Wrongful Termination Lawyer in Victorville
Fighting for High Desert Workers Who Have Been Illegally Fired from Their Jobs
- Last Updated:
Victorville is a growing city in the High Desert region of San Bernardino County, home to healthcare workers, logistics employees, retail staff, educators, and government workers. Employees across this community lose their jobs every day, but not all terminations are legal. 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 Victorville, what deadlines apply, and how Setareh Law Group can help you seek justice against employers who break the law.
Key Information for Victorville Workers Facing Wrongful Termination
- Most common wrongful termination claims in Victorville: retaliation against healthcare workers, discrimination in logistics, and public policy violations in retail.
- Where cases are filed: San Bernardino County Superior Court – Victorville District, 14455 Civic Dr, Victorville, CA 92392.
- 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 80 miles from Victorville. We represent Victorville workers through phone, video conferencing, and in person meetings at the Victorville District 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 High Desert in wrongful termination , discrimination, retaliation, whistleblower, and wage theft cases.
Major Employers in Victorville
Employer | Industry | Victorville Area Employees |
Amazon Victorville | Logistics | 3,500+ |
Victor Valley Global Medical Center | Healthcare | 1,500+ |
Victor Valley College | Education | 1,000+ |
City of Victorville | Government | 800+ |
Walmart Distribution Center | Logistics | 1,500+ |
What Is Wrongful Termination Under California Law?
Many workers in Victorville 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 (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
For a more detailed legal explanation, wrongful termination is defined by Cornell Law School as a terminated employee’s claim that the firing breached an employment contract or public policy, including terminations that violate public policy such as refusing to commit illegal acts, exercising statutory rights, fulfilling public obligations, or whistleblowing.
What Constitutes Wrongful Termination in the High Desert?
Understanding the specific types of wrongful termination that occur in Victorville can help you recognize whether your situation qualifies for a claim.
Discrimination based wrongful termination
- Firing an older worker and replacing them with someone younger after comments about age
- Terminating a pregnant employee shortly after she announces her pregnancy
- Firing an employee of a certain race while keeping employees of other races who engaged in similar conduct
- Letting go of a disabled employee after they requested reasonable accommodation
Retaliation based wrongful termination
- Firing an employee one week after they reported sexual harassment to HR
- Terminating a worker who requested time off for cancer treatment
- Letting go of an employee who filed a wage claim with the Labor Commissioner
- Firing a worker who refused to falsify safety inspection records
Public policy violation based wrongful termination
- Firing an employee for refusing to commit perjury or falsify documents
- Terminating a worker who reported unsafe working conditions to Cal/OSHA
- Firing an employee who took time off to serve on a jury
- Terminating a worker who filed a workers compensation claim
Leave related wrongful termination
- Firing an employee immediately after they return from CFRA leave
- Terminating a worker who took pregnancy disability leave
- Letting go of an employee who requested intermittent leave for a chronic medical condition
A wrongful termination lawyer in Victorville can help you determine what type of claim you have.
How a Wrongful Termination Attorney Can Help You
A wrongful termination lawyer can handle every aspect of your case so you can focus on finding a new job and moving forward.
How a lawyer can help
- Evaluating your claim and determining whether your termination was illegal
- Gathering and preserving evidence including emails, texts, performance reviews, and witness statements
- Filing complaints with the CRD, EEOC, or Labor Commissioner
- Calculating the full value of your lost wages, emotional distress, and other damages
- Negotiating a settlement with your former employer
- Filing a lawsuit in court if a fair settlement cannot be reached
- Representing you at trial or arbitration
Wrongful termination cases are complex. Employers have lawyers. A wrongful termination lawyer in Victorville can level the playing field and maximize your recovery.
What Evidence Can Prove Wrongful Termination?
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 Victorville can help you gather evidence and build your case.
What Is the Function of Employment Law in Victorville?
Employment law exists to protect workers from unfair and illegal treatment by employers. In Victorville, these laws apply to all workplaces regardless of size.
Key functions of employment law include
- Protecting workers from discrimination based on race, age, gender, disability, and other protected characteristics
- Ensuring workers receive proper wages including overtime and minimum wage
- Guaranteeing workers can take medical and family leave without fear of termination
- Allowing workers to report illegal activity without retaliation
- Providing remedies when employers violate the law
A wrongful termination lawyer in Victorville can help you understand how these laws apply to your situation.
How Can an Employment Lawyer in Victorville Assist with a Wrongful Termination Claim?
An employment lawyer can assist with every step of the wrongful termination claim process.
Initial case evaluation
Your lawyer will review the facts of your termination, identify potential legal claims, and advise you on the strength of your case.
Evidence gathering
Your lawyer will help you gather and preserve crucial evidence including emails, text messages, performance reviews, and witness statements.
Filing administrative complaints
For certain claims, you must file with the CRD before suing. Your lawyer will handle all filings and deadlines.
Negotiation
Your lawyer will negotiate with your former employer and their legal team to reach a fair settlement.
Litigation
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer will file a lawsuit and represent you in court.
What Constitutes Workplace Retaliation in Victorville?
Retaliation occurs when an employer punishes an employee for engaging in protected activity. Understanding what constitutes retaliation is important for wrongful termination claims.
Protected activities include
- Reporting discrimination or harassment to HR
- Filing a complaint with the CRD or EEOC
- Taking medical or family leave
- Requesting reasonable accommodation for a disability
- Reporting wage and hour violations
- Refusing to engage in illegal activity
Examples of retaliation
- Termination after reporting discrimination
- Demotion after filing a wage claim
- Reduction in hours after taking medical leave
- Harassment after requesting accommodation
If you were fired shortly after engaging in any protected activity, you may have a wrongful termination claim based on retaliation. See our retaliation after filing a complaint page.
Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Termination Claims
Wrongful termination claims have strict deadlines. Missing your deadline permanently bars you from suing your employer.
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 Victorville. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget details, and deadlines pass quickly. For more details, see our wrongful termination statute of limitations in California page.
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.
Types of compensation available
- Lost wages and benefits known as 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 which covers future lost wages if you cannot return to your former job because of hostility or because your position no longer exists
- Emotional distress damages providing compensation for anxiety, depression, humiliation, loss of sleep, and other psychological harm caused by the wrongful termination
- Punitive damages which are additional damages to punish your employer for malicious, fraudulent, or oppressive conduct
- Attorney fees and court costs which your employer pays if you win your case
- Reinstatement which means the court orders 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 .
Local Resources for Wrongful Termination in Victorville
Fact 1: The San Bernardino County Superior Court Victorville District at 14455 Civic Dr, Victorville, CA 92392 handles civil employment cases for Victorville and the surrounding High Desert region. The courthouse is located in the civic center area.
Fact 2: The nearest DLSE Labor Commissioner office for Victorville workers is located at 303 W 3rd St, San Bernardino, CA 92401, approximately 35 miles from Victorville. Workers can file claims by mail or online. The California DLSE retaliation FAQ page explains that any employee who is discharged, demoted, suspended, or discriminated against for engaging in a protected activity may file a complaint, with most claims requiring filing within one year of the adverse action.
Fact 3: Victorville has a large logistics workforce with over 5,000 workers employed at Amazon and other distribution centers. Logistics workers file wrongful termination claims at higher rates than most other industries.
For additional information about whistleblower protections, Workplace Fairness offers guidance on whistleblower claims , including how to document retaliation and pursue legal action against employers who punish workers for speaking up
Why Choose Setareh Law Group for Your Victorville 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 Victorville.
- 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 Victorville
What is the function of employment law in Victorville?
Employment law protects workers from discrimination, retaliation, wage theft, and wrongful termination. It ensures employers follow state and federal laws.
How can an employment lawyer in Victorville assist with a wrongful termination claim?
A lawyer can evaluate your case, gather evidence, file agency complaints, negotiate settlements, and represent you in court.
What constitutes workplace retaliation in Victorville?
Retaliation occurs when an employer fires, demotes, or harasses an employee for reporting discrimination, taking leave, filing a wage claim, or engaging in other protected activity.
What are the common types of workplace harassment cases in Victorville?
Sexual harassment, harassment based on race or national origin, disability harassment, and age based harassment are common.
In what scenarios could an employee file for workplace discrimination in Victorville?
If an employee is fired, demoted, or denied promotion because of their race, age, gender, disability, religion, or pregnancy.
How do wage and hour disputes arise in Victorville?
Disputes arise when employers fail to pay overtime, deny meal breaks, misclassify workers, or provide late final paychecks.
What protections are available for whistleblowers in Victorville?
Labor Code Section 1102.5 protects employees who report illegal activity from retaliation. Whistleblowers can recover lost wages and other damages.
What is the significance of the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) in Victorville?
PAGA allows employees to sue employers for labor code violations on behalf of themselves and other workers, recovering civil penalties.
How do employment attorneys charge for their services in Victorville?
Setareh Law Group works on contingency. You pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win or settle your case.
Does Setareh Law Group meet clients in Victorville?
Yes. By phone, video, or in person at the Victorville District courthouse or by appointment.
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
