Wrongful Termination Attorney Los Angeles: Standing Up to Unlawful Employers
Being fired is stressful in the best of circumstances. When that firing violates California law, the harm runs even deeper, touching your income, your health insurance, your reputation, and your sense of security. The California Civil Rights Department reports it receives roughly 33,000 complaints each year from workers and residents alleging discrimination and other civil rights violations, a clear sign that unlawful terminations remain a serious problem across the state.
At Cohen & Marzban, our experienced wrongful termination lawyers in Los Angeles help employees confront powerful corporations, well-funded HR departments, and aggressive defense firms. Backed by advanced knowledge of California labor and employment law, a record of more than $2 billion recovered, and decades of trial experience, our aggressive wrongful termination attorney team in Los Angeles works to recover lost wages, restore reputations, and secure the full compensation our clients deserve.
What Counts as Wrongful Termination Under California Law
California is an at-will employment state, but at-will does not mean "fired for any reason." State and federal laws protect workers from terminations rooted in discrimination, retaliation, and other prohibited conduct. Understanding which legal protections apply is the first step toward a strong claim, and our wrongful termination lawyer team in Los Angeles builds that analysis into every case.
Common Signs Your Termination May Have Been Illegal
Wrongful termination is rarely announced. Employers almost always cite a "legitimate" reason, even when the real motive is unlawful. Our wrongful termination attorneys in Los Angeles look for patterns that tell the true story:
- Suspicious timing. You were fired shortly after reporting harassment, requesting medical leave, complaining about unpaid wages, or returning from disability leave.
- Sudden changes to your performance reviews. Strong reviews for years, then a wave of negative write-ups right before termination.
- Inconsistent application of policies. You were fired for conduct that other employees engaged in without consequence.
- Comments about a protected trait. Remarks about your age, pregnancy, religion, accent, or disability before the firing.
- Pressure to resign. Being pushed into "voluntary" resignation through hostile treatment, demotions, or impossible workloads, which can amount to constructive discharge.
- No clear or shifting reason. The explanation for your termination keeps changing or does not match the documents in your personnel file.
If any of these red flags sound familiar, contact our Los Angeles wrongful termination lawyers for a confidential review before you sign a severance agreement.
Steps to Take After Being Wrongfully Terminated in Los Angeles
The hours and days after a firing are critical. The actions you take now can preserve evidence, protect your claim, and strengthen your case.
- Do not sign a severance agreement on the spot. These documents almost always include a release of claims. Have a Los Angeles wrongful termination attorney review it first.
- Request your personnel file in writing. Under California Labor Code § 1198.5, you have the right to inspect and copy your file.
- Save everything. Emails, text messages, performance reviews, write-ups, pay stubs, offer letters, and any notes about meetings or comments.
- Write down what happened while it is fresh. Names, dates, witnesses, and the exact words used.
- Apply for unemployment benefits. Filing a claim does not waive your wrongful termination rights.
- Avoid posting about the firing on social media. Employers and their lawyers monitor public accounts.
- Contact Cohen & Marzban as soon as possible. Strict deadlines apply, and evidence disappears quickly.
How Our Wrongful Termination Lawyers in Los Angeles Build Your Case
A strong wrongful termination case is built through careful, methodical work, long before anyone steps into a courtroom. Our wrongful termination attorney team in Los Angeles handles every part of that process, so injured employees can focus on the next chapter of their lives.
Compensation You May Recover in a Los Angeles Wrongful Termination Case
A successful wrongful termination claim can do far more than replace a paycheck. Our wrongful termination lawyers in Los Angeles pursue every category of damages available under California law, so our clients can rebuild on stable ground.
Economic Damages
These cover the financial losses you can document:
- Lost wages and benefits, including health insurance, retirement contributions, bonuses, and stock options;
- Lost future earnings if the firing has damaged your career path or earning capacity;
- Job search expenses and the cost of retraining for a new role;
- Out-of-pocket medical or therapy costs tied to the termination.
Non-Economic Damages
These compensate for harm that is real but harder to measure:
- Emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and PTSD;
- Damage to professional reputation;
- Loss of enjoyment of life;
- Humiliation and mental anguish.
Punitive Damages and Statutory Remedies
In cases of intentional discrimination, malicious retaliation, or fraud, California allows punitive damages designed to punish the employer and deter similar conduct. FEHA also authorizes reinstatement, attorney's fees, and other statutory remedies that increase total recovery.
