Can Someone Be Fired for Reporting Harassment? A Guide for California Workers

Glendale, United States - August 22, 2025 / Davtyan Law Firm, Inc. /

Glendale Employment Attorney Shares Whether You Can Be Fired for Reporting Harassment

Workers may choose to consult an employment attorney in Glendale, CA, to understand their rights. D.Law represents a wide range of clients, including those who were fired for reporting harassment in the workplace. Their legal team is here to break down the legal aspects of terminating workers and explain the options available to laborers.

Harassment Can Create a Hostile Work Environment

No one should have to endure offensive comments, threats, or unwanted physical contact from their boss or coworkers. This and other forms of harassment can make for a hostile work environment, causing employees a great amount of emotional distress. Victims may believe the only way to escape it is by leaving their job, but there are other options.

Workers may voice their concerns to their human resources department or other supervisor. They could also report the misconduct to various labor boards to launch an investigation.

Glendale Workers Have a Right To Report Mistreatment in the Workplace

Attorneys at D.Law help Glendale locals understand their employment rights, including whistleblower protection and retaliation laws. Workers cannot legally be fired for reporting harassment, according to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Their employers cannot retaliate against them in other forms, such as:

Demotion: Reducing someone to a lower or less desirable position is illegal when it follows a harassment complaint.
Exclusion: Employers may exclude whistleblowers from certain duties or workplace activities, which is an illegal form of retaliation.
Pay reduction: Lowering one's salary after they report unlawful conduct raises legal concerns.

Professionals recommend seeking legal advice following any form of employer retaliation.

What Happens After Filing a Wrongful Termination Suit?

If someone believes they have been fired for reporting harassment, they may choose to speak with a Glendale employment attorney. Lawyers will need to review evidence supporting their claim, including documentation of the complaint and statements from witnesses who observed the alleged harassment. If they believe the client has a strong case, they may recommend suing the employer for wrongful termination.

These cases often undergo settlement negotiations in hopes of reaching a resolution. Some parties cannot agree to settle, which results in the case being brought to trial, thereby prolonging the process. While financial compensation is not a certain outcome, some plaintiffs may recover damages, such as:

Job reinstatement: In some cases, the victim may return to their role after their wrongful termination.
Back pay: Financial compensation may include back pay that the company owes to the plaintiff after firing them.
Emotional distress damages: Some damages may cover the plaintiff's emotional distress due to exposure to a hostile work environment.

Contact a Glendale Employment Lawyer for More Information

D.Law has a team of 40 lawyers and 120 support staff who assist clients throughout California. With offices in Glendale, San Jose, and other cities, D.Law is the employment law firm workers turn to for legal advice. Their professionals understand common types of workplace mistreatment and can explain the protections in place.

The legal counsel at D.Law is happy to consult those who believe they were fired for reporting harassment. Contact their Glendale location at (818) 275-5799 to learn more.