Protecting Long Beach workers' rights. No attorney's fees or case costs unless we win.
Do I need a lawyer for a wrongful termination in Long Beach?
If your employment ended unfairly in Long Beach, a lawyer can help you understand your rights and options. California law protects employees from many types of improper dismissal.
How long do you have to file a wrongful termination claim in California?
Most wrongful termination claims must be filed within two years from the date of termination under Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1. However, claims against a city, county, or other public agency must first be presented within six months of the termination (Cal. Gov. Code § 911.2). Missing these deadlines usually means you lose your right to pursue a claim. The deadline is generally paused while an injured person is a minor under Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 352, but Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 352(b) removes that pause for claims against public entities.
California law allows you to seek full compensation for lost wages and benefits. You might also recover damages for emotional distress and, in some cases, punitive damages. What a claim is worth depends on the specific facts; California law allows recovery for medical costs, lost earnings and non-economic harm.
What should you do after an unfair termination?
Take these steps if you believe your termination was wrongful:
Gather your documents. Collect all employment-related paperwork, including your employment contract, offer letters, performance reviews, disciplinary notices, and any communications about your termination.
Do not sign a severance agreement without review. Severance agreements often include clauses that waive your right to sue. An attorney can review the document to ensure your rights are protected.
Document everything. Keep a detailed record of events leading up to and following your termination. Note dates, times, and names of individuals involved.
Avoid discussing details with former colleagues. What you say could be misinterpreted or used against you later.
Contact an attorney quickly. Deadlines matter a lot in wrongful termination cases, and speaking with a lawyer can clarify your legal position.
Where is a wrongful termination claim filed in Long Beach?
A wrongful termination lawsuit involving an employer in Long Beach is generally filed in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. The specific courthouse for claims arising in Long Beach is the Governor George Deukmejian Courthouse. It is located at 275 Magnolia Ave, Long Beach, CA 90802. 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).
What kinds of cases fall under wrongful termination?
Wrongful termination covers a range of situations where an employer fires an employee for an illegal reason. This can include termination based on discrimination due to age, race, gender, religion, or disability. It also includes cases where an employee is fired in retaliation for reporting illegal activity, refusing to participate in illegal acts, or exercising a protected right. We focus on protecting the rights of employees in Long Beach, including those who have faced retaliation for reporting workplace issues. Our practice is limited to employment law and personal injury.
What does working with Casa Legal Los Angeles involve?
When you work with Casa Legal Los Angeles, we start by listening to your story. We review your employment history and the circumstances of your termination. Then, we advise you on the legal options available under California law. We handle all communications and filings, working to pursue the full compensation available under California law for your losses. We also serve clients in nearby cities like Commerce and Azusa.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is "at-will" employment in California?
California is an "at-will" employment state, which generally means an employer can terminate an employee for any reason, or no reason, as long as it's not an illegal reason. However, "at-will" does not mean an employer can fire someone for discriminatory reasons, in retaliation for protected activities, or in violation of an employment contract.
Can I be fired for reporting unsafe work conditions in Long Beach?
No, it is illegal for an employer to fire you for reporting unsafe work conditions. This is a form of retaliation, which is prohibited under California law. Employees have a right to a safe workplace, and you can learn more about related protections on our workplace safety page for Long Beach.
How do I know if my termination was discriminatory?
Your termination might be discriminatory if it was based on protected characteristics like age, gender, race, religion, disability, or sexual orientation. Often, discrimination is subtle, but patterns of treatment or specific comments can be evidence. A lawyer can help analyze the facts of your case to determine if discrimination played a role.
What is the benefit of consulting an attorney quickly after termination?
Consulting an attorney soon after termination helps preserve evidence and meet strict legal deadlines. Evidence can disappear over time, and the sooner you act, the better your chances are of a successful claim. Many claims have a two-year deadline (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1), but claims against public entities like the City of Long Beach have a six-month deadline (Cal. Gov. Code § 911.2).
If you believe your termination in Long Beach was wrongful, contact Casa Legal Los Angeles today. Call 888-585-2529 for a consultation. No attorney's fees unless we win — and no case costs either.
Serving Long Beach
Our attorneys represent clients throughout Long Beach and the greater Los Angeles area.
Where a Long Beach claim is filed
A personal injury claim arising in Long Beach is filed in Governor George Deukmejian Courthouse, South 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 Long Beach
The California filing deadlines that apply to an incident in Long Beach (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).