Statute of limitations for wrongful termination in California

California common-law wrongful termination in violation of public policy is treated as a tort and generally follows the two-year personal-injury period. Statutory employment claims, including FEHA discrimination or retaliation claims, have separate administrative filing rules and should be checked separately.

SoL period

2 years

From the date the cause of action accrues

Important: This row covers common-law Tameny/public-policy discharge, not every California employment statute.

Compute your deadline

Filing deadline

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Where this rule comes from

Statute

Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1 (Tameny/public-policy discharge)

"Within two years: injury to, or death of, an individual caused by wrongful act or neglect."

Read the full statute Last verified May 7, 2026 by Juryvine Editorial

Frequently asked

What is the statute of limitations for wrongful termination in California?: 2 years from the date the cause of action accrues. Authority: Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1 (Tameny/public-policy discharge).

Other California statutes of limitations

Personal Injury 2 years Medical Malpractice 1 year Wrongful Death 2 years Breach of Written Contract 4 years Breach of Oral Contract 2 years Fraud 3 years Civil Rights — 42 U.S.C. § 1983 2 years Premises Liability 2 years

Not legal advice. Statutes of limitations are governed by complex doctrine with many exceptions. Use this page as a starting point and verify with an attorney before relying on any deadline. Juryvine is not a law firm and does not represent clients.