Can an Employer Fire You for Filing a Complaint?

Most employment relationships in California are “at-will employment,” which means that an employee can be dismissed at any time, for any reason. This may leave many workers to think that they can get fired for nearly any reason, including filing a complaint against an employer or a co-worker. However, California labor laws include several exceptions to the general at-will employment rule. Our Los Angeles employment law attorneys explain if filing a complaint is one of the few exceptions to the at-will employment rule.

Exceptions to “At-Will” Employment in California

California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act prohibits workplace harassment and employment discrimination. Thanks to this act, employers don’t have legal grounds to retaliate against employees who file a complaint about harassment or discrimination. An employer also doesn’t have lawful grounds to fire a worker who assists in any investigation or lawsuit over harassment or discrimination. Employers are also prohibited from retaliating against an employee for reporting illegal activity in the company.

If you are a California worker experiencing harassment or workplace discrimination, you have the right to inform a supervisor or member of your human resources department about your situation. You also have the right to file a harassment complaint with the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH).

What Should I Do If I Am Wrongfully Terminated?

If you filed a harassment or discrimination complaint and your employer fired you, you need an experienced attorney on your side. Because California is an “at-will” state, wrongful termination cases can quickly become very complicated. They can turn into a battle of how an employee and employer each interpreted the reasons or circumstances for termination.

Our wrongful termination lawyers can help you demonstrate that your termination was linked to retaliation against you for filing a complaint. Our team has the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to help you obtain your desired outcome.

Contact our attorneys today at (213) 310-8301 to schedule a consultation!