‘Wrongful termination’ is when an employer fires an employee for reasons that are illegal or violate the terms of the employee’s contract. Some examples of wrongful termination include firing an employee for:
Discrimination: Firing an employee because of their race, religion, sex, age, or disability.
Retaliation: Firing an employee for reporting illegal activity or for exercising their legal rights, such as the right to take a leave of absence.
Breach of contract: Firing an employee without cause, when the employee has a contract that specifies that they can only be fired for cause.
If you believe that you have been wrongfully terminated, you may be able to file a lawsuit against your employer. To win a wrongful termination lawsuit, you will need to prove that your termination was illegal or that it violated the terms of your contract.
It is important to note that not all terminations are wrongful. In most states, employers have the right to fire employees at will, meaning they can fire an employee for any reason or no reason at all. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, employers cannot fire employees for illegal reasons, such as discrimination or retaliation.
If you have been fired, it is important to speak with an attorney to discuss your legal options. An attorney can help you to determine if you have a case and can represent you in court if you decide to file a lawsuit.
Here are some tips for protecting yourself from wrongful termination:
Keep a record of your work performance: This will help to show that you were performing your job well and that your termination was not justified.
Document any incidents of discrimination or harassment: This will help to establish a pattern of behavior that may support your claim of wrongful termination.
Keep a copy of your employment contract: This will show what your rights are under the contract and what grounds your employer has for terminating your employment.
Consult with an attorney: If you believe that you have been wrongfully terminated, it is important to speak with an attorney to discuss your legal options.