A:Wrongful termination lawsuits are subject to a legal deadline commonly known as a "statute of limitations." Since employees are protected by both state and federal laws, several statutes of limitations may apply depending on the specific type of claim you are bringing. Generally speaking, workers in California have two to three years to file a claim. If the termination is related to a breach of contract or public policy, you have two years from the date of termination to commence legal action. If your firing was in retaliation for a whistleblower claim, you have three years to file a claim. This list is not exhaustive, however, as there are several situations that can extend or limit the amount of time you have to pursue a claim. Since complying with the statute of limitations period can ultimately make or break your claim, it is critical you speak to an attorney as soon as possible after being terminated to ensure your rights are protected.