How long after leaving can an ex-employee sue an employer?

• A. Up to 3 years
• B. Up to 1 year
• C. Up to 5 years
• D. Up to 7 years

Answer: (A)

In California, most employment-related claims against an employer must be filed within three years after the claim accrues. When an employee leaves, this three-year window covers things like wage or overtime owed and many breach-of-employment-related obligations. The clock starts when the right to sue arises (for wages, typically when the wages are due or the breach occurs). There are different limits for other kinds of claims (written contracts can be longer, some torts shorter), but three years is the common period for many post-employment disputes.