Was Your Firing Illegal? Signs You’re Dealing with Wrongful Termination

Getting fired stings. Getting fired illegally? That stings with salt and shame. The worst part: employers rely on self-doubt and inertia to keep wrongdoing under wraps. But recognizing the red flags helps.

At In Motion Law, we help fired employees know when to take action, not tolerate mistreatment.

Signs Your Firing Was Illegal & You Could Sue for Wrongful Termination

Here are unmistakable indicators your termination may have crossed the legal line.

1. You Were Fired After Reporting Legal Violations

If you flagged safety concerns, wage infractions, harassment, or discrimination, and were fired soon afterward, that’s a red hot sign of retaliation, which is illegal under both state and federal law. It can even fall under whistleblower protection.

2. You Were Fired Because of Your Protected Characteristics

In most U.S. states, including all of those enforcing Title VII and CFRA/FEHA (in California), you can’t be fired for being part of a protected class: race, religion, age (40+), sex, disability, sexual orientation, pregnancy, national origin. Firing someone for those? It’s not just wrong—it’s unlawful termination.

3. You Were Fired While Out Due to Disability or Medical Leave

If you requested accommodations or took medical leave under the ADA or FMLA, and suddenly had your walking papers, that’s illegal firing territory. Employers can’t terminate someone simply for seeking the protections the law gives them.

4. You Were Fired for Filing a Workers’ Comp Claim

In California, firing someone in retaliation for filing a workers’ compensation claim is illegal. If they canned you right after you filed, that’s a potential claim right there.

5. You Were Fired for Taking Your Rightful Time Off

Need to observe a religious holiday, attend jury duty, vote, or serve in the National Guard? If firing followed one of those, that might be illegal termination under state or federal laws.

6. You Were Let Go While Working Remotely (or Allegedly Under the Table)

Technically, remote work doesn’t change your rights. If they fired you under pretext while working from home or denying overtime, the company better have concrete documentation. Otherwise, it’s suspect. Especially if pay or hours violate minimum wage or OT rules.

7. Suddenly Terminated Without Any Performance Review

A 10-year star performer, always on time, gets fired for “performance issues” they never had before. Classic pretext. Especially when management snaps after you blow the whistle, express discomfort with harassment, or miss the boss’s birthday party.

8. You Got a Bad Reference or Restrictive NDA Post-Termination

NDA or separation agreement locking you from talking about your boss’s harassment? Or they’re blackballing you with false “performance-based” references? That’s intimidation and may violate your rights or free speech protections.

What You Should Do If You See These Red Flags

Here’s your guide to dealing with a potential case of wrongful termination:

1. Document everything: Date, time, location, and who said what. Write it down immediately. Save emails, messages, and any policy documents.
2. Request written reasons for termination: Friendly or firm, you need to get them to put it in writing.
3. Evaluate whether you fall under protected status: Pregnant? Over 40? Disabled? Took family leave? File retaliation or discrimination claims may follow.
4. Talk to a lawyer before signing anything: Often, employers send NDA or settlement offers hoping you’ll sign away your rights. That’s the moment to hit pause and call a lawyer.

At In Motion Law, we help illegally terminated employees in California draft compelling demand letters and, when necessary, file complaints with EEOC/DOL or appropriate agencies. We’re also one of those law firms that aren’t afraid to litigate with the goal of full compensation and workplace reform, not just a paycheck.

Don’t Let Your Pain Become Silence

You didn’t break the law, but if your firing did, it could be your ticket to compensation and closure. Ignoring it won’t help. Contact In Motion Law today for a confidential consultation with our lawyer. We cut through emotional overwhelm and give you straight answers so you can know what to do next. Call at 619-693-8336 to get your consultation.