California Wrongful Termination Discrimination Lawyers

In California, employees have robust protections against wrongful termination due to discrimination. These protections are grounded in both federal and state laws, with the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) being one of the most comprehensive anti-discrimination statutes in the United States. Here’s a breakdown of the key rights and protections employees have regarding wrongful termination due to discrimination in California:

Protected Categories

Under FEHA, it is illegal for employers to terminate employees based on protected characteristics, including but not limited to:

• Race, color
• Religion, creed
• National origin, ancestry
• Sex, gender (including gender identity and gender expression)
• Pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions
• Age (for employees 40 and over)
• Physical or mental disability
• Sexual orientation
• Veteran or military status
• Genetic information

Employer Obligations

Employers in California are required to:

• Provide a workplace free of discrimination and harassment.
• Reasonably accommodate employees’ religious beliefs and disabilities.
• Ensure employment decisions, including termination, are based on legitimate, non-discriminatory reasons.

Employee Rights

If you believe you’ve been wrongfully terminated due to discrimination, you have the right to:

• File a Complaint: You can file a complaint with the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) or the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). These agencies investigate complaints of discrimination and can mediate settlements or issue right-to-sue letters.
• Seek Legal Remedies: If your case proceeds, you may be entitled to reinstatement, back pay, front pay, promotion (if applicable), damages for emotional distress, punitive damages, and attorney’s fees.
• Litigate: With a right-to-sue letter from DFEH or EEOC, you can file a lawsuit in court against your employer for discrimination.

If you’re facing wrongful termination due to discrimination in California, remember that you have rights and there are resources available to support you through this challenging time. Taking action not only helps you seek justice for yourself but also contributes to creating a more equitable and fair workplace for everyone.