Fighting For The Rights Of Wrongfully Terminated Workers
Last updated on August 9, 2023
Losing a job is never easy. The stress and uncertainty of unemployment can turn life upside down for a worker’s entire family. While many job losses come as the result of layoffs, downsizing and other cost cutting measures, some occur for no good reason at all and may even be illegal.
At Makarem & Associates, we represent California workers who have been wrongfully terminated by their employers. We have extensive employment law experience and possess the resources necessary to level the playing field and achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients.
What Wrongful Termination Isn’t
First of all, wrongful termination is a legal term with specific meaning; it doesn’t just mean that you were terminated and think letting you go was a wrong decision. There are legitimate reasons for employers to terminate employees. For “at-will” employees, those reasons can include ridiculous reasons like being too tall, right-handed, or a supervisor simply not liking you. It’s not necessarily fair or a smart way to handle human resources, but it isn’t wrongful. The other side of the “at-will” coin is that you are able to terminate the employer-employee relationship at any time and pursue a job elsewhere.
What Wrongful Termination Is
For termination to be wrongful, there must be a specific employment contract that has been violated or the terminated employee must belong to a protected class. Examples of wrongful termination include being terminated as a result of:
- Whistleblower retaliation
- Sex discrimination
- Pregnancy discrimination
- Reporting sexual harassment
- Age discrimination
- Race discrimination
Get The Answers And Representation You Need
If you are uncertain as to whether your termination qualifies as wrongful termination your best bet is to seek the advice of an experienced employment law attorney. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation.
How to File a Workplace Retaliation Complaint in Los Angeles (Post-Harassment)
Reporting sexual harassment should never cost you your job — but many workers in Los Angeles find themselves facing retaliation after coming forward. Whether it’s termination, demotion, isolation, or hostility, retaliation is illegal under both California and LA-specific laws.
This guide explains how to file a workplace retaliation complaint in Los Angeles, what evidence you need, and what outcomes you can expect from the process.
What Is Retaliation in the Workplace?
Retaliation happens when your employer punishes you for:
- Reporting sexual harassment or discrimination
- Participating in an investigation
- Supporting a coworker’s complaint
- Filing a formal complaint with an agency
- Refusing to go along with illegal or unethical behavior
It includes both obvious actions (like being fired) and subtle ones (like being left out of meetings or receiving negative reviews without cause).
Examples of Retaliation in LA Workplaces
- Termination shortly after reporting harassment
- Denied promotions or raises
- Reassigned to less favorable shifts or duties
- Being excluded from work-related events or opportunities
- Increased scrutiny, write-ups, or surveillance
- Coworkers or supervisors ostracizing you after your complaint
If you experience any of these after reporting workplace misconduct, you may have a valid claim for retaliation.
Step-by-Step: How to File a Workplace Retaliation Complaint in Los Angeles
- Gather Evidence
Before filing, collect:
- A timeline of events (when you reported, when the retaliation began)
- Emails, texts, or memos related to the harassment or retaliation
- Performance reviews before and after your report
- Names of witnesses who saw what happened
Strong evidence makes your complaint more credible and harder to dismiss.
- File with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD)
The CRD is the main agency handling retaliation complaints in California.
How to file:
- Go to: https://calcivilrights.ca.gov
- Select “Workplace Retaliation” under complaint options
- Complete the online form and attach supporting documents
- Choose whether to request an investigation or a Right-to-Sue letter
Deadline: File within three years of the retaliatory action.
- Consider Filing with the EEOC
If your case involves federal law (e.g., Title VII retaliation), you may also file with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
- Website: https://eeoc.gov
- Deadline: 300 days from the date of retaliation
- You can dual-file with both EEOC and CRD to cover state and federal grounds
- Submit to the City of Los Angeles Civil + Human Rights and Equity Department (CHRED)
For city-based enforcement, especially with employers operating within LA city limits, you can file with:
- https://civilandhumanrights.lacity.org
- Phone: (213) 978-1845
LA’s CHRED offers added local support, including mediation and enforcement tools.
- Speak to a Los Angeles Employment Lawyer
An attorney can:
- Review your evidence
- Handle filings on your behalf
- Negotiate a settlement or prepare your case for trial
- Prevent further retaliation during the process
Many lawyers in Los Angeles offer free consultations and work on contingency (no fees unless you win).
What Happens After You File a Complaint?
- The agency may launch an investigation
- Your employer will be notified and must respond
- You may be offered mediation
- If the case has merit, you could receive:
- Back pay and lost wages
- Compensation for emotional distress
- Reinstatement or job transfer
- Attorney’s fees
- Punitive damages (in severe cases)
If you requested a Right-to-Sue letter, you can immediately file a lawsuit in civil court.
Tips for a Successful Retaliation Complaint in LA
- Be specific – list dates, times, and people involved
- Stay professional – avoid emotional or vague accusations
- Back it up – include documentation wherever possible
- Act fast – delays can weaken your case or miss deadlines
- Seek legal help early – especially for complex or high-stakes claims
Protect Your Rights and Push Back Against Retaliation
In Los Angeles, reporting harassment is protected by law — and retaliation for doing so is a serious violation. Whether you were fired, demoted, or made to feel unwelcome at work, you have the right to file a retaliation complaint and pursue justice.
You stood up once — now, stand firm and demand accountability.
