Job termination often brings a storm of challenges—emotional strain, loss of stability, and uncertainty about the future. If you’re in Santa Clarita and believe your dismissal was tied to discrimination, retaliation, or another unlawful act, you may have grounds for a legal claim.
California’s employment laws are built to shield workers from such unfair treatment. But while the law is on your side, successfully filing a claim isn’t easy. Small missteps—like overlooking crucial evidence or missing a filing deadline—can derail your efforts. This is why many Santa Clarita residents reach out to trusted employment lawyers who understand how to build a compelling case and stand up to wrongful employers.
You don’t have to navigate this process alone. With the right legal representation, you can fight back, protect your rights, and pursue the compensation you rightfully deserve.
California follows an “at-will” employment model, meaning that an employer or employee can end the working relationship at any time and for almost any reason—or even no reason at all. However, this general rule has important legal exceptions. If your firing was motivated by illegal factors—like retaliation after whistleblowing, acts of discrimination, or workplace harassment—you could be eligible to bring a wrongful termination claim.
Employees in Santa Clarita are shielded by a robust network of legal rights under both California and federal law. The California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), along with federal protections like Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, provide clear rules employers must follow. When an employer violates these protections by firing someone for a reason that conflicts with public policy or infringes on legally protected rights, the action becomes unlawful. Some common examples of these wrongful practices include:
If your termination in Santa Clarita involved any of these situations or something similar, you may want to explore your legal options and consider taking formal steps to seek justice.
If you’ve suffered professional setbacks because of pregnancy—whether you were penalized for missing work, requesting accommodations, or taking maternity leave—you may be a victim of discrimination. Laws like the Pregnancy Discrimination Act and California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act offer protections to ensure pregnant workers are not unfairly treated. Santa Clarita residents facing such challenges should explore their legal rights as soon as possible.
Being terminated after reporting sexual harassment—whether you experienced it firsthand or witnessed it happening to a colleague—can constitute unlawful retaliation. Both California and federal employment laws protect individuals who report harassment or file complaints, regardless of whether those reports are formal or informal. If your job ended following your decision to speak out, this could indicate your employer acted in violation of your legal protections.
Employers are not permitted to penalize workers for using legally protected leave under FMLA or CFRA. If you took time off to recover from a serious medical condition, care for a new child, or support a family member, and were later fired, this could signal wrongful termination. In Santa Clarita, employees are entitled to care for themselves and their loved ones without the fear of losing their livelihood in the process.
After a workplace injury or illness, filing for workers’ compensation is your legal right—not a reason for dismissal. California’s labor laws prohibit employers from firing or disciplining workers simply for seeking the medical care and wage support they’re entitled to. If you were let go shortly after filing a claim, it may point to an illegal act of retaliation and could warrant a formal legal response.
Not every resignation is a true choice—especially when it’s made under the pressure of sustained abuse, harassment, or an employer’s refusal to address legitimate workplace concerns. In legal terms, this is referred to as constructive discharge. When your work life becomes so intolerable that you feel you must walk away, the law may view your exit as a forced termination.
If your workplace in Santa Clarita subjected you to ongoing mistreatment or made no effort to improve your situation despite complaints, you may still have a wrongful termination case. Constructive discharge claims hold employers accountable for creating or tolerating the type of environment that pushes employees out against their will.
In California, employment-related legal claims are governed by deadlines that are strictly enforced. For wrongful termination, the time limit is generally two years from the date of discharge—but if your claim involves discrimination or retaliation under FEHA, you may have to file sooner through the proper administrative channels. If you're in the Santa Clarita area and feel your termination was unlawful, speaking to a legal professional right away can preserve your right to compensation and ensure no filing deadlines are missed.
Keeping accurate and detailed records is one of the most important things you can do. Gather emails, complaints filed with HR, text messages, witness statements, and other documents relevant to your case. Maintain a chronological log of events, particularly anything that happened before or around your termination. The more comprehensive your documentation, the easier it will be for your attorney to build a compelling and well-supported case.
Employment law is filled with nuances that the average person may not be aware of. A dedicated employment lawyer can assess your situation, gather the facts, and recommend a clear path forward. Don’t risk making a costly mistake by going it alone. Before signing any legal documents or accepting a settlement, get advice from someone who knows how to negotiate with employers and protect your rights.
If you’ve recently lost your job in Santa Clarita and believe it happened for the wrong reasons, you don’t have to face this challenge alone. You deserve to be heard, and you have legal rights that must be respected. Our employment attorneys are committed to helping you understand your options and giving you the support you need to move forward with confidence.
Whether your firing was an act of retaliation, discrimination, or the result of a hostile work environment, you may be entitled to financial recovery—including lost wages, emotional distress damages, and more. Now is the time to hold your employer accountable and begin restoring what was taken from you.
Contact us today to book a private consultation and begin your path toward justice and fair treatment.