Understanding wrongful termination

by | Jul 29, 2020 | Employment Law

An employee who has been wrongfully terminated has legal protections and rights. However, it may not be clear what is and is not wrongful termination. While employers can terminate at-will employees without reason and at any time, there are some kinds of terminations that are illegal.

Employment law is in place to protect workers from unlawful actions like termination, harassment or discrimination. Workers should know their rights and understand the difference between lawful and unlawful termination. For example, it is illegal for an employee to be terminated by an employer in violation of any verbal or written agreement, as a result of sexual harassment, or in violation of federal or state anti-discrimination laws. It is also illegal to terminate an employee to retaliate for the filing of a claim or complaint against an employer.

If an employee has been terminated in violation of these protections, that employee may be entitled to resources or other legal remedies. Losing one’s income is a very serious matter, of course; most employees rely on their income from their job to support not only themselves but also their families. When an employee has been wrongfully terminated, it can severely impact that person’s stability and quality of life.

If an employee has been terminated in violation of the law, whether that be discrimination, retaliation or harassment, that person should understand their legal protections and options. An attorney with experience in employment law may help an employee determine whether they have been wrongfully terminated and what remedies might be available to them. Additionally, an attorney may provide support and representation should the matter need to be resolved in court.