Central Coast Wrongful Termination Attorney
Top Wrongful Termination Lawyer on the Central Coast
Empowering Workers, Holding Employers Accountable.
Have you been wrongfully terminated? If you’re reading this, chances are you’re feeling hurt, confused, or downright frustrated. Losing your job is tough enough, but being wrongfully terminated can make you feel powerless and disrespected. The good news? You’re not alone—and you don’t have to face this uphill battle by yourself. I’m John McCarthy, a labor and employment attorney serving the Central Coast of California with pride, and I’m here to help you fight for your rights and restore your peace of mind.
Living and working along California’s Central Coast—from Santa Cruz to Santa Santa Barbara—offers a unique way of life. We’re surrounded by coastal beauty, a tight-knit community, and a strong sense of belonging. But even in our beautiful region, wrongful termination happens far too often, and it can feel like an overwhelming personal and financial crisis. You may be wondering: Do I have a case? What are my rights? What should I do next?
This page is here to guide you through these questions and more, so you can start moving forward with clarity and confidence.
What Is Wrongful Termination?
Let’s start with the basics: what does wrongful termination mean?
In California, most employment is considered “at-will,” meaning an employer can terminate an employee for almost any reason, or even for no reason at all—unless it violates the law. Wrongful termination occurs when an employer fires an employee for an illegal reason, such as:
Discrimination: You can’t be fired because of your race, sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, pregnancy, national origin, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Retaliation: Were you fired for standing up for your rights or for reporting illegal activity, such as workplace harassment or unsafe working conditions? That’s retaliation, and it’s illegal.
Violation of Public Policy: You can’t be terminated for reasons that violate public policies, like needing time off to vote, serve jury duty, or take family or medical leave.
Breach of Contract: If you were working under an employment contract that guaranteed job security for a specific period of time, firing you before that time is up without cause could be considered wrongful termination.
If any of these sound familiar, you might have a wrongful termination case on your hands.
Why the Central Coast Needs Strong Legal Advocates
From Santa Cruz to Santa Barbara, the Central Coast is a diverse region filled with hardworking people who contribute to the unique charm of our area. Whether you’re in the tech industry in Santa Cruz, the agricultural fields of Watsonville, Salinas, or Santa Maria, or the hospitality sectors of Monterey, San Luis Obispo, or Santa Barbara, you deserve to be treated fairly at work.
But let’s be real: even here, in one of the most beautiful places in the world, workers' rights get trampled on. Employees across the Central Coast face wrongful termination every day—whether you’re a barista in a Santa Barbara café, a vineyard worker in Paso Robles, or a nurse at a Salinas hospital. No matter where you work or what you do, your rights matter.
Common Forms of Wrongful Termination on the Central Coast
California’s Central Coast is home to a wide variety of industries, and each comes with its own unique set of challenges. Below are some of the most common forms of wrongful termination I’ve encountered in this area:
Discrimination in Tech Hubs (Typically Santa Cruz and Monterey): The tech sector is booming in cities like Santa Cruz and Monterey. Unfortunately, so are issues related to gender discrimination, racial bias, and ageism. If you’ve been let go because of your age, gender, or ethnicity, it’s not just unfair—it’s illegal.
Retaliation in Agriculture (Typically Watsonville, Salinas): Watsonville and Salinas are known for their rich agricultural lands, but agricultural workers often face unsafe conditions. If you’ve been fired after speaking up about hazardous work environments or wage violations, you may have a case for retaliation-based wrongful termination.
Hospitality Industry Challenges (Typically Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo): Whether you work at a hotel, restaurant, or tourist attraction, your job should be secure as long as you’re doing it well. If you’ve been wrongfully terminated because of discrimination or after reporting harassment, it’s time to take action.
Harassment and Retaliation in Healthcare (Typically Salinas, Santa Maria): The healthcare industry is growing across the Central Coast, but so are issues related to workplace harassment and retaliation. Nurses, medical technicians, and hospital staff often find themselves in toxic environments. If you've been wrongfully terminated after reporting harassment or unsafe practices, don’t stay silent.
What Should You Do If You’ve Been Wrongfully Terminated?
Document Everything: Keep records of any communication with your employer—emails, text messages, performance reviews, or anything that could support your case. If your termination felt unfair or discriminatory, write down every detail you can remember, including any instances where you spoke up or felt targeted.
Understand Your Rights: California has some of the strongest labor laws in the country, and as an employee, you have rights. Don’t let anyone make you feel powerless. The law is on your side when it comes to things like discrimination, retaliation, and wrongful termination.
Contact an Employment Lawyer: The best way to know if you have a case is to consult with an experienced employment lawyer. This is where I come in. With years of experience helping wrongfully terminated workers on the Central Coast, and beyond, I can help you understand your legal options and fight for the justice you deserve.
How I Can Help
I’ve dedicated my career to standing up for people who’ve been wronged by their employers. If you’ve been wrongfully terminated, here’s what I’ll do to help you get back on your feet:
Free Consultation: I offer a free case evaluation to anyone who feels they’ve been wrongfully terminated. If I don’t think I can help, I’ll let you know why and get you pointed in the right direction. If I think I can help, I’ll schedule a free consultation. This is a no-pressure opportunity for us to chat, review your case, and see if I can help.
Personal Attention: You won’t be passed off to a junior associate or paralegal. When you work with me, you’ll get personal attention from the moment you reach out. You can call, text, or email me anytime.
Aggressive Advocacy: If you have a valid wrongful termination claim, I’ll fight to get you the compensation you deserve—whether that’s back pay, reinstatement to your position, or damages for emotional distress.
No Win, No Fee: I work on a contingency basis, which means you won’t owe me anything unless I win your case. My goal is to make sure you can pursue justice without adding financial stress to your life.
Wrongful Termination in California: What You Need to Know
California labor law is designed to protect workers, but understanding the law can be tricky. Here are a few key things to keep in mind:
At-Will Employment: California is an “at-will” employment state, meaning your employer can fire you without cause, as long as the reason is not illegal. However, that doesn’t give employers free rein to fire someone for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons.
Statute of Limitations: If you’ve been wrongfully terminated, there’s a limited amount of time to file a claim. The statute of limitations for filing a wrongful termination lawsuit in California can vary depending on the details of your case. Some require legal action in as little as six months. It’s critical to act quickly, so don’t wait to contact me.
Protected Classes: California protects employees from termination based on certain protected characteristics. These include race, gender, age (over 40), disability, sexual orientation, religion, and national origin. Additionally, you cannot be fired for reporting illegal activity, filing a workers’ compensation claim, or requesting family or medical leave.
Why Work With a Central Coast Attorney?
I understand that wrongful termination can leave you feeling powerless, but you don’t have to face it alone. As a Central Coast attorney, I know the local industries and the challenges that workers in this region face. From the high-tech sectors of Santa Cruz to the agricultural heartland of Salinas and Watsonville, I’ve seen firsthand the ways in which employers can take advantage of workers. My job is to make sure they don’t get away with it.
Here’s why working with a local Central Coast attorney like me is your best choice:
Local Knowledge: I live and work right here on the Central Coast. I know the community, the industries, and the local courts. This gives me an edge when advocating for your rights.
Personal Commitment: I’m not just another lawyer looking to settle your case quickly and move on. I’m committed to fighting for your rights and making sure you get the justice you deserve. This isn’t just my job—it’s my passion.
Accessible Communication: I pride myself on being approachable and down-to-earth. You won’t have to wade through layers of bureaucracy to talk to me. I make myself available to my clients, and I’m always just a phone call, text, or email away.
Let’s Get to Work
If you’ve been wrongfully terminated, don’t wait to take action. The sooner we get started, the sooner you can begin to rebuild your life. You have the right to work in an environment free from discrimination, retaliation, and unfair treatment—and when those rights are violated, you deserve to fight back.
Together, we can stand up to employers who think they’re above the law. Whether you’re in Santa Cruz, Watsonville, Monterey, Salinas, San Luis Obispo, Santa Maria, or Santa Barbara, I’m here to help. Let’s talk about your case, figure out your next steps, and work together to turn this situation around.
Reach out today for a free case evaluation and a free consultation if we can help. It’s quick, confidential, and designed to give you clarity on whether you have a case. If I can help, we’ll dive in together and start building a strategy. If I can’t assist directly, I’ll do my best to point you in the right direction, ensuring you’re not left feeling lost.
What Happens During a Wrongful Termination Case?
You may be wondering, “What happens once I decide to take legal action?” That’s a great question, and understanding the process can help you feel more empowered. Here’s what you can expect when pursuing a wrongful termination case with me:
1. Case Evaluation:
The first step is getting your free case evaluation. I’ll take a look. If I don’t think I can help, I’ll tell you why and try to get you pointed in the right direction. If I think I can help, I’ll schedule a free, no-obligation consultation where we’ll review the details of your situation. This includes how and why you were terminated, any evidence you’ve gathered, and what your goals are moving forward. This step is crucial for determining if you have a viable claim under California labor law.
2. Filing a Claim:
If we move forward, the next step is to file the necessary legal claims with the appropriate state or federal agencies, such as the California Civil Rights Department (CRD), formerly the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), depending on the specifics of your case. These agencies help handle initial investigations into workplace discrimination and retaliation.
3. Negotiation and Mediation:
Before heading to court, we’ll often engage in negotiations with your former employer to seek a fair settlement. Many employers prefer to settle wrongful termination claims outside of court, and mediation can often lead to a resolution that benefits both parties.
4. Litigation:
If negotiations don’t lead to a satisfactory outcome, we’ll move forward with a lawsuit. This is where my experience in fighting large corporations comes into play. I’ll represent you every step of the way, ensuring your voice is heard in court and that you’re positioned to receive the compensation you deserve.
5. Resolution:
Whether through settlement or a court verdict, the final stage is reaching a resolution. This can include compensation for lost wages, emotional distress, and even punitive damages if your former employer’s actions were particularly egregious.
Compensation You May Be Entitled To
If your wrongful termination claim is successful, you could be entitled to several types of compensation. While every case is unique, here are some potential outcomes:
Back Pay: This includes the wages and benefits you would have earned had you not been wrongfully terminated, including pay increases and promotions you may have missed out on.
Reinstatement: In some cases, employees are reinstated to their former position if that’s what they desire.
Front Pay: If reinstatement is not an option, front pay compensates for the wages you would have earned moving forward.
Emotional Distress: Being wrongfully terminated can take a toll on your mental health. You may be entitled to compensation for the emotional and psychological impact of losing your job unfairly.
Punitive Damages: In cases where the employer acted particularly maliciously, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the employer and deter similar behavior in the future.
Attorney’s Fees and Costs: Often, if you win your case, the court may order your former employer to cover your legal fees and court costs, making it financially easier for you to pursue justice.
Your Rights as a Worker in California
One of the most empowering things you can do after being wrongfully terminated is to understand your rights as a worker in California. The state has some of the strongest labor protections in the country, and knowing your rights is the first step to defending them. Here are some key legal protections that California workers have:
1. Protection from Discrimination:
California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) prohibits discrimination in employment based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or other protected characteristics. If you believe you were fired due to discrimination, the law is on your side.
2. Protection from Retaliation:
You have the right to report illegal activities, harassment, or unsafe working conditions without fear of losing your job. Retaliation is illegal, and if you were fired for standing up for your rights, you may have a wrongful termination claim.
3. Leave Protections:
California law protects workers who take time off for reasons such as medical leave, family leave, or even time off to vote or serve on a jury. If you were fired for exercising these rights, your employer may be in violation of state and federal laws.
4. Wage and Hour Protections:
California has strict laws around unpaid wages, including overtime pay, meal and rest breaks, and payment of wages upon termination. If your employer has violated these laws and then terminated you for complaining, you may have a strong case for wrongful termination.
Why Time Matters: Act Now
It’s important to remember that you don’t have unlimited time to file a wrongful termination claim. In California, the statute of limitations for most wrongful termination cases is generally between one to three years, depending on the specifics of your case. However, some claims, such as those involving discrimination or harassment against government entities, may require you to file a complaint with a government agency within a much shorter period.
The sooner you reach out, the more time we’ll have to investigate, gather evidence, and build a strong case for you. Don’t wait until it’s too late to take action.
Empowering Workers Across the Central Coast
Each city on California’s Central Coast has its own unique character, industries, and challenges, but no matter where you work, you deserve to be treated fairly. My mission is to stand up for workers from Santa Cruz to Santa Barbara and every town in between, ensuring that their rights are protected.
Santa Cruz:
Known for its tech and innovation hubs, Santa Cruz workers often face issues like age discrimination, gender bias, and retaliation in highly competitive work environments. Whether you're working at a tech startup or a local business, you have rights, and I’m here to protect them.
Watsonville:
Agriculture is the backbone of Watsonville, and workers in this industry often face unsafe conditions and wage violations. If you’ve been terminated for speaking out about illegal practices, I can help you take a stand.
Monterey and Salinas:
Monterey’s tourism and hospitality industries are booming, while Salinas is known for agriculture and healthcare. These industries come with unique challenges, including discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. If you’ve been wrongfully terminated, I can guide you through the process of seeking justice.
San Luis Obispo and Santa Maria:
From construction to service jobs, workers in San Luis Obispo and Santa Maria deserve protection from wrongful termination. Whether you’ve faced discrimination, retaliation, or a violation of your contractual rights, I’ll work to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
Santa Barbara:
As a hub for tourism, education, and tech, Santa Barbara offers a wide range of employment opportunities. However, the city is not immune to wrongful termination. If you’ve been let go unfairly, especially after reporting harassment or discrimination, I’m here to help you navigate the legal process.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Being wrongfully terminated can feel like the end of the road, but it doesn’t have to be. You deserve to work in an environment that respects your rights and treats you with dignity. If that wasn’t your experience, we can work together to hold your employer accountable and get you the justice you deserve.
Don’t wait. Get your free case evaluation today. Whether you’re in Santa Cruz, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, or anywhere along the Central Coast, I’m here to listen, provide guidance, and help you take back control of your future.
Let’s fight this battle together—because no one should be wrongfully terminated and left without options. You have the power to stand up for yourself, and I’m here to help you every step of the way.