Can I sue my employer after firing me?
Asked by: Isabel Tremblay | Last update: January 8, 2026Score: 4.2/5 (22 votes)
The bottom line is, yes, you can potentially sue your employer for firing you, but it depends on the circumstances of your termination. Employment law is complex, and each case is unique.
Can I sue my employer after being fired?
- Yes, you can sue your employer if they wrongfully fired you.
- All too often, people want to sue for being fired when the company had a legitimate reason to fire them.
- You can sue if your employer commits any of the following actions:
- If you decide to bring a
What are the odds of winning a wrongful termination lawsuit?
When you have a lawyer for a wrongful termination case the likelihood of receiving compensation is 64% and the likelihood of receiving compensation without a lawyer is 30%. Most Californians can expect a wrongful termination settlement of approximately $5,000-$100,000.
Is suing your employer worth it?
The answer depends on your claims and willingness to pursue litigation. If your claims are strong and you are invested in the litigation process, it can be very “worth it” to feel you are standing up for accountability, getting compensation for your injuries, and incentivizing the company to change its ways.
What are my rights if I get fired?
Workers' Rights After Being Fired
If you have already been fired, you still have rights under California law. For example, upon termination, your employer is required to provide your final paycheck immediately or within a specified time frame, depending on whether you were fired or quit voluntarily.
What Happens When You Sue Your Employer?
How to sue for wrongful termination?
- Understand Your Employee Rights. ...
- Gather Evidence to Fortify Your Wrongful Termination Lawsuit. ...
- Consult a Wrongful Termination Lawyer. ...
- File a Complaint with HR. ...
- Explore Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) ...
- File a Complaint with a Government Agency.
Do you get compensation if fired?
Generally speaking, employers in California are not required by state employee laws to provide layoff or severance pay to their employees. There is no state or federal law that requires employers to pay severance to employees when they are terminated.
How much will it cost me to sue my employer?
Hourly rates vary based on the lawyer's experience but rates are typically between $200 to $600 per hour. Hourly fees can be advantageous if the client wants to settle the employment case quickly and avoid litigation. A contingency fee arrangement is best if you want to sue but cannot afford to pay a lawyer.
What are the downsides of suing?
Upfront Costs and Expenses
Though we work on contingency, lawsuits have unavoidable costs – case expenses, legal fees if resolution fails, and the risk of paying defense fees in some instances. While unavoidable, expenses may be recovered upon a successful outcome, but they represent a financial risk.
Is it hard to win an employment lawsuit?
The biggest problem with suing your employer is that it can be quite difficult to prove they did anything wrong. The good news is that most debates like this can be settled before it goes as far as going to court. If it doesn't though, here are the steps you'll need to take.
What is the highest payout for wrongful termination?
Wrongful termination settlements are determined case-by-case. Workers who prevail in a wrongful termination claim often get awarded between $5,000 and $100,000 in compensation. However, each case is different. There is no single “average” wrongful termination.
How much can I sue my employer for emotional distress?
The second type of emotional distress claim is one that is worth more than $50,000 up to hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on the factual circumstances. You would need one or more medical opinions to support this claim and be prepared to have those medical advisors testify in court.
How often do companies settle out of court?
Some researchers claim that the 90% figure is a gross exaggeration. Research does indicate that settlement rates vary between different court jurisdictions and even different types of lawsuits. Still, a significant percentage of business-related lawsuits do eventually settle outside of court.
Has anyone ever won a wrongful termination lawsuit?
Many wrongful termination cases result in favorable outcomes for the employee, either through settlements or court verdicts. Successful cases can result in compensation for lost wages, damages for emotional distress, and even punitive damages in some instances.
How do I fight my job back after being fired?
- Consider why you lost your job. ...
- Assess your behavior. ...
- Make demonstrable changes. ...
- Check the rehiring policy. ...
- Make contact to inquire about rehiring. ...
- Justify a second chance directly. ...
- Prove them right if you're hired. ...
- Remain professional if you're not hired.
Should I quit my job if I'm suing them?
Important Things to Note
First, it is essential to note that you can continue working for your employer after filing a claim against them. Whether your case against your employer alleges unpaid wages, any form of discrimination, or harassment, you still have the option to continue working.
Can you lose your job for suing?
California law, however, prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who engage in protected activities, including filing a lawsuit related to workplace issues.
Is it better to sue or settle?
Litigation takes time and often leads to more time due to appeals and retrials. You will have to be involved as the trial progresses. Whether you are the plaintiff or the defendant, if the total time spent in litigation is not worth a good outcome in court, then settlement is probably a better option.
Is suing a company expensive?
On average, a lawsuit costs approximately $10,000 for a simple suit. However, numerous factors can influence the cost of your lawsuit.
Is it worth suing an employer?
A lawsuit against your employer can also be the only effective way to obtain compensation for the harm you suffered. If your employer failed to pay you wages or discriminated against you and caused you financial losses, a lawsuit can be an effective means for obtaining the compensation you are owed.
How long does a wrongful termination case take?
Wrongful termination lawsuits can take over a year to resolve. Every case is different, however. If the employer is eager to settle out of court, the case can end in a matter of weeks. If either side is intent on going to trial, a wrongful termination claim could linger on for several years.
What is the EEOC settlement for wrongful termination?
The average wrongful termination settlement is $40,000, according to the EEOC. Up to 10% of wrongful termination cases result in a $1 million settlement. However, because each wrongful discharge case is so unique, there is no guaranteed settlement amount.
Do I get money if I'm fired?
Although not required by law, many companies do offer severance pay. In general, the amount the former employee receives depends on the length of employment and the reason for the termination. For example, some companies may offer two weeks' pay for each year employed.
What to say to unemployment when fired?
“I did my best!” Tell the judge that your actions were not misconduct by showing that you made a good faith error in judgment; it was a one-time mistake; or that you just weren't good at your job. Incompetence does not disqualify you from benefits.
Can I get severance if I'm fired?
In California, state law does not mandate employers to provide severance pay upon termination of employment.