On average, a wrongful termination case in Orange County can take anywhere from several months to a few years to reach a resolution. The duration can vary significantly, depending on several factors, including the complexity of the case, the willingness of both parties to negotiate, and the backlog of the court system. Understanding the typical timeline and influencing factors can help you better prepare for the legal process.

Contact our Orange County wrongful termination attorneys at Aegis Law Firm, if you have a wrongful termination case for legal support and guidance.

How Long Does a Wrongful Termination Case Take in California?

Typical Timeline for a Wrongful Termination Case

Filing a Complaint

Before filing a lawsuit, employees must first file a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), depending on the nature of the claim.

The CRD generally takes 6 months to a year to investigate and either issue a right-to-sue letter or pursue the claim on the employee’s behalf.
Once the right-to-sue letter is received, the employee has one year to file a lawsuit in California state court.

Settlement Negotiations

Many wrongful termination cases settle before going to trial.

Negotiations can take a few weeks to several months, depending on the willingness of both parties to reach an agreement.
Cases involving clear evidence of wrongful termination or smaller financial disputes tend to settle faster.

Discovery Phase

If the case does not settle, it moves into the discovery phase, where both parties gather evidence, take depositions, and exchange documents. Discovery typically lasts 6 months to a year or longer, depending on the case’s complexity and the amount of evidence involved.

Mediation or Arbitration

Before trial, the court may require the parties to participate in mediation or arbitration to attempt a settlement. This can take an additional 2 to 6 months, depending on scheduling and the willingness of both parties to compromise.

Trial

If the case goes to trial, it can take 1 to 2 years or more from the date of filing, depending on the court’s schedule and whether appeals are filed. Once a trial begins, it typically lasts several days to a few weeks, but preparation and post-trial motions can extend the timeline.

Contact our Orange County employment lawyers at Aegis Law Firm for legal support and to help you maximize compensation for your wrongful termination case today.

Factors Influencing the Length of a Case

Several factors can impact how long a wrongful termination case takes, including:

The Extent of Allegations: Cases involving multiple claims (e.g., discrimination, retaliation, contract breaches) take longer to resolve.
Amount of Damages Sought: High-value claims often involve extensive discovery and negotiations.
Employer’s Willingness to Settle: Cases settle faster if the employer wants to avoid negative publicity or legal expenses.
Court Backlog: In California, courts are often backlogged, leading to delays in scheduling hearings and trials.

How Our Orange County Wrongful Termination Lawyers Can Help Expedite the Process

Hiring an experienced wrongful termination attorney in Orange County can help streamline the legal process by:

Evaluating the strength of your case and identifying the most efficient legal strategy.
Negotiating settlements quickly to avoid lengthy litigation.
Managing paperwork and deadlines, ensuring compliance with legal procedures to avoid delays.
Representing you in court effectively, minimizing the risk of appeals or retrials.

Having someone in your corner to help you understand your options, maximize compensation, and navigate the legal process more efficiently will also give you peace of mind. Contact us today.