What Is the Wrongful Termination Statute of Limitations in California?

The Wrongful Termination Statute of Limitations in California  

So, how long do you have to sue for wrongful termination? Main categories and deadlines under California and federal law are as follows.

1. Discrimination or Retaliation Claims (California FEHA)  

If your employer fired you due to discrimination or retaliation (for reporting harassment or illegal acts), your case may fall under the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA).   

Deadline: You must file a complaint within three years of your job termination date.  

Right to Sue: After you file, you can ask for a right-to-sue notice. This notice gives you one year to file a lawsuit in civil court. 

2. Wrongful Termination in Violation of Public Policy  

If you were fired for reasons against public policy, you can file a civil lawsuit. You don’t need to go through the Civil Rights Department (formerly the DFEH) for cases like:   

• Refusing to do something illegal   
• Reporting unsafe work conditions   
• Taking family or medical leave  

Deadline: Two years from the date you were terminated.  

This claim often appears in wrongful termination cases. It can go hand in hand with other claims, like retaliation or whistleblower protection.  

3. Breach of Employment Contract  

If your employer broke a written or implied agreement, you might have a breach of contract claim. This could happen if they fired you before your contract ended or violated the contract in another way.  

Deadline:  

• Written Contract: You have four years to file.  
• Oral or Implied Contract: You have two years to file.  

Breach of contract claims can stand alone or be included as part of a broader wrongful termination case.  

4. Federal Employment Discrimination Claims (EEOC)  

If your termination was due to discrimination protected by federal law—such as Title VII, the ADA, or the ADEA—you must file a complaint with the EEOC.  

Deadline:  

• 300 days if your claim is also covered under state law (which it usually is in California).  
• 180 days if it’s only covered by federal law.  

Lawsuit Timeline: After receiving a right-to-sue letter from the EEOC, you have 90 days to file your lawsuit in federal court.  

Exceptions That Can Extend the Deadline  

In rare cases, the statute of limitations may be “tolled” (paused or extended). These include:  

• Delayed Discovery: If you didn’t find out right away that your firing was illegal, the timeline may start when you discovered the issue.  
• Mental or Physical Incapacity: If a serious condition prevented you from acting, the court may extend the time.  
• Minority: If the employee was under 18, the time limit may not start until adulthood.  

These exceptions are not guaranteed, so don’t rely on them without legal advice.  

If you miss the filing deadline, the court can dismiss your wrongful termination case. So, act fast, preserve evidence, and talk to a wrongful termination attorney as soon as you can.