Wrongful Termination Lawyer in Moreno Valley
Fighting for Inland Empire Workers Who Have Been Illegally Fired from Their Jobs
- Last Updated:
Moreno Valley is a growing city in Riverside County, home to logistics workers, healthcare professionals, retail employees, educators, and government workers. Employees across this Inland Empire community lose their jobs every day, but not all terminations are legal. If you believe you were fired for an illegal reason, it is helpful to understand the legal definition of wrongful termination.Our Setareh Law Group has represented California employees for over 25 years, holding employers accountable when they fire workers for illegal reasons under the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), the California Labor Code, and established public policy protections.
If your employer has fired you for reporting discrimination, taking medical leave, refusing to break the law, or engaging in any other protected activity, you have legal rights. This page explains how wrongful termination claims work in Moreno Valley, what deadlines apply, and how Setareh Law Group can help you seek justice against employers who break the law.
Key Information for Moreno Valley Workers Facing Wrongful Termination
- Most common wrongful termination claims in Moreno Valley: retaliation against logistics workers, discrimination in healthcare, and public policy violations in retail.
- Where cases are filed: Riverside County Superior Court – Moreno Valley Courthouse, 13800 Heacock St, Moreno Valley, CA 92553.
- Statute of limitations for most claims: Three years from termination date under California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1.
- Free confidential consultation available. Contingency fee representation.
Geographic Transparency Block
Our law office is located in Beverly Hills at 420 N Camden Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210, approximately 70 miles from Moreno Valley. We represent Moreno Valley workers through phone, video conferencing, and in person meetings at the Moreno Valley Courthouse or by appointment. We serve all of California from this single physical office.
Firm Background at a Glance
Setareh Law Group is an employment law firm founded in 1999 by Chaim Shaun Setareh (California Bar Number 204514), headquartered at 420 N Camden Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210, representing employees throughout the Inland Empire in wrongful termination , discrimination, retaliation, whistleblower, and wage theft cases.
Major Employers in Moreno Valley
Employer | Industry | Moreno Valley Area Employees |
Amazon Moreno Valley | Logistics | 4,000+ |
Riverside County Government | Government | 3,500+ |
Moreno Valley Unified School District | Education | 3,000+ |
Kaiser Permanente Moreno Valley | Healthcare | 1,500+ |
Walmart Distribution Center | Logistics | 2,000+ |
What Is Wrongful Termination Under California Law?
Many workers in Moreno Valley believe that because California is an at will employment state, employers can fire them for any reason without consequence. This is not correct. At will means an employer can fire you for a bad reason or no reason at all, but not for an illegal reason.
A termination is wrongful when your employer fires you for a reason that violates:
Anti-discrimination laws under FEHA, which is California Government Code Section 12940 , protecting workers based on race, age, gender, religion, disability, sexual orientation, and pregnancy.
Whistleblower protection laws under Labor Code Section 1102.5 protecting workers who report illegal activity.
Family and medical leave laws under CFRA and FMLA protecting workers who take time off for health conditions or family needs.
Workers compensation laws under Labor Code Section 132a protecting workers who file injury claims.
Public policy as established by California courts through Tameny claims protecting workers who refuse to break the law or exercise their legal rights.
If your employer fired you for any of these illegal reasons, you have a wrongful termination claim. A wrongful termination lawyer in Moreno Valley can help you understand whether your firing qualifies.
Top 5 Ways Wrongful Termination Occurs in California
Understanding the most common types of wrongful termination can help you recognize whether your situation qualifies for a claim.
Discrimination based termination
Firing an employee because of their race, age, gender, religion, disability, sexual orientation, pregnancy, or national origin. This is the most common type of wrongful termination claim under FEHA.
Retaliation based termination
Firing an employee for engaging in protected activity such as reporting discrimination, taking medical leave, filing a wage claim, or refusing to break the law. Retaliation claims are the fastest growing category of wrongful termination, and the EEOC provides detailed guidance on what constitutes illegal retaliation.
Public policy violation termination
Firing an employee for refusing to commit perjury, falsify documents, or violate health and safety codes. Also includes firing for serving on a jury or taking time off to vote.
Breach of contract termination
Firing an employee in violation of an employment contract, company policy that created an implied contract, or collective bargaining agreement.
Leave related termination
Firing an employee for taking CFRA, FMLA, or pregnancy disability leave, or for requesting reasonable accommodation for a disability.
A wrongful termination lawyer in Moreno Valley can help you determine what type of claim you have.
A Wrongful Termination Attorney Explains At Will Employment
California is an at will employment state. This means that in the absence of a contract stating otherwise, either the employer or the employee can end the employment relationship at any time, for any reason, with or without cause.
What at will employment means
- Your employer can fire you for a good reason
- Your employer can fire you for a bad reason
- Your employer can fire you for no reason at all
- You can quit at any time for any reason
What at will employment does NOT mean
- Your employer cannot fire you for an illegal reason
- Your employer cannot fire you for a discriminatory reason
- Your employer cannot fire you in retaliation for protected activity
- Your employer cannot fire you in violation of public policy
Understanding these exceptions is important for any worker who has been fired. A wrongful termination lawyer in Moreno Valley can help you determine whether an exception applies to your situation. For more information, see our what does at will employment mean in California page.
There Are Exceptions to Rules Regarding At Will Employment
Even in an at will employment state, there are important exceptions that protect workers from illegal termination.
Contract exceptions
If you have an employment contract that requires good cause for termination, your employer must follow that contract. This includes written contracts, implied contracts based on company handbooks, and union collective bargaining agreements.
Statutory exceptions
California and federal laws create exceptions to at will employment. These laws prohibit termination based on discrimination, retaliation, leave taking, and whistleblowing.
Public policy exceptions
California courts have recognized that employees cannot be fired for reasons that violate fundamental public policy. This includes refusing to break the law, performing legal obligations like jury duty, and exercising legal rights like voting.
A wrongful termination lawyer in Moreno Valley can help you determine which exceptions may apply to your situation. See our exceptions to at will employment in CA page.
Am I Protected If I Am Wrongly Terminated for Discriminatory Conduct?
Yes. California law provides strong protections against discriminatory termination.
Protected characteristics under FEHA
- Race, color, and national origin including ancestry and accent
- Religion or religious dress and practices
- Age of 40 and over
- Physical or mental disability including medical conditions
- Gender, gender identity, and gender expression
- Sexual orientation
- Pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions
- Marital status
- Military and veteran status
Examples of discriminatory termination
- Firing an older worker and replacing them with someone younger
- Terminating a pregnant employee shortly after she announces her pregnancy
- Firing an employee of a certain race while keeping employees of other races
- Letting go of a disabled employee after they requested reasonable accommodation
If you were fired because of any protected characteristic, you have a wrongful termination claim.
How to Prove Wrongful Termination in California
Proving wrongful termination requires evidence. Your lawyer will help you gather the evidence needed to show that your termination was illegal.
Performance reviews and employment records
Performance reviews that were positive before you engaged in protected activity and negative after can show pretext. Personnel files showing your work history and any disciplinary records are also important.
Communications
Emails, text messages, or other communications showing discriminatory or retaliatory comments from supervisors are powerful evidence. Company policies and handbooks showing what procedures your employer should have followed are also valuable.
Witness statements
Witness statements from coworkers who heard discriminatory comments or witnessed similar treatment can strengthen your case. Coworkers who were treated differently can also provide important testimony.
Timing evidence
Timing showing you were fired shortly after reporting discrimination, taking leave, or engaging in other protected activity is often the strongest evidence of wrongful termination.
You do not need to have all this evidence before calling a lawyer. A wrongful termination lawyer in Moreno Valley can help you gather evidence and build your case.
Factors to Consider When Deciding If You Should Contact a Wrongful Termination Attorney
If you have been fired, several factors suggest you should contact an attorney.
Timing of your termination
Were you fired shortly after reporting discrimination, taking medical leave, filing a complaint, or refusing to break the law? Suspicious timing is a strong indicator of wrongful termination.
Comments made by your employer
Did your employer make comments about your age, race, pregnancy, disability, or plans to retire? Did they threaten you for complaining about workplace issues? These comments are evidence.
Treatment of other employees
Were younger workers, workers of different races, or workers who did not take leave treated more favorably? Disparate treatment is evidence of discrimination.
Performance history
Did you receive positive performance reviews before the termination? Did your performance reviews suddenly become negative after you engaged in protected activity? This pattern suggests pretext.
The employer’s stated reason
Does the employer’s stated reason for firing you make sense? Does it match the evidence? An inconsistent or implausible reason suggests pretext.
A wrongful termination lawyer in Moreno Valley can help you evaluate these factors.
What Damages Can You Recover for Wrongful Termination?
California law allows wrongfully terminated workers to recover significant financial damages. Unlike federal law, California has no cap on emotional distress or punitive damages.
Lost wages and benefits
Back pay including all wages, bonuses, commissions, health insurance, retirement contributions, and other benefits you would have earned from the date of termination to the date of judgment.
Front pay
Future lost wages if you cannot return to your former job because of hostility or because your position no longer exists.
Emotional distress damages
Compensation for anxiety, depression, humiliation, loss of sleep, and other psychological harm caused by the wrongful termination.
Punitive damages
Additional damages to punish your employer for malicious, fraudulent, or oppressive conduct.
Attorney fees and court costs
Your employer pays your attorney fees and court costs if you win your case.
Reinstatement
The court may order your employer to give your job back.
Setareh Law Group has recovered over one billion dollars for California workers, including millions in wrongful termination and retaliation cases. See examples of wrongful termination settlements in California .
How Long Do I Have to File a Wrongful Termination Claim?
Wrongful termination claims have strict deadlines. If you miss the deadline, you permanently lose your right to sue your employer. The California courts self-help guide on statutes of limitations explains that you generally must file a lawsuit within a certain amount of time after the termination occurred.
Statute of limitations for different types of claims
- Wrongful termination in violation of public policy known as a Tameny claim has a 3 year deadline from termination date under Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1
- FEHA discrimination or retaliation claims require filing with the Civil Rights Department (CRD) within 3 years under Government Code Section 12960
- Whistleblower retaliation under Labor Code Section 1102.5 has a 3 year deadline from termination date
- Workers compensation retaliation under Labor Code Section 132a has a 1 year deadline from termination date
- Breach of employment contract claims have a 2 year deadline for oral contracts and 4 years for written contracts
Do not wait to contact a wrongful termination lawyer in Moreno Valley. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget details, and deadlines pass quickly.
Local Resources for Wrongful Termination in Moreno Valley
Fact 1 The Riverside County Superior Court Moreno Valley Courthouse at 13800 Heacock St, Moreno Valley, CA 92553 handles civil employment cases for Moreno Valley and the surrounding area. The courthouse is located in the civic center area.
Fact 2 The nearest DLSE Labor Commissioner office for Moreno Valley workers is located at 3737 Main St, Suite 500, Riverside, CA 92501, approximately 10 miles from Moreno Valley.
Fact 3 Moreno Valley has a large logistics workforce with over 6,000 workers employed at Amazon and other distribution centers. Logistics workers file wrongful termination claims at higher rates than most other industries.
Why Choose Setareh Law Group for Your Moreno Valley Wrongful Termination Case
- Over one billion dollars recovered for California workers since 1999, including wrongful termination, retaliation, and discrimination cases.
- 25 plus years of employment law experience. Founding attorney Chaim Shaun Setareh (Bar Number 204514) has practiced exclusively in employment law since 1999.
- Recognized by Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers, and CAALA.
- Licensed in all California federal courts, including the Central District of California which covers Moreno Valley.
- Spanish speaking staff available. Hablamos Español.
- Contingency fee means you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win or settle your case. If we do not recover for you, you owe us nothing for our time.
Areas We Serve Across California
Counties: Los Angeles | Orange County | San Diego | Riverside | San Bernardino | Ventura | Santa Barbara | San Francisco | Alameda | Contra Costa | Sacramento | San Joaquin | Fresno | Kern | Stanislaus | Tulare | Monterey | Santa Clara | and every other county in the state.
Cities: Los Angeles, Long Beach, Glendale, Pasadena, Irvine, Anaheim, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ontario, San Diego, Chula Vista, Oceanside, Escondido, San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, Fremont, Sacramento, Bakersfield, Stockton, and hundreds more.
FAQ's: Wrongful Termination Lawyer in Moreno Valley
When should I speak with a Moreno Valley employment lawyer?
As soon as possible after your termination. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget details, and deadlines pass quickly. Do not wait.
How much compensation can I win from an employment case in Moreno Valley?
Every case is different. Compensation depends on lost wages, emotional distress, and employer conduct. A lawyer can give you an honest assessment.
How do I prove a termination was wrongful in Moreno Valley?
Through evidence including timing, emails, performance reviews, witness statements, and statistics showing different treatment.
How long does it take to resolve an employment case in Moreno Valley?
Most cases take 12 to 24 months from filing to resolution. Many settle during mediation or after key depositions.
How much does it cost to hire a Moreno Valley employment lawyer?
Setareh Law Group works on contingency. You pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win or settle your case.
What is the difference between at will employment and wrongful termination?
At will means you can be fired for a bad reason or no reason. Wrongful termination means you were fired for an illegal reason such as discrimination or retaliation.
Can I be fired without warning in California?
Yes, California is an at will state. But your employer cannot fire you for illegal reasons regardless of warning.
What if my employer says I was fired for performance issues?
Employers often lie about the reason for termination. Your lawyer can gather evidence showing that the stated reason is false.
Take the Next Step
Contact us today:
📞 Phone: 310-888-7771
✉️ Email: help@setarehlaw.com
🌐 Address: 420 N Camden Dr, Beverly Hills CA, 90210
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Each case is unique, and outcomes depend on specific facts and circumstances. Consult with a qualified California employment attorney to discuss your individual situation.
Practice Areas:
Table of Contents
- verified by Trustindex
