Helping You Navigate Job Loss with Legal Strength and Strategy
A sudden job loss doesn’t just create financial strain—it can derail your career, impact your mental health, and make the future feel uncertain. If you’re based in Santa Monica and suspect your dismissal was unlawful—whether due to discrimination, whistleblower retaliation, or other illegal conduct—you may have the right to seek compensation through a wrongful termination claim.
California’s labor laws are among the most employee-friendly in the country, offering strong legal safeguards. But pursuing a claim without professional help can be risky. Without skilled legal representation, you might miss out on crucial evidence or deadlines that could cost you a favorable outcome. This is why so many individuals in Santa Monica reach out to experienced employment lawyers who can help them pursue justice and regain their sense of control.
If you believe your firing wasn’t fair, don’t stay silent or try to take on your employer alone. An attorney can be your advocate in holding them responsible and helping you move forward with confidence.
What Is Wrongful Termination in California?
California law embraces an “at-will” employment model, meaning that either the employer or the employee can end the employment relationship at any given time, with or without a stated reason. However, this flexibility has important legal limitations. If your firing was influenced by discrimination, retaliation for protected actions, or harassment, you could be entitled to legal recourse through a wrongful termination lawsuit.
Santa Monica employees are protected under both state and federal laws, including the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and the Civil Rights Act’s Title VII. These laws clearly define circumstances in which a termination would be considered unlawful. If your dismissal stems from reasons prohibited under these laws, such as the following, you may be eligible to file a claim:
- Terminations that are rooted in bias—whether racial, gender-based, age-related, religious, disability-related, sexual orientation-based, or due to pregnancy—are not permitted under California law.
- Employers are prohibited from retaliating against workers who speak up about unethical or illegal company practices, including those who file internal complaints or act as whistleblowers.
- If you were let go after using your lawful right to medical leave or initiating a workers’ compensation case, that may be considered retaliatory and unlawful.
- Refusing to perform tasks that are illegal or unethical on your employer’s behalf should never lead to job loss. If it does, you could have legal standing.
If you believe your termination in Santa Monica falls into any of these categories or comparable situations, taking legal steps could be a necessary course to protect your rights.
Common Wrongful Termination Scenarios for Santa Monica Workers
Discrimination-Based Termination
Pregnancy Discrimination
Were you let go or treated unfairly due to your pregnancy, medical needs, or maternity-related requests? California and federal laws strictly prohibit employers from penalizing employees for being pregnant or needing time off for related health issues. If you live or work in Santa Monica and experienced job loss, reduced hours, or a hostile work environment because of pregnancy, you may have a legal case.
Retaliation for Protected Activity
If you were terminated shortly after participating in protected workplace activities—such as reporting safety hazards, making a formal HR complaint, or raising legal or ethical concerns—you may have experienced unlawful retaliation. California labor laws make it clear: employers cannot dismiss workers as punishment for doing what is right. These protections are designed to encourage transparency and workplace accountability without fear of job loss.
Sexual Harassment Reporting Retaliation
Raising concerns about sexual harassment, even if you’re not the direct target, is a protected right. If you were terminated after making a report, supporting a coworker’s claim, or cooperating with an investigation, your employer’s actions may be illegal. Workers in Santa Monica and across California are entitled to speak up about misconduct without risking their job security.
Paid Sick Leave or Family Leave Retaliation
Under both state and federal regulations, Santa Monica employees are protected when taking job-protected leave for medical or family-related reasons. If you were terminated after requesting or using leave under FMLA or CFRA, your employer might have violated your rights. These laws exist to allow you to address serious health issues or care for your family without sacrificing your employment. Firing you for utilizing this leave may be grounds for a wrongful termination lawsuit.
Workers’ Compensation Claims Retaliation
If you suffered a workplace injury and followed the legal process to file a workers’ compensation claim, only to be let go afterward, your employer may have crossed a legal line. California labor laws ensure that injured workers are supported, not penalized. Any termination that appears to be linked to your claim could qualify as retaliation, giving you the right to pursue legal remedies and financial compensation.
Constructive Termination: Forced Resignation
Not all resignations are truly voluntary. When working conditions become persistently toxic or humiliating, it may leave you feeling like you have no choice but to quit. This is referred to as constructive discharge. Whether you faced workplace bullying, consistent neglect of serious complaints, or overwhelming scrutiny, the law could recognize your resignation as a coerced termination.
If you experienced such treatment in Santa Monica and were pushed out because of it, you may be entitled to file a legal claim for wrongful termination.
What to Do If You’ve Been Wrongfully Terminated in Santa Monica
Don’t Wait to Act
Employment laws in California come with strict timeframes. Most wrongful termination cases must be filed within two years, though certain claims—especially those under state-specific statutes like FEHA—may require action much sooner. Santa Monica workers should not assume they have unlimited time. Consulting a lawyer early gives you the best chance at a favorable outcome.
Document Everything
Be proactive in preserving evidence. Save all communications with supervisors or HR, and keep copies of policies, disciplinary actions, and any compliments or criticisms. Make a detailed account of key incidents and decisions that led to your firing. Organized documentation strengthens your credibility and legal position.
Seek Representation
Even if you're offered a severance agreement, speaking to an employment law professional is vital. Wrongful termination cases hinge on facts, context, and knowledge of complex legal codes. A skilled attorney can evaluate your circumstances, determine if your rights were violated, and fight to get you the compensation and justice you deserve.
Fighting for Your Rights Starts Now
If you believe you’ve been unfairly dismissed from your job in Santa Monica, don’t let the situation overwhelm you. You have legal rights, and we’re here to help you uphold them. Our experienced team is committed to listening to your story and fighting for your best interests.
Wrongful termination—whether due to retaliation, workplace bias, or a violation of labor laws—can have long-lasting effects. You could be entitled to financial recovery, including unpaid wages, benefits, and damages for distress. Standing up now could protect your future and hold your employer accountable.
Call today to set up a consultation and learn how we can advocate for you.