Employees who are wrongfully terminated in violation of public policy may be entitled to damages, including but not limited to lost wages, lost earning capacity, lost employment benefits, emotional distress, humiliation, inconvenience, loss of enjoyment of life, and attorney fees.
Workers who prevail in a wrongful termination claim often get awarded between $5,000 and $100,000 in compensation. However, each case is different. There is no single “average” wrongful termination. Numerous factors can change how much a particular case is worth.
The success rate of wrongful termination claims can vary, but ing to a source, less than half of claimants (43%) received an out-of-court settlement or a court award in their wrongful termination case (1).
Many wrongful termination cases result in favorable outcomes for the employee, either through settlements or court verdicts. Successful cases can result in compensation for lost wages, damages for emotional distress, and even punitive damages in some instances.
Under California and federal employment law, proving a wrongful termination case is not easy. It requires thorough investigation and evidence to support the employee's claim. Note: The burden of proof is on the employee to prove that the termination was wrongful and that he or she suffered damages as a result.
Wrongful termination settlements in California typically range from $5,000 to $90,000 on average. The final amount can vary depending on factors such as the circumstances of the termination and any damages incurred by the employee.
Short answer: In 2025, the best way to win a wrongful termination case in California is to prove that your employer fired you for an illegal reason, such as discrimination, retaliation, or violation of public policy.
California Wrongful Termination Settlement Estimator CategoryAverage Settlement Amount Low Approximately: $5,000 – $30,000 Moderate Approximately: $30,000 – $100,000 High Approximately: $100,000 – $1,000,000+
Navigating the Complex Wrongful Termination Legal Process Either way, expect a lengthy process, including discovery, pretrial motions, settlement talks, and potentially a full trial. Understand that these cases can last anywhere from one to three years from start to finish, depending on the circumstances.
The statute of limitations for filing this administrative complaint is three years from the date of the alleged wrongful termination. Once a Right to Sue notice is issued, the employee has one year to file a lawsuit in court.