination Document Generator

What documents do you want to generate?

1 Your Info
2 Employer
3 Termination
4 Claim Type
5 Generate

Step 1: Your Information

Step 2: Employer Information

Step 3: Termination Details

Step 4: Wrongful Termination Claim Details

Protected Activity (What Did You Do Before Being Fired?)

✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
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Step 5: Review & Generate Documents

Summary

Important Deadlines

  • DLSE Retaliation Complaints: File within 6 months of termination (some claims allow up to 3 years)
  • CRD/FEHA Complaints: File within 3 years of termination
  • Whistleblower Claims: Generally 3 years under Labor Code § 1102.5
  • Breach of Contract: 2 years (oral) to 4 years (written)

Generated Documents

Next Steps

  • Review Documents: These are templates - customize for your specific situation
  • Gather Evidence: Collect emails, documents, witness information
  • Mind Deadlines: File administrative complaints before statute of limitations expires
  • Send Certified Mail: Send demand letters via certified mail with return receipt
  • Consult an Attorney: Consider consulting an employment attorney for complex cases

File a Regulatory Complaint

Beyond sending a demand letter, you can file complaints with government agencies. These agencies can investigate, order reinstatement, and award damages.

Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE)

Primary agency for retaliation complaints under Labor Code (wages, safety, workers' comp retaliation). Can order reinstatement and back pay.

File DLSE Complaint ↗

Civil Rights Department (CRD)

Handles FEHA discrimination and retaliation claims. Must file before suing in court for FEHA violations (or obtain right-to-sue).

File CRD Complaint ↗

Cal/OSHA

For safety-related retaliation. If fired for reporting unsafe conditions or refusing unsafe work.

File Cal/OSHA Complaint ↗

OSHA (Federal)

Federal whistleblower protections under various statutes. Some claims have short deadlines (30-180 days).

File Federal OSHA Complaint ↗

Related Legal Hubs

Employment Discrimination Hub

FEHA, Title VII discrimination and harassment claims

Wage & Hour Hub

Unpaid wages, overtime, meal break violations

Consumer Protection Hub

CLRA, UCL claims against deceptive businesses

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Find a Lawyer in Your California City

San Francisco San Jose Oakland Sacramento Fresno Bakersfield Riverside Stockton Modesto Salinas

Free legal assessments, demand letter generators, and courthouse info for your city.