Fired Unfairly in Torrance? How a Wrongful Termination Attorney Can Help
By Managing Attorney - David Mallen
You gave your job everything. You showed up early, stayed late, and did your best. Then, one morning, you’re called into the office and told your position has been “eliminated.” No explanation. No chance to defend yourself. Just a box for your belongings and a cold goodbye.
It feels personal, and maybe it is. The truth is, wrongful termination happens more often than most people realize. Under California law, even though employment is at-will, your employer can’t fire you for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons. If they do, that termination violates state or federal employment laws; and you may have a wrongful termination claim.
If this sounds like your story, you’re not powerless. A wrongful termination attorney in Torrance can help you understand your rights, build your case, and fight for compensation for lost wages, emotional distress, and more. At Employee Law Group, we help employees in wrongful termination cases reclaim their dignity and justice.
Understanding Wrongful Termination Under California Law
Sometimes, people think every unfair firing is wrongful. That’s not true, and it’s important to know what actually qualifies as wrongful termination.
Legal Definition and Basics
A wrongful termination occurs when an employer fires an employee in violation of state or federal employment laws. Common examples include firing someone based on discrimination, retaliation for reporting illegal activities, or for reasons that break a written or implied employment contract.
While California allows at-will employment, it also enforces strict laws that protect workers. Under the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, your employer cannot fire you because of your race, gender, disability, religion, or other protected categories. Federal laws like the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) also protect you when you take medical leave or report unsafe working conditions.
Common Types of Wrongful Termination in California
Every case is different, but most wrongful terminations fall into clear categories. Recognizing where your situation fits helps you understand your next steps.
Discrimination-Based Firings
If you were fired because of your race, gender, age, disability, religion, or sexual orientation, your employer may have violated both California law and federal law. Discrimination can also show up in more subtle ways, like getting replaced by someone younger or being excluded after taking medical leave.
Retaliation and Whistleblower Firings
California protects workers who speak up. If your employer fired you after you reported illegal actions, workplace safety violations, or sexual harassment, that’s retaliation. Under Labor Code §1102.5, whistleblowers have strong legal rights to sue for wrongful termination.
Breach of Employment Contract
If your employment contract (written or implied) sets clear terms for termination, and your employer ignores them, that’s a breach. For example, if your contract guarantees six months’ notice before termination and you’re fired immediately, that may qualify as wrongful discharge.
Violation of Public Policy
Your employer cannot fire you for doing the right thing. If you were let go for refusing to break the law, serving on a jury, or taking protected medical leave, you may have grounds for a wrongful termination lawsuit.
Signs You May Have Been Wrongfully Terminated
It’s not always obvious when a firing crosses the line. Here are warning signs that your employer’s actions might have been illegal:
- You were fired soon after reporting harassment or discrimination
- Your performance record was positive before termination
- You were replaced by someone outside your protected group
- Your employer gave changing or unclear reasons for firing you
If any of these sound familiar, document everything. Save emails, text messages, or written notes. Evidence is key when you file a wrongful termination claim.
What to Do Right After Being Fired
When you’ve been let go unfairly, what you do next can make or break your case.
Protecting Your Rights
Don’t sign anything right away. Severance agreements often include clauses that waive your right to sue. Consult with an employment attorney first. Gather any employment documents, performance reviews, and communications that may show your termination was discriminatory or retaliatory.
Reporting and Filing Options
You can file complaints with agencies like the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the California Civil Rights Department (CRD). These agencies investigate claims of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.
Consulting a Wrongful Termination Attorney in Torrance
Having a local employment lawyer matters. Torrance employers range from large aerospace companies to small family businesses, and each has unique employment practices. A Torrance wrongful termination attorney knows the local courts, the judges, and how to build a strong case tailored to your situation.
How a Wrongful Termination Attorney Can Help
An employment attorney doesn’t just represent you in court. They guide you every step of the way.
Case Evaluation and Evidence Gathering
Your attorney reviews the details of your termination, identifies legal violations, and gathers documentation. They also interview witnesses and analyze whether your termination violates state or federal law.
Negotiation and Mediation
Many cases end in settlement before trial. Your employment lawyer can help negotiate wrongful termination settlements that include lost wages, emotional distress compensation, and attorney’s fees.
Litigation and Court Representation
If the employer refuses to settle, your lawyer files a wrongful termination lawsuit. They represent you through depositions, discovery, and trial to fight for your rights.
Emotional and Professional Support
Being wrongfully terminated is emotionally tough. A compassionate attorney helps you understand the process and supports you as you move forward in your career.
Why Choose Employee Law Group in Torrance
Employee Law Group fights for workers’ rights across California. We combine decades of experience with genuine dedication to protecting employees.
Proven Experience and Results
Our experienced wrongful termination attorneys have helped clients recover lost wages and achieve justice after discriminatory or retaliatory firings.
Local Focus, Statewide Reach
We understand Torrance’s workforce and California’s employment laws. Whether you work in healthcare, manufacturing, or tech, we know how to hold employers accountable.
Smart Tools, Real Results
We use advanced research and technology to manage cases faster and more effectively. That means you get responsive communication and results you can trust.
Commitment to Justice
Our firm was built on advocacy and compassion. We don’t back down from tough cases, and we treat every client with respect.
What You Can Recover in a Wrongful Termination Case
Here’s a simple breakdown of what you may be entitled to if your case succeeds:
| Type of Compensation | Description |
|---|---|
| Lost Wages | Pay and benefits you lost due to wrongful termination |
| Emotional Distress | Compensation for stress, anxiety, or humiliation |
| Punitive Damages | Additional penalties against the employer for serious misconduct |
| Attorney’s Fees | Payment for your legal representation |
| Reinstatement or Front Pay | Returning to your position or future wage compensation |
Your lawyer will calculate the right amount based on your situation and losses.
FAQs About Wrongful Termination
1. How do I know if I was wrongfully terminated?
If your firing was based on discrimination, retaliation, or a breach of contract, it’s likely wrongful. Talk to a Torrance employment attorney for a free case evaluation.
2. Can I sue my employer if I quit?
Yes, if your working conditions were so bad that you were forced to resign, this is called constructive termination, and it can qualify as a wrongful discharge claim.
3. How long do I have to file a claim?
In most cases, you have up to three years under California law or 180–300 days with the EEOC, depending on your claim type.
4. What does it cost to hire an attorney?
Most wrongful termination lawyers work on a contingency basis, which means you don’t pay unless they win your case.
5. What should I bring to my consultation?
Bring any termination letters, pay stubs, written warnings, or communication records that show why or how you were fired.
Conclusion: Take Action, Protect Your Rights
If you were wrongfully terminated, don’t wait. California law limits how long you have to file. The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.
At Employee Law Group, we believe every worker deserves fair treatment and justice. Our employment lawyers in Torrance are ready to listen, evaluate your case, and help you fight for your rights.
Contact us today for a FREE case consultation. Let’s talk about your story and start your wrongful termination claim together.
Managing Attorney - David Mallen
David Mallen is the managing attorney at Employee Law Group in Torrance, California, and a respected labor and employment lawyer who has represented thousands of workers since beginning his practice in 1992. He has been recognized as a Southern California Super Lawyer every year from 2004 to the present.
