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Last Modified on Nov 03, 2025
If you were released from your job for questionable reasons, it can affect your entire life. Some people take time to process, then later consider the legal aspect of their situation. If you’re left with an unfair termination that you feel may be illegal, you could have options.
Anyone curious about the California wrongful termination statute of limitations should contact a legal professional at the Law Offices of Reisner & King LLP. There may still be time to prove your termination was unlawful.
What Are Wrongful Termination Cases About?
California employers often use at-will employment agreements, which allow them to terminate employees at their discretion. However, if an employer is found to have broken the law regarding employee rights and working relationships, the discharged worker may have legal recourse. The basis for wrongful termination cases can include:
The reason, or reasons, for the termination must be unlawful, not just ill-advised. A wrongful termination attorney can help you determine whether your employer’s decision to release you violated existing laws or workplace policies. Since the deadline for wrongful termination in California can vary between six months and two years or more, depending on the case circumstances, an attorney may be needed to provide case-specific guidance.
Why Wrongful Termination Cases Are Unique
Many overlapping areas of law govern worker agreements, especially in California. Federal, state, and local legislation all play a role. Some workers may believe they were released due to complaints about wages and hours, questions over contract terms, or for using benefits they were legally entitled to.
Others may believe they were discriminated against and released due to personal factors or engagement in activities completely unrelated to their profession. In 2024, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) received 88,531 claims of workplace discrimination, showing just how prevalent the issue is.
Revelations of why an employee was fired often occur long after termination. In some cases, a person may feel overpowered by their employer and not even consider a legal response. Once you speak to a legal professional, you may realize you have more legal rights (and more time to file) than you originally thought.
Why the Statute of Limitations Is Crucial
Some terminated employees think little about their legal options. Many will immediately begin seeking another position and calculating how long their current savings will sustain them. It’s normal for people to seek legal counsel weeks or even months after termination. This extended time period allows individuals more flexibility to seek legal assistance and build a solid claim.
Most workplaces are fast-paced environments where changes are constant, and the bottom line is the top priority. Having more time to file means workers can step back from the frantic pace of the professional world and consider their claim carefully. With the help of our legal team, you’ll have time to make a proper case.
Facts About Wrongful Termination Cases in California
As of August 2025, there were 18,763,300 people employed in California. For such a massive labor pool, it’s common for disputes to arise from discharged employees. These professional relationships can be complex and varied, which necessitates specific laws regarding the rights of employees. Some recent updates to these laws include the following:
- AB 406 expands the list of reasons for use of paid and unpaid leave under California law.
- SB 261 increases enforcement authority for wage-related judgments.
- SB 642 clarifies certain definitions under equal pay requirements and extends the statute of limitations for wage-related actions.
These amendments to state labor and termination laws show how seriously California takes these cases. When you hire a wrongful termination lawyer from our firm, we can provide insight into your case’s statute of limitations, legal precedents, and potential success rate based on the facts of your situation.
FAQs
How Long After Being Fired Can I File a Complaint With the EEOC for Wrongful Termination in California?
You can file a complaint for wrongful termination with the EEOC within a period of 180 days of your release if you believe your employer engaged in unlawful discrimination. This deadline is often extended to 300 days in California because there’s a state discrimination law that overlaps with the federal law.
Who Has the Burden of Proof for Unlawful Termination in California?
The burden of proof for unlawful termination in California lies with the employee, who must prove their employer engaged in unlawful discrimination, retaliation, or policy violation in terminating their employment agreement. The employee must prove that their release was for an illegal reason, not simply an ill-advised reason or for no stated reason.
What Is the Statute of Wrongful Termination in California?
The statute of wrongful termination in California isn’t a single policy, but rather a collective body of legislation that can limit or extend the period to file a case. Federal, state, and local laws can affect filing deadlines. The type of case also plays a role, whether it’s based on personal discrimination, contract violations, or other matters. It’s encouraged to file as soon as possible.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Termination in Violation of Public Policy in California?
The statute of limitations for wrongful termination in violation of public policy in California is generally two years. However, discrimination complaints must go through the California Civil Rights Department, and these deadlines can be shorter. Contact a wrongful termination attorney to find out how much time you have based on the facts of your release.
Why Hire a Wrongful Termination Lawyer
Being terminated from a job can impact your mental state, financial well-being, and long-term plans. After the initial shock of the decision passes, you may begin to wonder whether your employer was in the right. The Law Offices of Reisner & King LLP has represented workers since 1999 in a variety of cases, including wrongful termination cases.
With our experience, you have a much better chance at a fair outcome. You’ll be able to approach a tense and sometimes upsetting situation with a clear head thanks to the knowledgeable professional assisting you. Additionally, our firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay us unless we get a settlement or win a court award.
Contact us today to learn more about the California wrongful termination statute of limitations and your case’s potential.
