Are you facing the distressing aftermath of a job loss that you believe was unjust, discriminatory, or retaliatory? An unlawful termination can have lasting consequences. A San Diego wrongful termination attorney can evaluate your case and determine whether your employer violated state or federal law.
At HHJ Trial Attorneys, we advocate for employees affected by discrimination, retaliation, whistleblower violations, and other wrongful employment practices. We are committed to protecting your rights and pursuing justice.
Google 5-Star Reviews
Recovered from clients every years
We fight for every dollar
Combined legal experience
5.0
1000+ Google reviews
HHJ Trial Attorneys has won tens of millions in settlements and verdicts for San Diego clients, including a wrongful termination case where the defense offered $150,000 before trial, and we secured 17 times that amount for our client. We know what it takes to win, and we won’t settle for less than the maximum value of your case. That dedication has earned all three HHJ partners selection to Super Lawyers, more than 550 combined five-star Google reviews, recognition as the San Diego Union-Tribune’s Best Litigation Firm three years running, and coverage from local and national news outlets.
Wrongful termination, also known as wrongful dismissal or discharge, is the unlawful or unjustified firing of an employee in violation of employment laws, contracts, or public policy. It often involves discrimination based on protected characteristics like race, gender, age, or disability, or retaliation for legally protected actions such as reporting harassment or whistleblowing. It may also involve a breach of an employment contract, where the employer ignores agreed-upon terms about how and when a firing can happen.
Wrongful termination can also happen through a violation of public policy, such as firing someone for refusing to break the law or for exercising a legal right like taking medical leave. In other cases, it involves a violation of implied promises of fair treatment or job security, even without a written contract. It may also include constructive discharge, where working conditions are made so intolerable that resigning becomes the only reasonable option. Because the laws governing wrongful termination vary by state and region, the specific circumstances that make a firing unlawful can differ from one place to another.
Wrongful termination laws and their applicability can vary depending on the specific circumstances and the jurisdiction. In San Diego, as in the rest of California and the United States, some laws protect employees from wrongful termination under certain conditions. California has relatively strong employment laws that offer protections to employees.
Some key aspects of wrongful termination laws in San Diego and California include:
California follows the principle of “at-will employment,” which means that, in the absence of an employment contract specifying otherwise, both employers and employees can generally terminate the employment relationship at any time and for any lawful reason. However, there are important exceptions to this rule.
Despite the at-will default, there are various exceptions and legal protections that prevent employers from terminating employees under certain circumstances. These include protection against discrimination, retaliation for exercising legal rights (e.g., reporting workplace violations, taking family or medical leave), and wrongful termination in violation of public policy.
California has robust anti-discrimination laws that make it illegal for employers to terminate employees based on protected characteristics, such as race, gender, age, religion, disability, national origin, and more. This protection is provided under both state and federal law.
California law provides protection for employees who report illegal activities, unsafe working conditions, or other violations of law by their employers. Retaliation for whistleblowing is illegal.
If you have an employment contract that specifies the terms of your employment and the conditions under which you can be terminated, your employer is generally bound by those terms. If your employer violates the terms of the contract, it can constitute wrongful termination.
To determine whether a termination in San Diego is wrongful, you should consult with an employment attorney who is familiar with California employment law. They can assess the specific facts of your case and advise you on your rights and legal options. It’s important to note that employment laws can be complex, and the outcome of a wrongful termination case can depend on the unique circumstances and applicable laws.
You should reach out to a San Diego wrongful termination attorney as soon as you suspect your firing was unlawful in the following situations:
It’s generally a good idea to consult with an experienced San Diego wrongful termination attorney as soon as you suspect that you may have a claim. An attorney can provide guidance, assess the strength of your case, and help you take the appropriate steps to protect your legal rights and pursue remedies if your termination was wrongful. Legal consultation is essential to understand the specific laws and regulations that apply to your situation.
If you have been wrongfully terminated in San Diego, you may be entitled to several types of compensation depending on the specific circumstances, applicable laws, and the outcome of the case. At HHJ Trial Attorney, we work to recover the full value of what you have lost so you can rebuild your career and your financial stability. The types of compensation you may be eligible for in a wrongful termination case include:
It’s important to note that the specific types of compensation available to you can vary depending on the laws in your jurisdiction, the nature of your case, and the evidence you can provide to support your claims. Additionally, the outcome of your case may be influenced by whether it is resolved through negotiation, arbitration, mediation, or litigation in court.
At HHJ Trial Attorney, we understand how a wrongful termination can impact your life, not just affecting your career, but also your finances and emotional well-being. Our team of dedicated employment lawyers at HHJ Trial Attorney is always committed to guiding you through every step of the legal process, making sure your rights are protected and your voice is heard. We focus on securing the compensation you need to cover lost wages, benefits, and other damages so you can focus on moving forward. When you trust our dedicated team with your wrongful termination case, we can assist you with:
San Diego follows at-will employment, but your firing may be wrongful if it was based on discrimination, retaliation, or a violation of your rights. This includes being fired because of your race, gender, age, disability, or for reporting illegal activity or taking protected leave. If any of these apply, a San Diego employment lawyer can review your case and tell you if you have a valid claim.
Bring your employment contract, offer letter, termination letters, employee handbooks, emails, performance reviews, and any HR meeting notes or formal complaints. The more documentation you provide, the better your lawyer can evaluate your case.
The deadline depends on your type of claim. Discrimination and retaliation claims generally allow three years to file with the Civil Rights Department, whereas for breach of contract claims, the deadline can be two to four years, depending on whether the contract was written or oral. Because these deadlines vary, it is best to speak with a San Diego wrongful termination lawyer as soon as possible so you do not miss your window.
Retaliation for filing a claim or reporting unlawful conduct is illegal. If your employer demotes you, cuts your pay, or punishes you in another way, you may have an additional claim. Make sure to document everything and contact your San Diego attorney right away so your rights are protected.
$10 MILLION
Defense offered $350,000 before trial
$2 MILLION
Defense offered $0 before trial. Largest therapist sexual abuse jury verdict in San Diego County.
$1,000,000
$2.6 Millon
Defendants offer was $150,000 before trial. We got 17 times the offer at trial for our client.
$1,000,000
$18 Million
$2.5 Million
Located in the heart of San Diego’s vibrant Little Italy neighborhood, our office at 1917 India St #200, San Diego, CA 92101 places HHJ Trial Attorneys in a convenient location for employees seeking experienced legal representation. Surrounded by popular cafés, acclaimed restaurants, and thriving local businesses, the area offers both accessibility and a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you were fired for reporting misconduct, facing workplace discrimination, or exercising protected employment rights, our office is easily accessible from Interstate 5 and just minutes from downtown San Diego, the San Diego Superior Court, and major business districts. As trusted San Diego wrongful termination attorneys, we are committed to providing strategic legal guidance, strong advocacy, and personalized support to employees throughout the region.
From our offices across Southern California, HHJ Trial Attorneys represents clients throughout San Diego County and statewide in a wide range of personal injury cases. Whether you were injured in San Diego, Carlsbad, Escondido, Los Angeles, or Temecula, our award-winning trial lawyers provide clear communication, compassionate guidance, and results-driven representation from start to finish.
contact@hhjtrialattorneys.com is not a valid email address for service of documents or ex parte notifications.