Spotting Wrongful Termination: 5 Signs You’ve Been Unfairly Fired

Losing a job is a devastating event with long-lasting consequences for employees and their families. It’s even more challenging when you believe you were wrongfully terminated or unfairly fired—that is, when your employer fires you for reasons that are unjust or illegal.

Many people who are fired from their job unfairly wonder if they have legal grounds to challenge their dismissal. In California, employers who engage in wrongful termination practices can face serious penalties. But how do you know if your firing qualifies as unjust termination?

This blog post will help you recognize the warning signs of wrongful termination or unfair firing. We’ll point out common red flags and discuss how you can prove that you were unjustly fired.

How Do I Know If I Was Wrongfully Terminated or Unfairly Fired?

An employee experiences wrongful termination when the reason for their firing violates California or federal law.

California is an “at-will” employment state, meaning your employer can generally fire you for almost any reason—even if it seems petty or unfair. However, there are important exceptions. Employers cannot engage in unfair firing practices, especially when those reasons are illegal or violate your rights.

Here are five signs your dismissal might be a case of wrongful termination or unjust termination:

1. You Reported Illegal Activity

California law protects employees from retaliation after reporting unlawful workplace behavior. If you were unfairly fired after blowing the whistle on illegal conduct, discrimination in the workplace, unsafe conditions, or wage violations, your firing may be wrongful termination.

• Whistleblowing to legal authorities about unlawful conduct,
• Complaining about discrimination in the workplace,
• Reporting hazardous working conditions to Cal/OSHA, and
• Filing a wage claim due to underpayment of minimum wage.

2. You Requested Family or Medical Leave

If you were fired from your job unfairly after requesting or taking time off under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) or California Family Rights Act (CFRA), your employer may have committed unjust termination by retaliating against your legal rights.

3. You Experienced Discrimination

Firing someone based on race, gender, age, disability, pregnancy, or other protected traits is illegal. If you were unjustly fired due to discrimination, your termination may be grounds for a wrongful termination claim.

California civil rights law bans basing employment decisions like hiring and firing on an employee’s:

• Race,
• Gender,
• Religion,
• Age (if over 40),
• Pregnancy status,
• Sexual orientation,
• Citizenship status,
• Disability, and
• Other protected traits.

4. You Faced Sexual Harassment

If you were wrongfully terminated after rejecting unwanted sexual advances or reporting harassment, your firing could be both unfair and illegal.

5. You Have an Employment Contract

If your employment contract requires your employer to have “cause” or follow specific procedures before firing you, and they failed to comply, your termination may be unjust termination.

For more information on employment contracts, see our article on Employment Contract Violations and Employee Rights.

How Can You Prove You Were Wrongfully Terminated or Unfairly Fired?

To challenge your dismissal, you must collect evidence demonstrating your firing was illegal or unjust. This might include emails, performance reviews, your employment contract, or witness testimony. Having your employer’s official reasons for firing you in writing can also be important.

Read our detailed guide on How to Prove Wrongful Termination for more insights.

Consult a Wrongful Termination Attorney for Help

If you believe you were wrongfully terminated, unjustly fired, or the victim of unfair firing, a skilled employment attorney can guide you through your options. They can assess your case, protect your rights, and help you seek compensation or reinstatement.

For over a decade, Lawyers for Justice, P.C. has fought for California employees wrongfully dismissed by their employers. Contact us today for a free consultation to understand your rights and take action: click here, or call (818) JUSTICE.