Bakersfield Wrongful Termination Attorney
This is personal for us. We know the difference between right and wrong and have based our entire careers on reminding others of that distinction.
Top-Rated Bakersfield Wrongful Termination Attorney Near Me
When you are terminated from a job, it never feels good. However, if you were wrongfully terminated from your Bakersfield employer, you may be able to seek compensation by suing your employer for wrongful termination with the help of our expert employment attorneys in your area. While California is an “at-will” employment state, either party can decide to terminate the employment relationship at any time but the existence of state and federal laws that provide employers obligations, an exception to the contrary which could mean that you were wrongfully terminated from your Bakersfield employer.
If you believe you have been wrongfully terminated, you need to get legal assistance as soon as possible from an employment attorney serving the Bakersfield area. At Miracle Mile Law Group, our wrongful termination attorneys can help you obtain the compensation that you or your loved one deserves. If you work in the Bakersfield area, call Miracle Mile Law Group to obtain legal representation in order to pursue your wrongful termination claim.
Bakersfield, in Kern County, California, is a city comprised of over 800,000 people with almost 50,000 businesses. With such a large number of employers and employees, wrongful termination runs rampant within the district. Luckily, the lawyers here at Miracle Mile Law Group are versed in employment law and can provide straightforward and aggressive representation to protect your rights. Call (888) 244-0706 to discuss the strengths of your wrongful termination case.
Our local attorneys are not only knowledgeable about wrongful termination laws, but they have gone against large Fortune 500 companies as well. No matter how small or large your employer is, our attorneys will fight to get you the compensation you deserve out of your case. Our firm understands how companies try to vigorously defeat and destruct employee wrongful termination lawsuits. That said, our wrongful termination lawyers know employer tactics and are well versed in proving wrongful termination cases in order to obtain lost wages, front pay, back pay, emotional distress damages, and punitive damages for our clients.
Bakersfield Employees - Get a Free Case Review Today
Miracle Mile Group will provide you a free and confidential case review to see if you have a wrongful termination case. Trust our law firm, we have a 5-Star Yelp and Google Rating for serving employees near you.
What Is Wrongful Termination?
California is considered an “at-will” employment state. That means your employer can fire you for almost any reason or for no reason at all. However, even though California is an at-will state, it does not give employers free rein to do whether they want. The reason you were fired must be within the confines of the law and cannot violate federal or state labor laws. If an employer violates the law when they fire you, it is known as “wrongful termination.” If this happened to you, it is best to speak to our local Bakersfield wrongful termination attorneys at Miracle Mile Law Group.
Wrongful termination occurs when your employer discharges your employment for an illegal reason. The following reasons for termination that are unlawful include some of the following matters in the workplace:
- Firing an employee because of his or her age
- Terminating an individual because of race
- Discriminating against an employee due to a disability
- Terminating an employee for reasons related to gender
- Termination due to pregnancy
- Discharging an employee because of the employee’s religion
- Discriminating based on a person’s sexual orientation
- Firing an employee because of military status
- Reporting a violation of law, a safety hazard, discrimination/sexual harassment, or other fraudulent business practices
While this list is not complete, most Bakersfield wrongful termination lawsuits usually fall under one of the aforementioned categories.
Steps To Take After Being Wrongfully Terminated
If you have been wrongfully terminated, you may find yourself confused by the process of holding your ex-employer liable for the pain they have caused you. After termination, most employers lock their fired employees out of their email database and kick them off the premises. This means that most of the evidence you could have used in your lawsuit has been banished. However, there are some steps you can take action to secure the success of your case. Preserve the following while you are still employed:
- All email communication between you and human resources, your supervisors, or other co-workers
- Text messages from your supervisors, co-workers, or other personnel you find suspicious
- Photos, pictures, or other footage that can help prove your case
- Statements from anybody at work can help attest to your story
- A work diary detailing the date, time, and description of any discrimination you endured
- Your employee handbook or any other documents you signed while still employed
It is imperative to gather and collect as much evidence as possible to help prove your wrongful termination case. Defense counsel for your employer will try everything in their power to disprove the merits of your claim. Having a solid amount of evidence will help destroy their efforts.
Why You Need A Bakersfield Wrongful Termination Attorney
As a victim of wrongful termination, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation. An experienced Bakersfield wrongful termination attorney can help you recover what is known as damages in an employment case. Our lawyers will zealously pursue your rights to get you the recovery you deserve.
The most common form of damages in an employment case is lost wages. Lost wages are the income you would have received had you not been wrongfully terminated. This includes your wages, salary, benefits, commissions, lost promotions, raises, among other things. Further, you may receive future lost wages if the wrongful termination causes you lost wages after the lawsuit is over.
Being wrongfully terminated can upend your life and cause major emotional distress. You may be entitled to damages for pain and suffering in an employment lawsuit. For example, if the discrimination you suffered at work caused anxiety, depression, fear, post-traumatic stress syndrome, or any other mental anguish—you may be able to receive compensation for the suffering.
A not-too-common form of compensation is also reinstatement. Notwithstanding all the discrimination, some individuals still want to be retained at their old job. While it may be too hostile to return to work, our experienced employment lawyers may be able to negotiate reinstatement on behalf of our clients.
Should you need to speak to our law firm, we provide employees a free and confidential review of their employment case. You also pay nothing upfront because our firm is designed only to work on a contingency basis. You don’t pay unless we win and there are no fees we will pass along during your case to you.
Miracle Mile Law Group Attorneys are Standing By to Help
Our local wrongful termination lawyers are available to assist employees who have suffered. Our firm seeks to help you recover lost wages, back pay, front pay, compensation for emotional damages, and in some cases punitive damages to punish your employer’s reckless behavior. Call our law firm today if you would like to schedule a free consultation with a lawyer near you. All of our consultations are completely confidential.
Our representation comes with a no-fee promise. You only pay our lawyers a fee if and only if we are successful in obtaining a verdict or settlement on our client’s behalf. To receive your free consultation about your case, call us at (888) 244-0706, email us by filling out our online form.
Terminated for retaliation after reporting workplace complaints in Bakersfield
If you were fired after speaking up about harassment, discrimination, wage violations, or other unlawful conduct in your workplace, you may have a retaliation claim under California law. Retaliation occurs when an employer punishes an employee for exercising their legal rights—such as reporting misconduct to HR, filing a complaint, or cooperating with an internal or government investigation.
This type of wrongful termination is especially common in Bakersfield industries like agriculture, logistics, education, healthcare, and retail, where workers often speak out about unsafe conditions, unpaid wages, or discriminatory practices. Unfortunately, some employers respond by firing the whistleblower instead of fixing the problem.
At Miracle Mile Law Group, we help employees who were terminated for doing the right thing. Our retaliation attorneys are familiar with both the California Labor Code and the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), which protect employees who file workplace complaints from being wrongfully fired.
If you believe you were terminated for speaking up, you may be eligible to file a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD). Learn more about how to begin this process by visiting the CRD’s official complaint process page.
Retaliation claims in California are time-sensitive, and evidence may disappear quickly. Our wrongful termination lawyers serving Bakersfield and nearby Kern County communities can help you understand your rights and pursue compensation for lost wages, emotional distress, and more.
Fired for complaining about unpaid wages or labor violations
Employees have the right to speak up about wage issues without fear of being fired. Under California Labor Code §98.6, it is illegal for an employer to retaliate against you for reporting unpaid wages, missed rest or meal breaks, overtime violations, or any other labor law violation. You are protected whether you raise the concern internally or file a formal complaint with the California Labor Commissioner’s Office.
Wage violations are common in retail, agriculture, food service, and warehouse jobs. Workers in these industries often experience wage theft and are sometimes fired after standing up for fair pay. If you were let go after questioning your paycheck, reporting violations, or participating in a wage investigation, you may have a strong case for wrongful termination.
Fired in violation of your employment contract in Bakersfield
Although many jobs in Bakersfield fall under California’s at-will employment rules, some employees are protected by formal written contracts that spell out specific terms of employment. These contracts often limit how and when an employer can terminate someone, and they typically include provisions requiring “good cause” or specific disciplinary steps before ending the employment relationship. This is common in industries with structured roles and long-term obligations, such as education, healthcare, oil and gas, and corporate management roles in Bakersfield’s growing logistics and business sectors.
If you were fired despite having a valid employment agreement in place, and your termination did not follow the procedures outlined in that contract, your employer may be in breach of contract. This could include being dismissed without a proper reason, being let go without the required notice period, or having your contract ended without the due process or performance evaluations promised to you. A breach may also occur if your employer failed to honor other employment promises, such as guaranteed bonuses, salary protections, or defined term lengths.
At Miracle Mile Law Group, we represent workers who were wrongfully terminated despite having contractual protection. Our attorneys can carefully examine the terms of your agreement and determine whether your employer violated their legal obligations. If so, you may be entitled to compensation for damages such as lost wages, unpaid bonuses, future earnings, and even legal fees.
If you believe your termination in Bakersfield violated the terms of your employment contract, speak with our team today. We will evaluate your case, explain your options, and fight to hold your employer accountable under California contract law.
Terminated for speaking up about sexual harassment at work
If you were fired after reporting sexual harassment at work, you may have a wrongful termination claim. California law protects employees who report harassment, whether they are the victim or a witness. Employers must provide a safe workplace and take complaints seriously. If your employer fired you after you reported inappropriate comments, unwanted touching, or other misconduct, that may be illegal retaliation.
These cases often happen in workplaces where employees fear losing their jobs for speaking up. That includes jobs in agriculture, healthcare, hospitality, and warehouse operations. Our local employment attorneys help employees who were fired after reporting harassment recover damages and get compensation for their case. We gather evidence, build strong cases, and fight to recover lost wages, emotional damages, and more. If this happened to you, contact us for a free case review.
Fired after taking FMLA or CFRA leave
If you were terminated after taking time off for a serious medical condition, pregnancy, or to care for a family member, you may have been wrongfully terminated. Both the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the California Family Rights Act (CFRA) provide eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of protected, unpaid leave each year. This means your job should be safe while you’re on leave and upon your return.
California employers are legally prohibited from retaliating against employees who request or use this protected leave. If your termination occurred shortly after your return from FMLA or CFRA leave or even while you were still on leave it could be illegal retaliation under state or federal law.
At Miracle Mile Law Group, we frequently see these types of wrongful termination cases in Bakersfield, especially within healthcare, education, and public service. Employees take necessary time off for medical treatment or caregiving, only to find themselves targeted and ultimately fired. Being terminated after approved leave isn’t just unfair; it’s often against the law.
Terminated for reporting illegal or unsafe activity on the job
Employees have the fundamental right to report illegal activity or unsafe working conditions without fear of losing their job. If you were terminated after reporting workplace violations—such as fraud, wage theft, safety hazards, or harassment—your dismissal may constitute wrongful termination under California’s strong whistleblower protection laws.
Under California Labor Code §1102.5, it is illegal for an employer to retaliate against a worker who discloses information about suspected violations of state or federal law. Protection applies whether you report the issue to a government agency, a supervisor, or another employee with investigative authority.
Several key departments also enforce these protections:
-
Cal/OSHA (California Occupational Safety and Health Administration), part of the California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR): Enforces workplace safety laws. Under Labor Code §6310, employees are protected from retaliation for reporting unsafe conditions or refusing hazardous work.
-
California Labor Commissioner’s Office (also under DIR): Investigates wage theft and labor violations. Under Labor Code §98.6, it is illegal to retaliate against employees who file wage claims, report labor code violations, or exercise workplace rights.
-
Federal OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration): Offers federal-level protection for employees across the U.S. who raise workplace health or safety concerns.
Whistleblower retaliation is a serious concern, and we frequently see these cases in Bakersfield, especially in agriculture, construction, warehousing, and transportation. Workers who speak up about safety violations or illegal activity are often targeted or dismissed—but that is against the law.
If your employer fired you for reporting misconduct, cooperating with an investigation, or refusing to break the law, you may be entitled to significant compensation. This can include back pay, emotional distress damages, civil penalties, and sometimes job reinstatement.
Wrongfully fired due to pregnancy or related medical needs
Pregnancy should never put your job at risk. California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and the Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL) law protect workers from being fired due to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. These laws also give you the right to request accommodations, such as modified work duties, time off for prenatal care, or pregnancy-related leave. If your Bakersfield employer fired you after learning you were pregnant, denied you reasonable accommodations, or let you go while you were on protected leave, that may be pregnancy discrimination. Employers cannot treat pregnant workers differently or use pregnancy as a reason to terminate employment. If you were wrongfully terminated during pregnancy or maternity leave in Bakersfield you may have a case against your employer. If you’ve experienced this, contact us to understand your rights and options for pursuing a claim.
Wrongfully fired due to race, age, religion, or other protected characteristics
It is unlawful for an employer to fire someone because of who they are. Under California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and federal civil rights laws, you are protected from termination based on your race, national origin, gender, age (40 or older), religion, disability, sexual orientation, or other legally protected traits. Discrimination can be obvious or subtle, but if your termination was tied to your identity or background, it may be illegal. In Bakersfield, these cases affect workers across industries. Our local employment lawyers uncover the truth behind discriminatory firings. If you believe your rights were violated, our attorneys can help you take action and seek compensation for lost wages, emotional distress, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions about Wrongful Termination
How do I know if I was wrongfully terminated in Bakersfield?
If you were fired for reasons that violate California or federal law, such as discrimination, retaliation, or exercising your legal rights, you may have been wrongfully terminated. A local wrongful termination attorney near you can review your case details, help determine if your firing was illegal, and guide you through your next steps. If you’re in Bakersfield or a nearby area, Miracle Mile Law Group can help evaluate your case for free.
Can I find a wrongful termination attorney near me in Bakersfield?
Yes. Miracle Mile Law Group serves employees throughout Bakersfield and surrounding Kern County communities. If you’re searching for a wrongful termination lawyer near me, our local legal team is ready to help. We focus on employee rights and provide free consultations to workers near you who believe they were fired unfairly.
What should I do right after being fired from my job in Bakersfield?
If you suspect wrongful termination, gather any documents, emails, or messages related to your job or the firing. Then, speak to a local employment lawyer near you as soon as possible. Bakersfield workers can contact Miracle Mile Law Group to get fast legal advice from attorneys who understand local employment laws and employer tactics used in the area.
How much does it cost to hire a wrongful termination lawyer in Bakersfield?
At Miracle Mile Law Group, we represent employees on a contingency basis, which means you pay nothing upfront and no legal fees unless we win. This gives workers near you access to high-quality legal support without financial risk. If you’re looking for a local wrongful termination lawyer near me, our team in Bakersfield is here to help.
What laws protect workers from wrongful termination near me?
Employees in Bakersfield are protected by both California and federal laws, including the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and California Labor Code §1102.5. These laws make it illegal for employers to fire workers based on discrimination, retaliation, or protected leave.
Can I be fired in Bakersfield for reporting harassment or unsafe working conditions?
No. If you were terminated after reporting harassment, safety hazards, or other illegal conduct, it may be considered retaliation, which is unlawful under California labor laws. Local workers near you have the right to a safe, respectful workplace without fear of being punished for speaking up.
Do I have a case if my employer claimed poor performance but I suspect discrimination?
Yes. Employers often try to justify wrongful termination by citing vague performance issues. If your firing followed a protected activity like reporting misconduct or disclosing a disability, those excuses may not hold up. An attorney near you in Bakersfield can help investigate the real reason for your dismissal.
How long do I have to file a wrongful termination claim in Bakersfield?
The timelines for filing a wrongful termination claim in California vary significantly depending on the specific type of claim you have. However, for most wrongful termination cases involving discrimination, harassment, or retaliation (such as those related to FMLA/CFRA leave or whistleblower protections), you must first file a complaint with an administrative agency before you can file a lawsuit in court.
Here are the key deadlines to be aware of:
- California Civil Rights Department (CRD): For claims under California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) or California Family Rights Act (CFRA), you generally have one year (365 days) from the date of your termination (or the discriminatory act) to file a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department (formerly the DFEH).
- Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC): For claims under federal law (such as Title VII, ADA, FMLA, ADEA), you typically have 180 days from the date of termination to file a charge with the EEOC. However, because California has its own anti-discrimination agency (the CRD), this deadline is often extended to 300 days for California employees.
These deadlines are strict, and missing them can permanently prevent you from pursuing your claim, no matter how strong your case may be. Consulting with a Bakersfield attorney as soon as possible after your termination is essential to understand the specific deadlines that apply to your situation and to ensure your rights are fully preserved.
