Santa Cruz Wrongful Termination Attorney
Top Wrongful Termination Lawyer in Santa Cruz –
Fighting for Workers Across the Central Coast
If you’ve been wrongfully terminated, I know how hard it can be. Losing your job doesn’t just affect your income—it touches every part of your life, from your family’s well-being to your mental health. And when you know deep down that the termination was unfair or illegal, the frustration can feel overwhelming. But you don’t have to go through this alone.
I’m John McCarthy, a wrongful termination attorney based on California’s Central Coast, and I represent employees across Santa Cruz and beyond. Whether you worked for a tech company in Scotts Valley, at UCSC, or at a retail job in Capitola, I’m here to help you stand up for your rights and take back control of your future. Together, we’ll fight for justice—and make sure your voice is heard.
What Is Wrongful Termination in California?
In California, most jobs are “at-will,” meaning employers can fire employees at any time, with or without a reason. But that doesn’t mean employers have unlimited power. There are still laws in place to protect workers, and when an employer fires someone for an illegal reason, that’s considered wrongful termination.
Wrongful termination can happen when an employee is fired due to discrimination, retaliation, harassment, or violation of public policy. If you believe your employer crossed the line, I’m here to help you fight back.
Common Examples of Wrongful Termination
Here are some of the most common ways wrongful termination happens in Santa Cruz and surrounding areas:
Discrimination:
If your employer fired you because of your age, race, gender, disability, pregnancy, or religion, they violated California employment laws.
This kind of termination isn’t just unfair—it’s illegal. Discrimination cases can be complex, but with my help, we’ll gather the evidence needed to build a strong case.
Retaliation:
Santa Cruz has a history of workers standing up for their rights—whether it’s reporting wage theft, unsafe conditions, or harassment.
If you were terminated after filing a complaint or reporting illegal conduct, your employer violated your rights. I’ll help you hold them accountable for retaliating against you.
Medical Leave Violations:
Under California law, you have the right to take time off for personal medical issues, family care, or to bond with a new child.
If you were fired for taking time off under the California Family Rights Act (CFRA) or the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), I’ll help you get the justice you deserve.
Whistleblower Retaliation:
Many workers in Santa Cruz take a stand when they see illegal or unsafe practices in the workplace. But sadly, some employers retaliate by terminating whistleblowers.
If you were fired for reporting illegal behavior, I’ll help you pursue legal action and recover what you’re owed.
Breach of Contract:
If you had an employment agreement—whether written or implied—and your employer violated that contract by firing you, you may have a case for wrongful termination.
How I Can Help Santa Cruz Workers with Wrongful Termination Cases
Every wrongful termination case is unique, just like every person’s situation is different. My approach is simple: I listen to your story, develop a personalized strategy, and fight for the outcome that best supports your future. Here’s what I’ll do for you:
Listen to Your Story:
I understand that losing a job is stressful, so I’ll take the time to understand what happened, how it impacted you, and what you need to move forward.
Evaluate Your Case:
We’ll dive deep into the facts to determine if your termination was unlawful. If there’s a case to pursue, I’ll outline all your options clearly so you know what to expect.
Develop a Strategy:
Whether it’s negotiating a settlement with your former employer or taking your case to court, I’ll create a plan tailored to your needs and goals.
Fight for Your Rights:
I’m not afraid to stand up to employers, no matter their size. If we need to go to trial, I’ll be right there beside you, fighting for the justice you deserve.
Why Local Knowledge Matters in Santa Cruz Wrongful Termination Cases
Santa Cruz has a unique job market, and knowing the area helps me build stronger cases. I live on the Central Coast, so I understand the industries that keep this community thriving and the specific challenges that local workers face.
With seasonal jobs and fluctuating schedules, workers in Santa Cruz hotels, restaurants, and retail shops sometimes face unfair dismissals when they push for better wages or working conditions.
Education at UCSC and Cabrillo College:
Faculty and staff in Santa Cruz’s educational institutions often deal with retaliation or wrongful terminations related to contract disputes or speaking out about inequities.
Tech Industry in Scotts Valley:
As tech companies expand their presence, workers face wrongful terminations tied to contract disputes, workplace harassment, or retaliation for reporting toxic work environments.
Agricultural Workers in Watsonville:
Farmworkers play a crucial role in the local economy, but they’re also vulnerable to unsafe working conditions and retaliatory firings.
By focusing on the unique employment landscape of Santa Cruz and surrounding areas, I bring local insight to every case I take on.
Compensation You May Be Entitled to for Wrongful Termination
If you’ve been wrongfully terminated, you may be entitled to compensation. Here are some of the types of damages you could recover:
Back Pay:
Compensation for lost wages from the time of termination until the resolution of your case.
Front Pay:
If getting your old job back isn’t possible, you may receive compensation for future lost wages.
Emotional Distress:
Wrongful termination can cause significant emotional harm, including anxiety, depression, and stress. You may be entitled to damages for these hardships.
Punitive Damages:
If your employer’s actions were particularly malicious or reckless, the court may award punitive damages to punish the behavior.
Attorney’s Fees:
In many cases, your former employer may be required to cover your legal fees.
Reinstatement:
In some situations, you may want your job back. If this is the case, we can pursue reinstatement as part of your legal claim.
What to Do if You’ve Been Wrongfully Terminated in Santa Cruz
If you suspect you’ve been wrongfully terminated, time is critical. There are deadlines for filing claims, and acting quickly gives us the best chance to gather evidence and build a strong case.
Here are some steps you can take right away:
Document Everything:
Keep a record of emails, texts, and any written communication related to your termination or the events leading up to it.
Request Your Personnel File:
In California, you have the right to request a copy of your personnel file from your employer. This file can contain important information about your employment history.
Avoid Signing Anything Without Legal Advice:
Your employer may offer you a severance package or ask you to sign a release of claims. Don’t sign anything until you’ve spoken with an attorney.
Contact a Lawyer:
The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can start building your case. I offer free case evaluations to make the process easy.
Why Choose Me as Your Santa Cruz Wrongful Termination Attorney?
When you’re looking for a lawyer, experience matters—but so does the ability to connect with you on a personal level. Here’s what makes me different:
I Know Santa Cruz:
I live and work here, so I understand the local job market and the challenges that workers face in Santa Cruz and nearby communities.
I’m Pro-Employee:
I only represent workers. My mission is to protect your rights and fight back against employers who act unfairly.
Direct Communication:
When you work with me, you get direct access to me, not a paralegal or junior attorney. I’ll be with you every step of the way.
Technology-Driven:
I use technology to streamline the legal process, making it easier for you to get the help you need quickly and efficiently.
Free Case Evaluations:
I offer free, no-obligation case evaluations so you can explore your options without any pressure.
Serving Santa Cruz and Surrounding Areas
I proudly serve workers throughout Santa Cruz and nearby areas, including:
Watsonville
Scotts Valley
Capitola
Aptos & Soquel
No matter where you’re located, if you’ve been wrongfully terminated, I’m here to help.
Contact Me Today – Let’s Get Justice on Your Side
You don’t have to accept wrongful termination. With the right attorney by your side, you can fight back, hold your employer accountable, and take the first step toward a better future. Contact me today for a free case evaluation and let’s get started on your path to justice. You Deserve Fair Treatment—Let’s Make It Happen Together
At Central Coast Employment Law, I believe every worker deserves fair treatment, dignity, and respect—whether you’re working in a tech company, a classroom, a farm, or a retail shop. Santa Cruz is a place where community matters, and I know firsthand that standing up for what’s right takes courage. If your employer treated you unfairly, fired you for the wrong reasons, or retaliated when you exercised your rights, you don’t have to accept it. Together, we can fight back.
I’ve made it my mission to protect employees and hold employers accountable because no one should lose their job unfairly. If you’ve been wrongfully terminated, I’m ready to listen, provide you with clear legal guidance, and fight for the outcome you deserve. Whether it’s through a settlement or taking your case to trial, I’ll be with you every step of the way.
Don’t Wait—Take the First Step Toward Justice Today
Wrongful termination cases have deadlines. Some require legal action in as little as six months. Acting quickly not only helps us gather important evidence but also ensures you don’t miss your window to file a claim. The sooner we start, the better your chances of securing the compensation and justice you deserve.
Take the first step today. It all starts with a free, confidential case evaluation. You’ll tell me your story, and I’ll help you understand your options. If I can take on your case, we’ll move forward together. If not, I’ll point you in the right direction to make sure you still get the support you need.
Let’s Get Your Life Back on Track
Losing your job can feel like everything has fallen apart—but this doesn’t have to be the end of your journey. I’m here to help you get back on track and build a better future. With the right support, you can overcome this and come out stronger on the other side. You have rights—and I’ll fight to protect them.
Get your free case evaluation today, and let’s talk about what happened and where we can go from here. You don’t have to face this alone. With me in your corner, we’ll hold your employer accountable and make sure you get the justice you deserve.