You were fired. They may have given you a reason—or they may not have. Either way, if the real reason was your race, your gender, your pregnancy, your disability, or because you exercised a legal right, that termination was illegal in California. Understanding what to do now can make the difference between recovering what you lost and recovering nothing.
My name is Arlo Uriarte, an employment lawyer at Liberation Law Group. Call 1-888-442-2642 or request your free consultation here. 24/7 in English and Spanish.
The First Things You Should Do After Being Fired
Don’t sign anything. Employers often offer severance packages immediately after a termination—with documents that include waiving your right to sue. Don’t sign absolutely anything without having a lawyer review it first. If you’re 40 or older, the law gives you 21 days to consider the agreement.
Document everything. Write down the date you were fired, who told you, the exact reasons they gave you, and any relevant context—like if it happened right after you announced a pregnancy, requested medical leave, or reported a violation. This documentation can be critical evidence.
Keep copies of everything. Emails, performance reviews (especially positive ones), company policies, and any communication related to the termination. Don’t count on being able to access these documents later—the employer may block your access once you’re out.
Call Liberation Law Group. As soon as possible. Call 1-888-442-2642.
Signs Your Termination Was Illegal
The termination was illegal if: it happened right after you announced a pregnancy or requested medical leave; it followed a report of discrimination or harassment; there were no prior warnings even though you had good reviews; they offered you a severance package and pressured you to sign quickly; or there’s evidence of discriminatory comments from your supervisor before the termination. Read about wrongful termination in California and termination due to pregnancy, family, and health.
Were you fired? Talk to us before you sign anything.
Attorney Arlo Uriarte can evaluate your case today — for free, in Spanish. 1-888-442-2642 — free consultation here — 24/7.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I sign the severance agreement my employer is offering me?
Not without having a lawyer review it first. Severance agreements include waiving your right to sue—and if the termination was illegal, the offer may be far less than what you could recover. A review with Liberation Law Group is completely free. Call 1-888-442-2642.
What is at-will employment, and what are its limits?
California is an at-will employment state—your employer can fire you without a reason. But they can’t fire you for discriminatory reasons, in retaliation, or in violation of a contract. These exceptions are broad and protect most workers from truly wrongful terminations. Call 1-888-442-2642.
How long do I have to act after a wrongful termination?
Under FEHA: 3 years. Under the Labor Code for retaliation: 3 years. Deadlines run from the day you were fired. Act quickly—evidence and witnesses are easier to access now. Call 1-888-442-2642.
What can I recover if the termination was illegal?
Lost wages since the termination, projected future wages, emotional distress damages, and in serious cases punitive damages—plus attorney’s fees paid by the employer. Call 1-888-442-2642 for a specific estimate.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit?
Wage theft: 3 years (4 under the UCL). FEHA discrimination/harassment: 3 years. PAGA: 1 year. Act quickly. Call 1-888-442-2642.
How much does it cost to hire Liberation Law Group?
No upfront costs. Full contingency. We only get paid if we win. In successful cases, the employer pays attorney’s fees. Free consultation. Call 1-888-442-2642.
Can my employer retaliate against me?
No. Illegal retaliation adds significant compensation. Read about workplace retaliation. Call 1-888-442-2642.
Do undocumented workers have the same rights?
Yes. Code § 7285. Total confidentiality. No contact with agencies. Call 1-888-442-2642.
Call 1-888-442-2642 or complete our free form. Attorney Arlo Uriarte is ready — in English or Spanish, at no cost, 24/7.
Liberation Law Group — Attorneys for Workers 24/7
2760 Mission Street, 2nd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94110
1-888-442-2642
Free Consultation in English or Spanish — No Obligation — No Fee Until We Win
