Wrongful Termination in California
State-specific overview · Employment Law
California recognizes wrongful termination for public-policy violations, breach of contract, and implied covenants of good faith.
How California treats Wrongful Termination
California provides broader wrongful termination protections than most states. Employees can sue for termination that violates public policy (jury duty, workers' comp, whistleblowing, refusing illegal acts), breaches an express or implied contract, or violates the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing. California also enforces numerous statutory protections, including those for family leave, disability accommodation, and retaliation for reporting labor violations. The state's courts interpret these protections expansively in favor of employees.
The general definition of Wrongful Termination
Illegal firing of an employee in violation of law, contract, or public policy.
Wrongful termination occurs when an employer fires an employee for an illegal reason or in violation of an employment contract or established public policy. Common illegal reasons include retaliation for reporting safety violations, discrimination based on race or gender, refusal to commit an illegal act, or exercising a legal right like jury duty. In most US states, employment is at-will, meaning employers can fire workers for almost any reason, but there are important exceptions. An employee who is wrongfully terminated can sue for damages, including lost wages and emotional distress.
Read the full Wrongful Termination entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in California.