Protecting Lancaster workers' rights. No fee unless we win.
What if my employer in Lancaster fired me unfairly?
Being fired can throw your life into disarray. If you believe your employer in Lancaster acted illegally when ending your job, California law provides ways to seek redress. You may have a claim for wrongful termination, discrimination, or retaliation, depending on the specific circumstances of your dismissal.
Where do I file an employee rights lawsuit in Los Angeles County?
Most employee rights lawsuits that arise in Lancaster are filed in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. Specifically, cases are generally assigned to the North District. The Michael D. Antonovich Antelope Valley Courthouse, located at 42011 4th St West, Lancaster, CA 93534, typically handles these claims. In Los Angeles County, a personal injury case is filed in the judicial district where the incident occurred and is assigned to that district's Personal Injury Hub department (LASC Local Rule 2.3; General Order re Assignment and Transfer of Personal Injury Cases, effective May 17, 2024). Employee rights claims follow similar jurisdictional rules for filing.
What steps should I take after an employer's unfair action?
After an unfair action by your employer, gathering information is key.
Document Everything: Keep detailed records of dates, times, people involved, and what was said or done. Save any relevant emails, performance reviews, or communications.
Review Company Policies: Look at your employee handbook or any policy documents regarding termination, discrimination, or grievance procedures.
Do Not Sign Away Rights: Be cautious about signing severance agreements or releases without understanding their full implications. These documents often require you to give up your right to sue.
Seek Legal Advice: An attorney can evaluate your situation, explain your legal options, and help you understand potential deadlines. This firm focuses on employee rights claims for people in Lancaster and nearby communities.
How long do I have to file an employee rights claim?
The deadline to file an employee rights claim can vary significantly depending on the nature of the claim. For many claims, like discrimination or harassment, you must first file a complaint with an administrative agency, such as the Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH), and these usually have a one-year deadline from the discriminatory act. After exhausting administrative remedies, you generally have one year to file a lawsuit. For most personal injury claims, including some related to employment, California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1 sets a two-year deadline. However, if your claim is against a public entity, such as the City of Lancaster or Los Angeles County, you must present a written claim to that entity within six months of the incident under Government Code § 911.2 before you can even file a lawsuit. Because these deadlines have exceptions and strict requirements, confirming the specific deadlines for your unique situation with an attorney is critical.
What kinds of employee rights cases do you handle in Lancaster?
Our firm represents employees in Lancaster facing various workplace injustices. This includes wrongful termination claims, where an employer fires an employee in violation of law or contract. We also handle cases involving discrimination based on age, race, gender, religion, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation. Retaliation against employees for reporting illegal activities or asserting their rights is also a focus; you can read more about retaliation claims in Lancaster here. Harassment, wage and hour disputes (like unpaid overtime or minimum wage violations), and issues related to family and medical leave are other common areas of our practice. We also assist with executive employment issues in Lancaster and provide guidance on severance agreements and contracts. Our practice focuses solely on employee rights and personal injury law.
What does working with Casa Legal Los Angeles involve?
Working with us starts with understanding your story. We will listen to the details of your employment situation and explain your legal options. Our goal is to pursue the full compensation available under California law for harm caused by an employer's unlawful actions. This includes lost wages, benefits, and emotional distress. We handle all communications with your employer or their legal team, prepare and file necessary paperwork, and represent you in negotiations or in court. Our approach is to keep you informed at every step. We offer similar support to employees in other communities, such as those seeking an employee rights attorney in San Dimas or Bellflower.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is "wrongful termination" in California?
Wrongful termination occurs when an employer fires an employee for an illegal reason, such as discrimination, retaliation for whistleblowing, or in violation of an employment contract or public policy. California is an at-will employment state, meaning employers can generally fire employees for any non-discriminatory reason, but many exceptions apply.
Do I have to live in Lancaster to pursue a claim for a job there?
You do not have to live in Lancaster to pursue a claim if your employment or the incident occurred within Lancaster or Los Angeles County. The jurisdiction for filing your claim is generally determined by where the unlawful employment practice took place, not necessarily where you reside.
What is the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH)?
The DFEH is a state agency that investigates complaints of discrimination and harassment in employment, housing, and public accommodations. Many employment claims in California require filing a complaint with the DFEH as a prerequisite to filing a lawsuit in court. The deadline for filing a DFEH complaint is generally one year from the date of the last discriminatory act.
Can my employer fire me while I am on medical leave?
Your employer generally cannot fire you while you are on protected medical leave under laws like the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) or the California Family Rights Act (CFRA). These laws provide eligible employees with job-protected leave for specific family and medical reasons. Firing an employee for taking such leave can be considered a form of retaliation or interference with protected rights.
If you are a Lancaster employee facing an unfair situation at work, call Casa Legal Los Angeles at 888-585-2529. No attorney's fees unless we win — and no case costs either.
Serving Lancaster
Our attorneys represent clients throughout Lancaster and the greater Los Angeles area.
Where a Lancaster claim is filed
A personal injury claim arising in Lancaster is filed in Michael D. Antonovich Antelope Valley Courthouse, North District of the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles.
In Los Angeles County a personal injury case is filed in the judicial district where the incident occurred and is assigned to that district's Personal Injury Hub department (LASC Local Rule 2.3; General Order re Assignment and Transfer of Personal Injury Cases, effective May 17, 2024).
Catchment boundaries change. Confirm the filing courthouse on the court's official locator before relying on it.
Source: Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles — Local Rules, Chapter 2 (verified August 23, 2026).
Deadlines that apply in Lancaster
The California filing deadlines that apply to an incident in Lancaster (Los Angeles County) come from state statute, not a local rule. These are the deadlines cited most often.
2 years — personal injury lawsuit
Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1 — two years from the date of injury for most personal injury and wrongful death claims.
6 months — claim against a public entity
Cal. Gov. Code § 911.2 — a written claim must be presented to the public entity within six months for claims involving death or injury to person or personal property, before a lawsuit may be filed.
Injured minors
Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 352 — the limitations period is generally tolled while the injured person is a minor, but the six-month government claim deadline is not tolled the same way.
This is general information about California law, not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Deadlines change with the facts and with who the defendant is — a claim against a city, county, transit agency, or the state triggers a much shorter deadline, and delayed discovery, tolling, and other exceptions apply. Casa Legal Los Angeles is licensed to practice in California. Confirm any deadline with an attorney.
Sources: California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1; California Government Code § 911.2 (verified August 23, 2026).