Should You Sue Your Employer for Wrongful Termination?

Pasadena, United States – April 6, 2026 / Davtyan Law Firm, Inc. /

When workers are unexpectedly let go from their jobs, they often wonder whether their employers had the right to fire them. California is an “at-will” employment state, meaning employers can terminate workers’ positions at any time without reason. However, they cannot legally terminate them for a reason that would be unlawful or violate their rights; this would be considered wrongful termination.

Should a worker sue their employer for wrongful termination? D.Law, an employment law firm in California, addresses the right to sue for wrongful termination and steps to take to protect employee rights.

Understanding What Is Considered Wrongful Termination in California

D.Law often hears from workers who feel they have experienced wrongful termination after being fired unexpectedly without cause. However, an employer can generally fire a worker at any time, with or without reason. They only commit wrongful termination when they fire an employee for a reason that violates their employee rights.

A few situations that may constitute wrongful termination include:

Retaliation: An employer firing a worker for exercising their rights, such as reporting an employer for misconduct, taking job-protected leave, or making a legal claim against them
Public policy violations: An employer or manager demanding that an employee participate in an illicit activity, then terminating their employment for their refusal to comply
Discrimination-based firing: An employer firing a worker for a discriminatory reason, such as the presence of a protected characteristic like their age, gender, religious beliefs, etc.
Breach of contract: An employer violating a worker’s employment contract by terminating them

When a worker is fired under one of these circumstances, contacting an attorney from D.Law to explore their legal options is often a wise next step.

Should You Sue Your Employer for Wrongful Termination in California?

When a worker believes they have been wrongfully terminated, they may wonder about their legal options and next steps. Should they sue their employer for wrongful termination?

Generally, a worker would need to file a complaint with a state agency, such as the California Civil Rights Department, to seek a “right-to-sue” notice. This would give them the legal authority to sue their employer.

With the help of an attorney, the worker can gather evidence to support their claim, which may include email exchanges, witness statements, or other documentation. They can assess their damages, such as lost wages, severance compensation, or lost benefits.

Sometimes, negotiating with the employer for these damages is effective. Otherwise, the worker’s attorney can explore legal action and represent them in court.

D.Law Provides Employment Law Representation Across California

A worker wondering whether they should sue their employer for wrongful termination can gain clarity from an experienced employment attorney. D.Law represents California workers across a range of legal matters, from workplace discrimination and harassment to retaliation and wrongful termination.

Based in Glendale, CA, with offices across the state, D.Law exclusively practices employment law and is committed to defending workers’ rights. Interested parties can contact the law firm at 818-275-5799 for more information or to request a consultation.