If you think your employer wrongfully terminated you, it may be changing to prove that they didn’t have legal grounds to fire you. Most employment is “at will,” which means that an employee can be terminated at any time and for no reason—as long as there isn’t an illegal reason for the termination. If you were terminated from your job and you think your employer did so unlawfully, our team at Charles W. Miller & Associates is here to help. Our Louisville employment law attorneys explain how you can determine if you have been wrongfully terminated.
Common Types of Wrongful Terminations
Wrongful termination is any firing done in violation of federal, state, or local laws. Wrongful termination also violates the terms of an employment agreement or goes against public policy. Our team has put together the most common types of wrongful termination.
- Breach of Contract: If you and your employer have a written contract or another statement that ensures your job security, you may have legal grounds to file a suit against your employer for wrongful termination. If your employment contract states that you can only be fired with good cause or for reasons stated in the contract and you didn’t receive that when terminated, it may be considered wrongful termination.
- Implied Promises: If your employer said or did something that implied job security, it might be considered an implied contract. This can be difficult to prove, but an implied contract, such as assurances that you would have continuing employment or a history of positive performance reviews, can help you with your suit.
- Violations of Public Policy: It is illegal for an employer to fire a worker for reasons related to public policy. Examples include taking time off to serve on a jury, taking time off to vote, or notifying authorities about some wrongdoing harmful to the public.
- Discrimination: An employer can’t terminate a worker because of their race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, pregnancy, or genetic information.
- Retaliation: Employers are forbidden from retaliating against employees who have engaged in certain legally protected activities, such as filing a charge against sexual harassment.
- Whistleblowing: Employers aren’t allowed to terminate a worker for whistleblowing. Whistleblowing laws protect employees who report activities that are unlawful or harm the public interest.
If you believe you’ve been terminated illegally, our Louisville employment law attorneys are here to help you. Contact our team today at (502) 890-9954 to schedule a virtual consultation!