Biggest California Wrongful Termination Lawsuits And Settlements

Learn how to win a wrongful termination lawsuit in California and how to maximize your settlement award.

Wrongful termination in California refers to the illegal dismissal of an employee from their job, often arising from discriminatory or retaliatory motives.

This complex area of employment law is crucial for both employees and employers to understand, as it can have significant implications for workplace culture and individual livelihoods.

Employees should be aware of their rights and the legal avenues available to them if they believe they have been wrongfully terminated.

Key Examples of High-Profile Wrongful Termination Cases in California

California has seen some notable wrongful termination lawsuits that have drawn significant media attention and sparked conversations about workplace equality and fairness. Here are a few prominent cases:

1. Google: In 2017, former Google employee James Damore filed a lawsuit against the company alleging wrongful termination based on discrimination against men and conservatives. The case was eventually dismissed, but it received significant media attention and sparked a wider conversation about diversity in the tech industry.

   
   

2. Tesla: In 2018, former Tesla employee AJ Vandermeyden filed a lawsuit against the company alleging sexual harassment and wrongful termination. The case was eventually settled out of court, but it brought attention to allegations of a toxic culture at the company.

   
   

3. Salesforce: In 2020, former Salesforce employee Tonya Scott filed a lawsuit against the company alleging wrongful termination based on discrimination and retaliation. Scott claimed that she was fired after raising concerns about discrimination and harassment at the company.

   
   

4. The Walt Disney Company: In 2021, former Disney employee Traci Clements filed a lawsuit against the company alleging wrongful termination based on age and gender discrimination. Clements claimed that she was fired after complaining about discrimination and harassment at the company.

These are just a few examples of some of the biggest wrongful termination lawsuits in California. It is important for employees to be aware of their rights and to seek legal advice if they believe they have been the victim of wrongful termination.

Biggest wrongful termination settlements in California

Here are some examples of some of the biggest wrongful termination settlements in California:

1. Intel: In 2018, Intel agreed to pay $3.5 million to settle a wrongful termination lawsuit brought by former employee Dawn Jones. Jones claimed that she was fired because of her age and gender, and that she was subjected to harassment and discrimination while working at the company.

   
   

2. Oracle: In 2020, Oracle agreed to pay $46 million to settle a wrongful termination lawsuit brought by former employee Sohaila Abdulali. Abdulali claimed that she was fired because of her age and that she was subjected to discrimination and harassment while working at the company.

   
   

3. Hewlett Packard: In 2020, Hewlett Packard agreed to pay $16 million to settle a wrongful termination lawsuit brought by former employee Robert McCloud. McCloud claimed that he was fired because of his age and that he was subjected to discrimination and harassment while working at the company.

   
   

4. Netflix: In 2021, Netflix agreed to pay $12 million to settle a wrongful termination lawsuit brought by former employee Marcos Waltenberg. Waltenberg claimed that he was fired because of his age and that he was subjected to discrimination and harassment while working at the company.
   

How do I win a wrongful termination lawsuit in California?

To win a wrongful termination lawsuit in California, you will need to prove that your employer terminated your employment for an illegal reason.

This could include discrimination based on your race, gender, age, or other protected characteristic, or retaliation because you engaged in a protected activity such as complaining about harassment or discrimination.

In our previous article, "how do I win a wrongful termination case in California" we cover this subject in more detail; here's a summary of some steps you can take to increase your chances of winning a wrongful termination lawsuit in California:

1. Gather evidence: It is important to gather as much evidence as possible to support your claim. This may include documents such as emails, performance evaluations, and witness statements.

   
   

2. Consult with a pre-screened California employment law attorney: An attorney can help you understand your rights and advise you on the best course of action based on your specific situation. Only a pre-screened California wrongful termination attorney with a history of winning these types of claims can help you build a strong case and represent you in court effectively.

   
   

3. File a complaint with the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH): You may be able to file a complaint with the DFEH if you believe you have been the victim of wrongful termination. The DFEH may be able to resolve the issue through mediation or other means.

   
   

4. File a lawsuit: If your complaint with the DFEH is not resolved, you may be able to file a lawsuit against your employer for wrongful termination. To do this, you will need to file a complaint in court and serve it on your employer.

The Challenges of Winning a Wrongful Termination Lawsuit

It’s important to recognize that winning a wrongful termination lawsuit can be challenging. The outcome is heavily dependent on the specifics of your case, including the evidence you provide and the legal arguments made by your attorney.

Having a pre-screened California wrongful termination attorney is vital, as they can help assess your situation and develop a tailored legal strategy.

Wrongful termination remains a pressing issue in California, affecting employees across various industries. By understanding your rights and the legal processes available to you, you can take proactive steps to address any wrongful actions taken by your employer.

The importance of having an experienced attorney by your side cannot be overstated, as they can provide invaluable guidance and support throughout your case. Remember, the fight for workplace equality is ongoing, and being informed is your best defense.